Smoked Air Fryer Chicken Wings combine the smoky flavor of traditional smoking with the crispiness and convenience of an air fryer. It’s a great way to get that smoky, flavorful char on your wings without needing an actual smoker. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 10-12 chicken wings (drumettes or flats)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (for that smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- For the sauce (optional):
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce or your favorite wing sauce
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wings:
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get in the air fryer!
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil to coat evenly.
2. Season the Wings:
- In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar (if using).
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the wings and toss to coat them thoroughly.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps the wings cook evenly and become crispy.
4. Cook the Wings:
- Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap (you may need to cook in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer).
- Cook the wings for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. The wings should be golden brown and crispy when done, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
5. Optional Saucing:
- If you like saucy wings, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a bowl. Once the wings are cooked, toss them in the sauce for a flavorful finish.
- Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
6. Serve:
- Serve the wings hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra buffalo sauce. You can also garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.
Tips:
- For Extra Smoke Flavor: If you want an even smokier taste, you can add a bit of smoked salt to the seasoning mix. If you have a smoker box or smoking chips for the air fryer, you can use that too, though it’s not necessary.
- Crispy Wings: For extra crispy wings, spray a little cooking spray or olive oil on them before air frying.
- Air Fryer Variations: Different air fryer models vary in how they cook, so check the wings a bit earlier or later depending on how your air fryer tends to cook.
These Smoked Air Fryer Chicken Wings are perfect for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner. They’re packed with flavor, crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside!
Are you thinking of serving these with any sides, or do you have a favorite dipping sauce you’d like to try with them?