How Long Does it Take to Cook Wings in an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have become a staple in kitchens worldwide, known for their ability to create crispy, golden-brown foods without the need for deep frying. One of the most popular dishes cooked in the air fryer is chicken wings. But how long does it take to cook wings in an air fryer? Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, getting the right cooking time is key to perfect wings every time.

In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about cooking wings in an air fryer, including the optimal cooking time, tips for crispy skin, and a step-by-step guide to make sure your wings turn out perfectly every time. If you’re wondering how to get that ideal balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior, you’re in the right place!

Explore expert tips for cooking wings perfectly in an air fryer to ensure that each batch is better than the last. The best part? Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is quick and easy, making it the perfect choice for busy evenings or weekend gatherings.

The Basics of Air Fryer Cooking

How Does an Air Fryer Work?

An air fryer is a countertop appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly, mimicking the effects of deep frying. The key advantage of an air fryer is that it uses little to no oil, which means you get the crispy texture without all the added fat and calories.

How does this process work? The air fryer rapidly circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while locking in moisture. The result? Perfectly cooked chicken wings that are both crispy and juicy.

Air circulation: Hot air rapidly circulates the food, creating that crispy texture.
No deep frying: Unlike traditional frying, the air fryer doesn’t submerge your food in oil.
Healthier cooking: The reduced use of oil makes air-fried food a healthier alternative to deep-frying.

For a more detailed understanding of how air fryers work, check out this guide on cooking wings in an air fryer and learn how you can adjust your cooking times for better results.

Why Wings in an Air Fryer?

Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer has several advantages:

Crispy skin: The air fryer produces a crispy skin, even on skinless wings, while keeping the meat moist.
Quick and easy: Air fryers cook faster than traditional ovens and don’t require constant monitoring.
Versatility: Whether you’re cooking frozen wings or fresh wings, the air fryer can handle it all.

With so many benefits, it’s no wonder air fryers have become the go-to choice for cooking wings. If you’re interested in exploring more on how air fryers help with chicken wings, take a look at this helpful guide on air fryer wings.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Wings in an Air Fryer?

When it comes to cooking wings in an air fryer, there are several variables that affect the cooking time. The main factors are the temperature you set the air fryer to, whether the wings are frozen or fresh, and the size of the wings themselves.

General Cooking Time for Wings in an Air Fryer

Fresh wings: On average, fresh chicken wings take about 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to cook in an air fryer.
Frozen wings: Frozen chicken wings usually take a little longer, typically between 25-30 minutes at the same temperature.

It’s important to remember that cooking times can vary based on the air fryer model and the size of the wings. For larger wings, you may need to extend the cooking time by a few minutes.

Fresh wings (medium size): 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
Frozen wings: 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
Larger wings: May require additional cooking time (5 minutes more)

The air fryer model also plays a crucial role in determining how long your wings will take. Basket-style air fryers tend to cook faster than oven-style models due to their more concentrated hot air flow.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

Wing size: The size of the wings can significantly affect how long they need to cook. Larger wings may take longer, so be sure to check for doneness as you approach the end of your cooking time.
Frozen vs. fresh: Frozen wings will take longer than fresh ones due to the additional time required to thaw them in the air fryer. However, if you’re cooking frozen wings, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand.
Air fryer model: Some air fryers cook faster than others. If you have a newer model with better airflow, it may cook your wings faster. Always monitor the cooking process, especially when trying a new air fryer for the first time.

How to Get the Perfectly Cooked Wings

While cooking wings in an air fryer is relatively simple, a few tricks can ensure they turn out perfectly every time. Here are some tips to get the crispiest, juiciest wings:

Prepping the Wings for Cooking

Thaw frozen wings: If you’re using frozen wings, it’s best to thaw them first. However, if you don’t have time, you can still cook them directly from frozen—just expect a slightly longer cooking time.
Seasoning: For best flavor, season your wings before cooking. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder works wonders. If you want to add a little more flavor, you can marinate your wings for a few hours before cooking.
- Simple seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder.
- Marinating: If you prefer marinated wings, let them sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to soak in.

