A common question is, “How long should I air fry chicken wings at 400 degrees?” This guide will provide you with the ideal cooking time to achieve deliciously golden results. So, if you’re ready to learn how long to air fry chicken wings at 400 degrees, let’s dive in!
Cooking Chicken Wings at 400 Degrees
Compared to traditional frying or baking, air frying chicken wings results in less oil and fat content, making them a healthier option. Air frying chicken wings at 400 degrees is quicker compared to baking and provides the same crispy texture as traditional frying.
Why 400 Degrees is the Optimal Temperature
400 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimal temperature for air frying chicken wings, enabling them to cook evenly and creating a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist. The high temperature also allows for quicker cooking time, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
Advantages of Cooking Chicken Wings at 400 Degrees
- Quick cooking time: Cooking chicken wings at 400 degrees Fahrenheit in an air fryer only takes around 20-25 minutes compared to an hour when baking.
- Perfect crispiness: The high temperature of 400 degrees creates an irresistible crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy.
- Healthier option: Air frying chicken wings at 400 degrees requires little to no oil, keeping them low in calories and fat content.
How Long Should Chicken Wings Be Cooked at 400 Degrees?
Depending on the size of the chicken wings, cooking them in an air fryer at 400 degrees takes approximately 20-25 minutes. Add another 5-10 minutes of cooking time for extra crispy wings. Always ensure that the chicken wings have reached a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Importance of Preheating: Preheating is crucial in air frying chicken wings (or any food). It ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired temperature before you put your food in. This helps to ensure that the food is cooked evenly and comes out crispy.
Recommended Preheating Time and Temperature: The recommended preheating time and temperature for air frying chicken wings at 400 is about 5 minutes at 400°F. This gives the air fryer enough time to reach the desired temperature before putting the chicken wings in.
Alternatives to Preheating: Add a couple of minutes to the cooking time to compensate for the lack of preheating. Start cooking the chicken wings at a lower temperature (e.g. 375°F) for the first few minutes, and then increase to 400°F for the remaining cooking time. This will help the air fryer to reach the desired temperature gradually.
Read more:
Tips for Preparing and Cooking Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer
- How to properly season and prep chicken wings for air frying: Pat dry chicken wings to remove excess moisture. Season with dry rub or marinade evenly. Marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes before air frying.
- Mistakes to avoid when air frying chicken wings: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. Use a light coating or no oil to avoid greasy wings. Limit opening the air fryer to avoid heat loss and prolong cooking time.
How to Air Fry Chicken Wings at 400 for the Best Result?
Course: Blog, Chicken4
servings10
minutes20
minutesIngredients
2 lbs chicken wings
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s Hot)
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an optional step, but it helps ensure consistent cooking for all batches of wings.
- Prepare the chicken wings by separating them into drums and flats. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they are completely coated in seasoning.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss until they are fully coated in the seasoning mixture.
- Working in batches, place the chicken wings in the preheated air fryer basket. Be sure to leave some space between each wing to ensure even cooking. Cook each batch for 16 minutes, shaking the basket and flipping the wings halfway through.
- While the wings are cooking, prepare the sauce by combining melted butter and hot sauce in a large bowl. Whisk until fully combined.
- Once the wings are done, transfer them to the bowl with the sauce and toss until fully coated.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Hey there, it’s Maura Braun from Maura’s Kitchen of Millbrook! If you love all things BBQ and grilling, my blog is the perfect place for you. But my passion for food doesn’t stop at the restaurant. I also love sharing my smoker, grilling, and BBQ experiences on my blog. From juicy brisket to perfectly smoked ribs, I’m always experimenting with new techniques and flavor combinations.
