Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Wings Recipe

Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Wings Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 10-12 chicken wings (drumettes or flats, or a mix of both)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (you can use almond flour for a gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (use whole-wheat for a healthier option)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional for extra flavor)
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil spray (or cooking spray)

Optional for Serving:

  • Buffalo sauce or BBQ sauce (for tossing)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:

  • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This will help the breading stick better and ensure the wings get crispy in the air fryer.
  • Season the wings lightly with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the breading and the chicken.

2. Set Up Your Breading Stations:

  • In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • In a second shallow bowl, beat the egg.
  • In a third shallow bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

3. Bread the Chicken Wings:

  • Dip each chicken wing into the flour mixture, making sure it’s coated evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
  • Next, dip the floured wing into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
  • Finally, coat the wing in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

5. Air Fry the Wings:

  • Spray the air fryer basket with a light coating of olive oil spray or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Place the breaded wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded; cook them in batches if necessary.
  • Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time. The wings should be golden and crispy, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you want extra crispiness, you can spray them with a little more oil halfway through.

6. Serve:

  • Once the wings are crispy and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer.
  • You can toss the wings in buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or serve them as is with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color.

Nutritional Information (per serving of 4 wings, without sauce):

  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbs: 16g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Net Carbs: 15g
  • Protein: 19g
  • WW Points: 6-7 (depending on breadcrumbs and oil used)

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Wings:

  1. Crispy without the Frying: The air fryer gives the wings the same crispy texture as deep frying, but with much less oil. You get all the crunch without the extra calories and fat.
  2. Quick and Easy: These wings cook in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner, game day snacks, or a weekend treat.
  3. Customizable: You can swap out the seasoning for different flavors, like Cajun seasoning, or go with a sweeter breading using honey and garlic powder.
  4. Lower in Calories: Compared to traditional deep-fried wings, air fryer breaded wings are much lower in fat and calories. You still get the crispy exterior and tender meat inside, but with fewer points if you’re following WW or a low-calorie diet.
  5. Meal Prep-Friendly: You can easily double or triple the recipe to have leftover wings for the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the air fryer to keep them crispy.

Tips & Variations:

  • Spicy Wings: Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a bit of heat, or toss the cooked wings in hot sauce before serving.
  • Crispier Wings: For an extra-crispy finish, spray the wings with a little more olive oil halfway through cooking.
  • Use Almond Flour: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that almond flour may not get as crispy as traditional flour.
  • Baked Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these wings in a 400°F (200°C) oven on a wire rack for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

These Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Wings are a great way to satisfy your craving for crispy, juicy wings without all the grease. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family dinner, or a snack, they’re sure to impress everyone with their crispy texture and flavor. Enjoy!