Air Fryer Wings and Tenders

Every time I make these Air Fryer Wings and Tenders, I’m reminded of the cozy evenings spent with my family gathered around the table. The aroma that fills my home as they cook is simply irresistible, evoking memories of laughter and stories shared over delicious food. There’s a special warmth that comes from cooking, and I know you’ll feel that same comfort when you try this recipe. Whether it’s game day or just a casual dinner, these wings and tenders are bound to make your heart (and tummy!) happy.

Now, let’s get into how to make these delightful Air Fryer Wings and Tenders. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a meal that your family will rave about. So, grab your apron, and let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings and/or tenders: The stars of the show! They soak up flavor beautifully and become crispy in the air fryer.
• Olive oil: This helps the skin crisp up nicely and adds a little flavor, too.
• Corn starch: This is my secret ingredient for getting that perfectly crispy texture. It makes all the difference!
• Seasonings of choice: I like to use a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sometimes even a dash of paprika for a bit of kick. You can customize this to fit your family’s tastes!

How to make Air Fryer Wings and Tenders

Step 1: Pat the Chicken Dry First, give those chicken wings and tenders a good pat down with some paper towels. This is a crucial step! Drying them will help the skin get nice and crispy when we air fry them. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part.

Step 2: Drizzle with Olive Oil Next, drizzle a little olive oil over your chicken. Don’t be shy with it; this helps to create that crispy coating we’re all after!

Step 3: Season to Your Liking Now it’s time to season. I like to use a generous amount of salt and pepper, followed by garlic powder. Feel free to get creative! If you have favorite spices, sprinkle those on, too. Just make sure to coat each piece evenly.

Step 4: Sprinkle with Corn Starch Here comes my favorite part—adding corn starch! Sprinkle about a heaping tablespoon over the chicken and start mixing. You want to make sure every piece of chicken is coated. It’s okay if you can’t see the corn starch anymore; that means it’s working its magic!

Step 5: Prep the Air Fryer Basket Now, grab your air fryer basket and give it a quick spray with oil. This ensures that nothing will stick and helps with that golden finish.

Step 6: Air Fry the Chicken Place the seasoned chicken wings and tenders into the basket. I like to arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 12 minutes.

Step 7: Flip and Cook Halfway through, it’s time to flip those lovely pieces! Doing this allows both sides to crisp up nicely. After flipping, let them air fry for another 12 minutes.

Step 8: Adjust for Multiple Batches If you’re making more than one batch, don’t worry! Just cut the cooking time down by about 2 minutes for each subsequent round. This way, you won’t overcook them, and they’ll still come out perfect!

Why I Love Making This Dish I absolutely love making these Air Fryer Wings and Tenders for so many reasons! Not only is it a quick cook time, but I appreciate how versatile this dish can be. You can serve them plain or toss them in your favorite sauce. This makes it a hit at every gathering, from family dinners to game nights with friends. There’s something magical about sharing delicious food that brings people together.

What You’ll Need Aside from your ingredients, the only special tool you need is an air fryer. If you don’t have one yet, I highly recommend getting one! They are a game changer in the kitchen. You’ll also need a good mixing bowl and some paper towels for drying the chicken.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F before you start prepping your chicken. This preheating step is key for that wonderfully crispy skin!
2. Pat the chicken dry and place it in a mixing bowl.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
4. Season to your heart’s content!
5. Sprinkle corn starch and mix well until coated.
6. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil.
7. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket.
8. Set the air fryer for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 12 minutes.
9. If you’re making multiple batches, adjust the time as mentioned.

Tips for Perfect Results Let me share a few personal tips that help elevate this dish. For the crispiest skin, make sure the chicken is very dry before you add the oil and seasonings. Also, don’t overcrowd the basket. If you pack it too tightly, the chicken will steam instead of fry, and we definitely want that crunch!

Serving Suggestions and Sides These Air Fryer Wings and Tenders pair perfectly with a variety of sides. I love serving them with a fresh green salad, classic coleslaw, or even some homemade potato wedges. And don’t forget the dipping sauces! Barbecue sauce and ranch dressing are always crowd-pleasers, but you can get creative with buffalo, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo if you dare!

Leftovers If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how I suggest storing and reheating them. Allow the wings to cool down before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp. You will be amazed at how wonderful they taste the second time around!

FAQ Section Can I use boneless chicken? You can, but trust me, the bone-in version is so much more flavorful. I’ve tried both, and bone-in is always juicier!

How can I change up the seasonings? Oh, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment with different spice blends, or even add some fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Just be sure to keep the seasonings balanced, so they complement the chicken rather than overwhelm it.

Can I make these in the oven? Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the chicken on a baking sheet, and cook for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

This dish has become a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try it. From the crispy texture to the juicy meat, you’ll see why it holds a special place in my heart. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Let me know if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time. Enjoy cooking and savor each bite!