Air frying chicken wings is a quick and easy way to make crispy, juicy wings at home. When air frying, the key things to pay attention to are temperature and cook time. Air frying at 360°F is a common temperature for chicken wings, but the cook time can vary based on the size and amount of wings.
In general, to air fry bone-in chicken wings at 360°F, it takes 18-22 minutes. Smaller wings may cook faster while larger wings or drumsticks may need a few extra minutes. The key is to check for doneness and adjust cook time as needed. Keep reading for more details on how long to air fry chicken wings at 360°F for juicy, crispy results.
Factors That Affect Chicken Wing Cook Time
There are a few key factors that affect the total cook time when air frying chicken wings at 360°F:
Chicken Wing Size
Smaller chicken wings will cook faster than larger, meatier wings or drumsticks. Here are some general guidelines for cook times based on wing size:
– Small wings: 18-20 minutes
– Medium wings: 20-22 minutes
– Large wings/drumsticks: 22-25 minutes
When in doubt, start checking for doneness around 18 minutes and adjust cook time from there.
Amount of Chicken Wings
The more wings you add to the air fryer basket, the longer they will take to cook. This is because having more wings adds mass and causes the temperature inside the air fryer to drop while cooking.
For best results, try to cook chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding. You may need to cook them in batches for even cooking.
Here are some general guidelines for cook times based on quantity:
– 6-8 wings: 18-22 minutes
– 10-12 wings: 20-24 minutes
– 15+ wings: 25-28 minutes
Preparation Method
How you prep the chicken wings also impacts total cook time. Dry wings will cook faster than wet or marinated wings since there is less moisture to evaporate. Here are some prep methods and the average cook times:
– Dry, unmarinated wings: 18-22 minutes
– Wet or marinated wings: 22-28 minutes
– Battered wings: 24-28 minutes
The extra liquids and coatings will add some time to the overall cooking process. Pat dry wet wings before air frying to help speed up cooking.
How to Tell When Chicken Wings Are Done
The best way to tell when air fried chicken wings are fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken wings are safely cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
If you don’t have a thermometer, there are some visual cues you can look for:
– The skin is crispy and golden brown
– The juices run clear when pierced with a fork
– The meat is no longer pink when cut into
You can also check for doneness by cutting into a wing after 20 minutes. If the meat is still pink, continue cooking for 2-4 more minutes until cooked through.
For the juiciest results, remove the wings as soon as they reach the proper internal temperature or show signs of doneness. Avoid overcooking.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Follow these tips for crispy, juicy air fried chicken wings every time:
– Pat the wings dry before seasoning and cooking – this helps achieve crispy skin.
– Coat the wings lightly in oil or baking powder before air frying – this also aids crisping.
– Flip the wings halfway during cooking for even browning and cooking.
– Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if needed.
– Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness and avoid overcooking.
– Allow the wings to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
Here is a simple, foolproof recipe to make tender, crispy air fryer chicken wings at 360°F:
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs chicken wings, tips removed, drumettes and flats separated
– 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
– 1 tbsp baking powder
– 1 1⁄2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
– 1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. Place in a large bowl.
2. Add olive oil and toss wings to coat evenly.
3. In a small bowl, mix together baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle seasoning evenly over wings and toss to coat.
4. Arrange wings in a single layer in air fryer basket, spacing evenly apart.
5. Air fry at 360°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping wings halfway through. Check often for doneness. Wings are done when skin is crispy and internal temp reaches 165°F.
6. Remove wings from air fryer, transfer to a plate and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
The Best Air Fryer Temperatures for Chicken Wings
While 360°F is a common temperature setting for air frying chicken wings, you can also try experimenting with slightly different temperatures with great results. Here are a few recommended temps:
– 380°F – This higher temp helps chicken wings achieve uber-crispy skin. Cook for 14-18 minutes.
– 400°F – The hottest temperature can give the crispiest skin. Wings may cook in as little as 12-14 minutes.
– 300°F – A lower temp results in juicier, more tender wings. Cook for 22-28 minutes.
– 375°F – This temp strikes a nice balance between crispy skin and tender meat. Cook for 16-20 minutes.
No matter what temp you use, just be sure to monitor wings closely and cook until crispy, cooked through, and properly heated to 165°F internally. Adjust cook times as needed based on the size of your batch. Enjoy perfect wings every time!
Common Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Should you flip chicken wings when air frying?
Yes, it’s recommended to flip or shuffle chicken wings at least once midway during air frying. This helps ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
Can you air fry chicken wings from frozen?
You can air fry frozen chicken wings! Add 2-3 minutes to the cook time. The wings may release some water at first but will become crispy.
How can you make air fried wings extra crispy?
– Pat wings very dry before cooking
– Coat with baking powder or cornstarch
– Air fry at a higher temp like 380-400°F
– Cook in a single layer, avoid overcrowding
How do you know if air fried chicken wings are done?
Check for an internal temp of 165°F with a meat thermometer, or look for crispy golden skin, clear juices, and no pink meat inside when pierced or cut into.
Conclusion
Air frying chicken wings at 360°F for 18-22 minutes is perfect for achieving juicy, tender meat and crispy skin. The exact cook time needed will depend on the size of the wings as well as the quantity you are cooking. Use a meat thermometer for the best results and pull the wings as soon as they reach 165°F internally. With the right technique, air fryer wings come out perfect every time!