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Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it’s fully heated.
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Prepare the breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.
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Coat the chicken wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Dredge each wing in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Dip it in the beaten egg, then roll it in the breadcrumbs to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process for all the wings.
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Spray the wings: Lightly spray the breaded wings with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the air fryer.
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Cook the wings: Place the breaded chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
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Serve: Once the wings are done, remove them from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or hot sauce.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve fresh: Air fryer breaded chicken wings are best enjoyed immediately while they’re crispy and hot.
- Storage: Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Variants:
- Spicy Wings: For a spicier twist, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture or toss the cooked wings in your favorite hot sauce.
- Parmesan-Crusted Wings: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for an extra cheesy crunch.
- Lemon Pepper Wings: After cooking, toss the wings in a mixture of lemon zest and freshly cracked black pepper for a zesty finish.
FAQ:
1. Can I use frozen chicken wings? Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings, but make sure to thaw them before breading and cooking. If cooking from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I make these wings without breading? Yes! For a low-carb version, you can simply season the wings with your favorite spices and cook them in the air fryer without breading for a crispy, skin-on wing.
3. Can I cook these wings in a conventional oven instead? Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a similar result.
4. How do I know when the wings are done? The internal temperature of the wings should reach 165°F (74°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer. The wings should also be crispy on the outside and golden brown.
