If you’re like most people, you’ve probably fallen in love with your air fryer, especially for whipping up incredibly crispy chicken wings. They come out golden, juicy, and perfectly cooked, often with less mess and oil than traditional frying. But to truly achieve that restaurant-quality crunch and flavor, choosing the right ingredients and accessories makes all the difference. While our main focus is often on finding the best oil for air fryer chicken wings, it’s not just about the oil. Coatings, seasonings, and even the right equipment play a vital role in elevating your wing game.
So, how do you get those wings perfectly golden and packed with flavor every time? It comes down to a few key players. We’ve rounded up 10 essential products that can transform your air fryer chicken wing experience from good to absolutely legendary. Let’s dive into what makes each of these stand out!
Air Fryer Cooking Sprays & Oils: The Foundation of Crispiness
Getting that perfect crispy skin usually involves a little fat, and that’s where the best oil for air fryer chicken wings comes in. A high smoke point oil is crucial to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Mantova Air Fryer Spray 450F Smoke Point – All-Natural
This isn’t just any cooking spray; it’s specifically designed for the high heat of air frying. Mantova’s spray offers a reliable solution for even coating without overdoing it, ensuring your wings get crispy without being greasy. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for an all-natural option that can handle the heat.
- Key Features:
- All-Natural Ingredients: Made with pure oil, free of additives and artificial flavors.
- High Smoke Point: Stands up to temperatures as high as 450°F, perfect for high-heat cooking.
- Versatile: Great for air fryers, roasting, grilling, baking, and more.
- Pros:
- Ensures even oil distribution.
- High smoke point prevents burning and bad odors.
- All-natural ingredients for healthier cooking.
- Versatile for various cooking methods.
- Cons:
- Can be pricier than standard cooking oils.
- Smaller bottle size might require frequent repurchases for heavy users.
- User Impressions: Users love how this spray helps achieve a perfect crisp on their air-fried foods, especially wings, without making them greasy. Many appreciate its clean ingredient list and the fact that it doesn’t leave any residue.
- See it on Amazon here
PAM Air Fryer No-Stick Cooking Spray, 6 oz.
PAM has been a kitchen staple for years, and their air fryer-specific no-stick spray continues that legacy. Formulated to withstand the high temperatures inside an air fryer, it helps ensure your chicken wings don’t stick to the basket while promoting a lovely golden-brown finish. It’s all about effortless cooking and even easier cleanup.
- Key Features:
- Non-stick spray provides easy cleanup after your favorite air fried meals.
- Air fryer spray made with no artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.
- Formulated for the high temperatures and cooking conditions of an air fryer.
- Pros:
- Excellent non-stick performance.
- Specifically designed for air fryer temperatures.
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
- Helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Cons:
- Some users prefer traditional oil over aerosol sprays.
- May contain propellants that some consumers avoid.
- User Impressions: Customers consistently praise PAM Air Fryer spray for preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze. They find it effective for getting a crispy exterior on wings and other air-fried dishes, noting it holds up well to the heat.
- See it on Amazon here
Chicken Wing Coating & Seasoning Mixes: Flavor and Crunch Amplified
Beyond the oil, a great coating or seasoning mix is what takes your air fryer chicken wings from plain to profound. These products add incredible flavor and an extra layer of crunch that regular oil alone can’t achieve.
Chicken Fry Mix – 100% Natural Crispy Wing Mix
This isn’t just a seasoning; it’s a full-on crispy wing mix designed to give your air-fried chicken that irresistible, golden crunch. Made with all-natural ingredients, it promises a restaurant-quality coating without the guilt. It’s a fantastic way to ensure every bite is packed with flavor and satisfying texture.
- Key Features:
- Crispy Perfection: Specially crafted for a golden, crispy coating every time you fry.
- Natural Ingredients: Free from artificial additives, preservatives, and MSG.
- EFFORTLESS COOKING: Instructional videos help master restaurant-quality results.
- Generous Servings: One package handles approximately 288 wings.
- Versatility Use: Works on fish, pork, vegetables, and compatible with all frying methods including air frying.
- Ultimate Combo Pack: Includes a ranch dressing packet for pairing.
- Pros:
- Delivers exceptional crispiness.
- All-natural and healthier alternative to many mixes.
- Very versatile for different foods and cooking methods.
- Comes with a complementary ranch dip.
- Large yield per package.
- Cons:
- Primarily a fry mix, not ideal for plain oven baking without an air fryer function.
- Requires careful adherence to instructions for best results.
- User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the incredible crunch and flavor this mix provides for air-fried wings. They appreciate the natural ingredients and the versatility, finding it a convenient way to achieve a “fried” texture with less oil.