Cooking Tips for Crispy Wings

Avoid overcrowding the basket: One of the most important tips for cooking crispy wings in an air fryer is to avoid overcrowding the basket. Air circulation is key to achieving that perfect crisp, so make sure there’s enough space around each wing.
Shake or flip the wings: For even cooking, you should shake or flip the wings halfway through the cooking process.
Use cooking spray: Lightly spray the wings with cooking spray or olive oil before cooking to help them crisp up.

How to Check for Doneness

Internal temperature: The safe internal temperature for chicken wings is 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Visual checks: In addition to checking the temperature, look for wings that are golden brown and crispy. If they look a little too pale, give them a few more minutes.

Air Fryer Cooking Time by Temperature

Different temperatures yield different results when cooking wings in an air fryer. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when cooking at various temperatures.

Cooking Wings at 350°F

Time: Around 20-25 minutes.
Result: Wings will be cooked through with a slightly less crispy exterior than at higher temperatures. Ideal for those who prefer more tender meat.

Cooking Wings at 375°F

Time: Around 20-25 minutes.
Result: This temperature provides a good balance between crispiness and tenderness. Most people find this temperature to be perfect for their chicken wings in an air fryer.

Cooking Wings at 400°F

Time: Around 18-20 minutes.
Result: The highest heat produces the crispiest wings. Be cautious, as wings can burn more easily at this temperature. Perfect for those who love a crispy exterior and want their wings done quickly.

FAQs: Your Air Fryer Wing Questions Answered

Why Are My Air Fryer Wings Not Crispy?

If your wings aren’t coming out crispy, the culprit is often overcrowding. The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, and if the wings are too close together, the air can’t flow freely. This leads to soggy, less crispy results. To ensure crispy wings, here are a few tips:

Don’t overcrowd: Make sure there’s ample space between each wing in the basket. If needed, cook the wings in batches to maintain air circulation.
Use a light spray of oil: Spraying your wings with a small amount of oil will help them crisp up. Use a cooking spray or brush them lightly with olive oil before cooking.
Flip halfway through: Flipping the wings halfway through the cooking process ensures they get crispy on all sides.

By following these adjustments, you can achieve a crispy golden exterior every time.

Can I Cook Chicken Wings and Fries Together in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook chicken wings and fries together in an air fryer, but there are a few things to keep in mind to get the best results. Both foods need sufficient space for air to circulate, so avoid overcrowding the basket. If you’re using a large enough air fryer, you can cook both at the same time.

However, for the crispiest results, consider cooking the wings and fries in separate batches. Fries and wings have different cooking times, and giving them ample room will ensure that each gets the perfect texture—crispy fries and juicy wings.

Cooking tips:
- Arrange the wings and fries in a single layer.
- Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Check for doneness separately and add more time if needed for either food.

Do I Need to Flip Wings in the Air Fryer?

Yes, flipping your wings halfway through the cooking process is essential for getting even cooking and crispiness on all sides. If you don’t flip them, one side may cook faster than the other, and the result could be unevenly cooked wings, with one side crispy and the other side soggy.

Tip: Flipping ensures that the hot air circulates around all parts of the wings, promoting an evenly crispy exterior and juicy interior.

How Do You Make Air Fryer Wings Crispy?

To get the crispiest wings in the air fryer, there are a few key steps you should follow. Here’s what you need to know:

Season well: Season your wings with salt, pepper, and other spices before cooking. The seasoning will adhere better and add flavor.
Space them out: Don’t overcrowd the basket! The more space each wing has, the more air circulates around them, which is crucial for crisping.
Light oil coating: Spraying a thin layer of oil on the wings before cooking helps them crisp up and gives them a beautiful golden-brown color.
Flip halfway through: Turning the wings during cooking helps achieve a uniform texture on both sides.

By following these steps, your wings will come out crispy, golden, and full of flavor—the perfect treat for any occasion!

Conclusion

Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is fast, easy, and yields crispy, flavorful results. Whether you’re cooking fresh or frozen wings, using the right temperature and cooking time ensures perfect wings every time. By following the tips provided in this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy crispy, juicy wings in just 20-30 minutes!

For more recipes and tips, check out some additional resources on air fryer cooking. Happy frying!

How Long Does It Take to Cook Wings in an Air Fryer? | Perfect Crispy Wings