Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying. These versatile appliances use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in crispy exteriors and tender interiors with minimal oil. Among the many dishes that shine in an air fryer, chicken wings stand out as a fan favorite.
Chicken wings in an air fryer offer the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat. The rapid air circulation creates a golden-brown exterior while locking in moisture, resulting in wings that rival those from your favorite restaurant. Air frying also significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, making it a healthier option for wing enthusiasts.
When choosing an air fryer for chicken wings, key factors to consider include capacity, temperature range, and ease of cleaning. A larger capacity allows for cooking more wings at once, while a wide temperature range provides versatility for different recipes. Non-stick surfaces and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup a breeze. We tested numerous air fryers to find the best options for creating delicious chicken wings at home.
Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings
We’ve carefully selected the top air fryers for making delicious chicken wings. Our list includes models that consistently produce crispy, flavorful wings with minimal oil. These air fryers offer easy cleanup and convenient features for hassle-free cooking.
Chefman TurboFry Touch 8-Qt
This versatile air fryer is a solid choice for families looking to cook healthier meals with ease and convenience.
Pros
- Large 8-quart capacity
- User-friendly digital controls
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Takes up counter space
- Might be too large for small households
- Learning curve for optimal results
We’ve put the Chefman TurboFry Touch 8-Qt through its paces, and it’s impressed us with its performance. The spacious 8-quart basket easily accommodates family-sized portions, making it a breeze to cook for multiple people at once. We found the digital controls intuitive and responsive, allowing us to quickly set the temperature and cooking time.
One feature we particularly appreciated was the LED shake reminder. It ensures even cooking by prompting us to shake the basket at the right moments. This attention to detail resulted in consistently crispy and evenly cooked food, from french fries to chicken wings.
Cleaning up after use is a cinch. The nonstick basket and removable parts are dishwasher-safe, saving us valuable time in the kitchen. We also liked the sleek stainless steel exterior, which wipes clean easily and looks great on our countertop.
While the air fryer’s large capacity is a plus for families, it does take up considerable space. Smaller households might find it oversized for their needs. There’s also a bit of a learning curve to achieve the best results, but we found that experimenting with different temperatures and cooking times quickly led to delicious outcomes.
COSORI TurboBlaze Air Fryer
We highly recommend this versatile and efficient air fryer for its quick cooking times and impressive features.
Pros
- Lightning-fast cooking with TurboBlaze technology
- 9-in-1 functionality for various cooking methods
- Large 6-quart capacity in a compact design
Cons
- May be louder than some other models
- Learning curve for optimal use of all features
- Higher price point compared to basic air fryers
The COSORI TurboBlaze Air Fryer impressed us with its speed and versatility. We found the 5-speed airflow system particularly effective in creating crispy exteriors while keeping food tender and juicy inside. The 6-quart capacity easily accommodated family-sized portions, and we appreciated how it didn’t take up too much counter space.
During our testing, we were pleased with the wide temperature range of 90°F to 450°F, which allowed us to tackle everything from delicate proofing to high-heat roasting. The customizable preheat program was a nice touch, giving us the flexibility to either prep the fryer for optimal results or skip it for quicker cooking when we were in a hurry.
We found the cleanup process to be a breeze, thanks to the dishwasher-safe, non-stick basket and crisper plate. The included recipe book with nutrition facts was a helpful addition, especially for those tracking their dietary intake. While the price is higher than some basic models, we believe the TurboBlaze’s advanced features and cooking performance justify the investment for serious home cooks.
Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook
We highly recommend the Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook for its versatility, efficiency, and user-friendly features.
Pros
- ClearCook window for easy monitoring
- 6-in-1 functionality
- Quick and even cooking
Cons
- Basket can be awkward to insert after preheating
- Crisper tray lacks a lip for easy handling
- May be noisy for some users
The Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook has revolutionized our kitchen routine. Its 6-quart capacity is perfect for preparing meals for 2-4 people, and we love how it crisps up chicken wings with minimal oil. The ClearCook window and internal light are game-changers, allowing us to check on our food without opening the basket and releasing heat.
