Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Wings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings

Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is an important step to ensure the breading sticks properly and that the wings become crispy in the air fryer. If you prefer, you can also trim the tips of the wings or separate the drumettes from the wingettes, but it’s not necessary for this recipe.

2. Set Up the Breading Station

Next, create a breading station with three separate bowls:

• Bowl 1: Place the all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and any optional herbs or spices you want to use. Mix well.
• Bowl 2: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk (or buttermilk) to create an egg wash.
• Bowl 3: In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs (preferably panko) for a crunchy coating.

3. Bread the Chicken Wings

Start by dipping each chicken wing into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour, then dip it into the egg wash, ensuring the wing is fully coated. Finally, press the wing into the breadcrumbs, turning it to coat all sides.

For extra crunch, you can press down gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well to the chicken. Repeat this process for all the chicken wings.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures the wings cook evenly and get that crispy texture we all love.

5. Cook the Wings

Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent the wings from sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each wing for air circulation.

Air fry the wings at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness. If your wings are on the larger side, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cook time. You can check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken wings are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the wings juicy on the inside.

Serve the wings with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, blue cheese, or hot sauce. Pair them with a side of veggies, fries, or a salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Wings

• Do Not Overcrowd: For the crispiest wings, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. It’s better to cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide an extra-crispy coating, giving your wings a satisfying crunch. Regular breadcrumbs can be used as an alternative, but panko yields the best results.
• Double Breading for Extra Crispiness: For an even crunchier texture, consider double breading your chicken wings by dipping them in the egg wash and breadcrumbs twice.
• Season the Breading: Don’t forget to season the flour and breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, and other spices. This ensures the wings are flavorful all the way through.
• Customize the Flavor: Experiment with different seasoning blends such as Cajun, Italian, or barbecue rubs to create a variety of flavor profiles for your wings.

Additional Variations to Try

• Buffalo-Style Wings: After air frying the breaded wings, toss them in your favorite buffalo sauce for classic spicy buffalo wings.
• Honey Garlic Wings: Coat the cooked wings with a mixture of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a bit of ginger for a sweet and savory glaze.
• Parmesan Garlic Wings: Toss the cooked wings in melted butter, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory flavor.

Conclusion

Air fryer breaded chicken wings are a fantastic alternative to deep-fried wings, offering the same crispy texture and delicious flavor with less oil and hassle. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these wings are sure to satisfy your cravings for something crispy and savory. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, you can make these wings in no time. Try this recipe today for a healthier, tastier version of a classic favorite!