Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Wings Recipe

Air fryer breaded chicken wings are a healthier alternative to traditional fried wings, offering a crispy, golden exterior with a tender and juicy interior. Using an air fryer to cook these wings means you can enjoy all the delicious flavors without the added calories and mess of deep frying. This recipe is easy, quick, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a game-day snack.

Ingredients

For the Wings:

• 10-12 chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or cooking spray)

Optional for Tossing (after cooking):

• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce or BBQ sauce
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:

Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the breading stick better and results in crispier wings. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg. In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.

2. Bread the Chicken Wings:

Dip each chicken wing into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dredge the wing in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breading sticks well. Repeat for all the wings.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures an even cook and crispy texture.

4. Cook the Chicken Wings:

Place the breaded chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the wings with olive oil or cooking spray to help them crisp up. Cook the wings at 380°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even crispness. The wings should be golden brown and crispy.

5. Toss with Sauce (Optional):

If you like saucy wings, toss the cooked wings in your favorite sauce, such as buffalo or BBQ sauce. This can be done after they’re cooked or during the last 5 minutes of cooking if you want the sauce to cook in.

6. Serve:

Once cooked, remove the wings from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve the breaded chicken wings hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Pair them with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or additional buffalo sauce.

Tips

• For Extra Crispy Wings: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs, and make sure to spray the wings with oil for that golden crunch.
• Cooking Time: Depending on the size of the wings and the model of your air fryer, cooking times can vary. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
• Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like cayenne pepper for heat, Italian seasoning for a herbaceous touch, or smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.

Benefits

• Healthier Option: Using an air fryer reduces the need for excess oil, making these wings a healthier option than deep frying.
• Faster Cooking: Air fryers cook food faster, helping you get crispy chicken wings in a fraction of the time it takes in a conventional oven.
• Less Mess: Since you’re not frying in a pot of oil, there’s much less clean-up involved.

Nutrition (per 1 wing, without sauce)

• Calories: ~120-150 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fat: 8g (depending on the amount of oil used)

Conclusion

Air fryer breaded chicken wings are a tasty and crispy snack that’s perfect for any occasion. They provide all the deliciousness of fried wings with fewer calories and less mess. Whether you’re enjoying them as a game day treat or a simple dinner, this recipe will surely be a hit. Enjoy your crispy, tender, and flavorful wings with your favorite dipping sauces!