Chicken wings are one of those fast food treats that can make you feel very guilty. Yes, they’re delicious, and yes they’re well worth every penny you spend on them – but are they the healthiest treat? The answer, as well all know, is: probably not. When chicken is deep fried, a lot of fat is added to the chicken itself – and this is exacerbated if the chicken is cooked in some kind of batter or coating, as they usually are.
What if I told you that you can very easily knock up your very own version of your favourite restaurant’s chicken wings, at very little effort to yourself, using considerably fewer calories?
How do you cook chicken wings in an air fryer
There is, you will be thrilled to hear, a very simple way to cook chicken wings in an air fryer that will turn out just as well as the chicken wings you buy from your favourite fast food outlet.
It is a simple process, and one that is considerably healthier than buying your chicken wings from a fast food restaurant!
- Start by pre heating the air fryer to 190C/375F degrees.
- Coat the wings in cornflour, by placing them in a bowl with a tablespoon or two of cornflour, and stirring them about.
- Add a pinch of salt to the bowl and stir it through.
- Place the wings into the fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes.
- Remove the wings and turn them, then increase the temperature to 220/425 degrees.
- Cook them for a further 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, and serve however you like!
Why do chicken wings work so well in an air fryer
As well know, one of the best things about a chicken wing is that they are perfectly cooked and tender inside, as well as deliciously crisp on the outside. An air fryer will not only cook the meat perfectly, but also add the perfect amount of crunch to your wings!
Having food that is fully cooked is very important, especially for chicken, and an air fryer is highly efficient and will cook food right through to the middle.
Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer also means that they will not come out drenched in oil, which is another great bonus – for your palate as well as your health.
Benefits of cooking chicken wings in an air fryer
1. It’s healthier
The way that you cook your chicken wings in an air fryer uses a fraction of the oil that is used in shop bought versions, so it will be far fewer calories.
2. It’s cheap
Your air fryer will save you money because the ingredients used, and even the pennies that you spend on the cooking process combined, will be less than what you would have spent on a takeaway.
3. It’s quick and easy
Even if you think you can’t be bothered to cook and a takeaway will be simpler, remember that an air fryer will cook your chicken wings in less than 20 minutes (delivery often takes longer than that!)
4. They’re even crispier than usual
This method of cooking gives an added layer of crispness to the chicken wings, because it cooks with heat rather than just oil, so the wings never get soggy.
Chicken wing air fryer recipes
There are a great many things you can do with chicken wings. The best way to enjoy a crispy chicken wing straight from the air fryer is to just grab it and dip it into your favourite sauce – but you can jazz up the wings before you even get near the sauce.
Seasoning the chicken wings with a few added ingredients can make all the difference to your dinner!
Try adding Sriracha and honey, Balsamic vinegar, Paprika, and pretty much any other seasoning that you fancy, before you cook your wings. This will add a whole new dimension to your air fried chicken wings.
Final words
Air fried chicken wings are delicious and completely addictive! Buying them from a fast food outlet can be an expensive and unhealthy guilty pleasure, so make your own at home with your air fryer, and you can enjoy your favourite treat with just the pleasure and none of the guilt.
