Air Fryer Wings
When it comes to a party or a cozy night in, nothing quite matches the excitement of crispy chicken wings. Whether you're gathered around the TV for the big game or hosting a backyard barbecue.
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken wings separated into drumettes and flats - Look for fresh, high-quality wings for the best texture and taste.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - This will infuse a lovely smoky essence.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Basic seasoning to enhance the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest - Adds brightness and a zesty kick.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder - For an extra layer of savory goodness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic granules - Because garlic makes everything better.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - A heart-healthy fat that carries flavors beautifully.
- Cooking spray for greasing the air fryer basket - Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- Ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for serving - Pick your preferred flavor for dipping.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- First things first: preheat your air fryer. This is an essential step to ensure even cooking. While that warms up, take your chicken wings and pat them dry with paper towels. This tip is key; it helps achieve that crispy skin you want.
- In a large bowl, mix your wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic granules, and lemon zest. You really want to coat every wing well, so don’t be shy about mixing!
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to about 380°F (193°C). Preheating ensures that your wings start off hot, leading to that desired crunch. This process only takes a few minutes.
Step 3: Spray the Basket
- Give the air fryer basket a quick spray with cooking oil. This handy step prevents sticking and makes it easier to serve those glorious wings afterward.
Step 4: Arrange the Wings
- Carefully place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. If you have more wings than can fit, it's best to cook them in batches. Crowding will lead to uneven cooking.
Step 5: Cook the Wings
- Set your timer for about 25-30 minutes. During the cooking process, I recommend flipping the wings halfway through. This ensures that both sides get that lovely golden crispiness. Keep an eye on them as they cook, adjusting the time if needed based on your specific air fryer model.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once they're done, remove the wings from the air fryer. They should be crispy and beautifully golden. Serve them up with ranch dressing or your favorite sauce. These wings are sure to impress!
Notes
- Chicken Wings: For the best results, select the freshest wings you can find. Frozen wings can lose some of their texture and flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: This ingredient is subtle and complex, adding that perfect hint of smoke without being overpowering.
- Lemon Zest: A vibrant addition, lemon zest brightens the dish and balances the savory notes beautifully.
- Onion Powder and Garlic Granules: Both contribute rich, savory qualities. If you have fresh garlic or onions on hand, you can substitute them, but keep in mind that the granules are super convenient.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This oil not only enhances the flavor but also helps crisp the skin when air frying. Invest in high-quality oil for the best taste.
- Dipping Sauces: You can tailor your sauces to fit every palate. From barbecue to hot sauce, there’s no limit to the flavor profiles you can explore.
Nutrition
Serving: 156gCalories: 96kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 7gFat: 5.3gSaturated Fat: 2.6gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 136mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1g
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