We’ve found the EvenCrisp technology truly delivers on its promise. Our fries come out golden and crispy, while chicken remains tender and juicy inside. The 6-in-1 functionality has expanded our cooking repertoire – we’ve successfully air fried, roasted, broiled, baked, reheated, and even dehydrated various foods.
Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket and tray. We appreciate the fast preheating and the progress bar that keeps us informed throughout the cooking process. While it’s not completely silent, the noise level is acceptable for the results it delivers. Overall, the Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook has earned its place as an essential appliance in our kitchen.
Chefman Multifunctional Air Fryer
The Chefman Multifunctional Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen powerhouse that delivers crispy, delicious results with minimal oil.
Pros
- Spacious 12-quart capacity
- Multiple cooking functions
- Easy-to-use touchscreen controls
Cons
- Takes up significant counter space
- Learning curve for optimal results
- May be overkill for small households
We’ve been thoroughly impressed by the Chefman Multifunctional Air Fryer’s performance. Its 12-quart capacity allows us to cook large batches, perfect for family meals or entertaining guests. The variety of cooking functions, including air frying, baking, and dehydrating, have expanded our culinary repertoire.
The touchscreen interface is intuitive, making it easy to select from the 12 preset cooking options. We appreciate the interior light and large window, which let us monitor our food without opening the door and losing heat. The rotisserie function is a standout feature, producing evenly cooked, juicy chicken with crispy skin.
Cleaning up after use is a breeze thanks to the removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts. While the unit does take up considerable counter space, we find its versatility justifies the real estate it occupies in our kitchen. The temperature range of 95-450°F provides flexibility for various recipes, and the rapid air technology ensures even cooking.
Reynolds Air Fryer Liners
These air fryer liners are a useful addition for anyone looking to simplify their air frying cleanup routine.
Pros
- Convenient pre-cut size
- Non-stick surface for easy food removal
- Disposable for quick cleanup
Cons
- Not suitable for preheating
- May not fit all air fryer sizes
- Holes can allow some grease to seep through
We recently tried out these Reynolds Air Fryer Liners and found them to be a handy accessory for our air frying adventures. The pre-cut 9×9 inch sheets fit nicely in our square air fryer basket, though we’d recommend checking your fryer’s dimensions before purchasing.
Using these liners made a noticeable difference in our cleanup process. After air frying chicken wings, we simply lifted out the liner with the food, and our basket was practically spotless. The non-stick surface worked well, allowing us to easily remove our crispy wings without leaving behind any stuck-on bits.
One important note: these liners aren’t meant for preheating. We always made sure to place the liner in the basket after preheating and with food on top to prevent any issues. While the holes in the liners allow for good air circulation, we did notice some oil could still seep through to the basket. Nevertheless, the cleanup was significantly easier than without the liners.
Buying Guide
When shopping for an air fryer to make delicious chicken wings, there are several key factors to consider:
Capacity
We recommend choosing an air fryer with at least 3-4 quart capacity for wings. This allows enough space to cook a batch without overcrowding.
Power
Look for models with 1500+ watts of power. Higher wattage typically means faster, more even cooking.
Temperature Range
A wide temperature range (200-400°F) gives more control over cooking. Wings often need high heat for crispy skin.
Preset Programs
Some air fryers offer preset cooking programs for wings. This can simplify the process, especially for beginners.
Basket Design
Non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets make cleanup easier. Removable baskets are also convenient for tossing and serving wings.
Additional Features
Timer functions, auto shut-off, and digital controls can enhance the cooking experience. Consider which features matter most to you.
Price
Air fryers come in a range of prices. We suggest setting a budget and finding the best option within that range.
Feature | Recommendation |
---|---|
Capacity | 3-4 quarts minimum |
Power | 1500+ watts |
Temp Range | 200-400°F |
Basket | Non-stick, removable |
Remember to read user reviews and compare different models before making a decision. The best air fryer for wings will depend on your specific needs and preferences.