Using an air fryer to cook battered chicken wings is absolutely possible, and can produce crispy, delicious results. Air fryers provide a convenient, healthier cooking method by using rapid hot air circulation rather than submerging foods in oil. While deep frying typically results in oily, greasy batter, air frying allows the batter to get crispy and browned without absorbing as much excess oil.
Can You Air Fry Pre-Made Battered Chicken Wings?
Most definitely! Pre-battered or breaded chicken wings purchased from the grocery store will cook up just fine in an air fryer. The key is to make sure the battered coating is dry before air frying, which helps it get ultra crispy in the hot circulating air. Pat off any excess moisture with a paper towel after removing the wings from the packaging.
Air fry pre-battered wings straight from frozen or after thawing in the refrigerator overnight. Adjust the temperature and cook time based on the package instructions. Frozen wings may need 10-15 extra minutes in the air fryer at a slightly lower temperature like 350°F. Otherwise, air fry thawed battered wings at 375-400°F for around 25-35 minutes, flipping the wings halfway.
How to Make Air Fryer Batter for Chicken Wings
You can also easily make your own air fryer battered chicken wings from scratch. The process is very similar to traditional deep fried wing batter.
Ingredients
- Chicken wings (separated into drummettes and flats)
- All-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper
- Spices of choice (paprika, garlic powder, etc.)
- Beer, soda water, milk, or buttermilk
- Vegetable oil
- Baking powder (optional)
Directions
- Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt, pepper, and any desired spices.
- Make the batter: Whisk together 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder (for extra crispiness), and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in 2/3 cup beer, milk, or buttermilk until smooth. The batter should coat the wings nicely while still being thin enough to air fry properly. Add a bit more flour or liquid as needed to adjust the consistency.
- Pour vegetable oil into a separate small bowl. Dip each wing into the oil first, then dredge it thoroughly in the batter letting any excess drip off.
- Air fry battered wings at 380°F for 22-28 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Toss air fried wings in your favorite sauce or seasoning to serve.
Making air fryer battered wings from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and spice it up however you like. The key is keeping the batter light and thin enough for the hot air to circulate and crisp it up.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Battered Chicken Wings
Follow these tips for extra crispy, mouthwatering air fried battered chicken wings:
- Pat wings very dry – Remove all moisture from raw wings for crispier batter that browns better in the air fryer. Damp wings make soggy batter.
- Use a light thin batter – Thick heavy batters don’t get as crispy in the air fryer. Aim for a thin, even coating on each wing.
- Let excess batter drip off – Hold each battered wing over the bowl for a few seconds so any excess batter falls off before air frying.
- Use baking powder – Adding a teaspoon of baking powder to the batter helps it get extra crispy in the hot air.
- Spray oil – Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil spray before adding battered wings. This prevents sticking.
- Air fry at 375-400°F – The high heat helps batter get crispy and browned.
- Flip wings halfway – Rotate and flip the wings midway for even browning.
- Let wings rest after cooking – Let wings sit 5 minutes after air frying before saucing or serving. This sets the crust.
Best Flavors for Air Fried Battered Wings
Air fryer battered wings go great with just about any flavor!
Sauces
Toss crispy air fried battered wings in any of these classic sauces:
- Buffalo – classic spicy cayenne pepper hot sauce + butter
- BBQ – sweet, tangy, smoky barbecue sauce
- Teriyaki – savory, ginger soy glaze
- Honey mustard – honey, mustard, mayo blend
- Garlic parmesan – garlic butter + parmesan
- Mango habanero – fruity, spicy chili sauce
Dry Rubs
Or spice up naked air fried wings with these dry rub combinations:
- Cajun – paprika, cayenne, garlic, onion, oregano
- Jamaican jerk – allspice, thyme, brown sugar, chili powder
- Lemon pepper – lemon zest, cracked black pepper
- Cinnamon chipotle – cinnamon, chili powder, brown sugar
- Old Bay – seafood seasoning with celery salt
Get creative and make your own signature flavor battered air fried wings!
Common Questions
How long does it take to air fry battered chicken wings?
Air fry battered chicken wings at 375-400°F for around 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. Thicker batters or frozen wings may take a little longer.
Do you need oil to air fry battered wings?
A small amount of oil is recommended when air frying battered foods. Lightly brush or spray wings and the air fryer basket with vegetable oil before cooking for optimal crispness.
Should battered wings be floured before air frying?
Yes, tossing the wings in a light flour coating prior to battering helps the batter adhere evenly and fry up extra crispy in the air fryer.
What batter ingredients make the crispiest air fried wings?
Using baking powder and beer or soda water in the batter helps it achieve maximum crispness during air frying. A thin, light batter also gets crunchier than a thick one.
Do air fried battered wings come out greasy?
Air frying produces significantly less greasy, oily results compared to deep frying. As long as the wings are patted dry before battering and the batter isn’t overly thick, air fried battered wings come out crispy, not greasy.
The Bottom Line
Air frying is a quick, convenient and healthier cooking method that can absolutely be used to make crispy, delicious battered chicken wings right at home. Pre-battered frozen wings or homemade batter work equally well. With a few simple tips, you can achieve crunchy, flavorful battered wings without all the grease from deep frying. Toss in your favorite sauces or spice rubs to customize them just how you like.