- See it on Amazon here
Louisiana Fish Fry Air Fryer Chicken Seasoned Coating Mix
For those who crave maximum crunch and authentic flavor with minimal effort, this seasoned coating mix is a game-changer. Specially pre-mixed for air fryers, it ensures an even, delicious coating that turns out perfectly crispy every time, making your air fryer chicken wings taste like they came straight from a gourmet kitchen.
- Key Features:
- Achieve maximum crunch and flavor with our Air Fryer Chicken Coating Mix.
- Specially pre-mixed for air fryers, ensuring even coating and delicious results.
- Enjoy perfectly crispy chicken in no time, with less oil than traditional frying.
- Convenient 5oz box provides ample coating mix for multiple batches.
- Pros:
- Specifically formulated for air fryers.
- Guarantees impressive crispiness.
- Easy to use and apply.
- Allows for healthier frying with less oil.
- Cons:
- Flavor profile might be too specific for some tastes.
- A single 5oz box might not last long for large families or frequent use.
- User Impressions: Users love the crispy texture and the authentic, savory flavor this mix imparts. They find it incredibly easy to use and a reliable way to get consistently good results with their air-fried chicken.
- See it on Amazon here
Louisiana Fish Fry, Air Fryer Chicken Coating Mix, 5 oz (Pack of 6)
This is the same great Louisiana Fish Fry Air Fryer Chicken Coating Mix, but now available in a convenient pack of six boxes! If you’ve fallen in love with the unmatched texture and delicious taste this mix provides for your air fryer chicken wings, this bulk option ensures you’ll always have it on hand. It’s the perfect way to keep your pantry stocked for game days, family dinners, or whenever that wing craving hits.
- Key Features:
- Unmatched Texture, Delicious Taste: Helps create delicious and perfectly crispy chicken quickly, and with less oil.
- Specialized and Versatile: Air-frying chicken with this blend lends a pleasant, crunchy texture; great for chicken parmesan, sandwiches, wings, or onion rings.
- Easy to Prepare: Cook easily in your air fryer or conventional oven.
- Authentic Louisiana Flavor: Captures the flavors of an authentic Cajun kitchen.
- Contains 6 boxes of Seasoned Coating mix, each box coats up to 2 pounds of chicken.
- Pros:
- Bulk pack offers great value and convenience.
- Consistently delivers crispy, flavorful results.
- Versatile for various dishes beyond just wings.
- Authentic Cajun flavor profile.
- Cons:
- Requires storage space for multiple boxes.
- May not be suitable for those who prefer milder flavors.
- User Impressions: Repeat buyers appreciate the consistent quality and the savings from buying in bulk. They often mention the distinctive, delicious flavor and how well it performs in the air fryer to deliver crispy, satisfying results every time.
- See it on Amazon here
McCormick Air Fryer Buffalo Seasoning Mix, 1.25 oz
For buffalo wing aficionados, this McCormick seasoning mix is an absolute must-have. Developed specifically for air fryers, it infuses your chicken wings with the iconic flavor and heat of Frank’s RedHot Sauce, delivering all the zing without the deep-frying mess. It’s a quick and easy way to get that classic buffalo taste directly from your air fryer.
- Key Features:
- Developed especially for the air fryer.
- Adds flavor and heat from Frank’s RedHot Sauce.
- Enjoy crisp Buffalo Wings & Buffalo Fries, made with less oil.
- Ready in less time than frying and with less mess.
- No artificial flavors; made with McCormick spices.
- Chicken wings seasoning and French fry seasoning in one.
- Pros:
- Authentic buffalo flavor.
- Optimized for air fryer performance.
- Reduces cooking time and cleanup.
- No artificial flavors.
- Dual-purpose for wings and fries.
- Cons:
- Flavor might be too spicy for some palates.
- Small package size might only yield a few batches.
- User Impressions: Fans of buffalo wings praise this mix for its authentic taste and how perfectly it adheres to air-fried chicken, giving a spicy, crispy coating. They love the convenience and the fact that it saves them from making a wet sauce.
- See it on Amazon here
McCormick Air Fryer Buffalo Seasoning Mix, 1.25 oz (Pack of 6)
If you’re hooked on the zesty kick of McCormick’s Air Fryer Buffalo Seasoning Mix, this convenient 6-pack is exactly what you need. Ensure you never run out of your favorite way to make crispy buffalo air fryer chicken wings with less oil and less mess. This pack is perfect for meal prep, parties, or just keeping your spice cabinet well-stocked for whenever that buffalo craving strikes.
- Key Features:
- McCormick Air Fryer Seasoning Mixes are developed especially for the air fryer.
- Frank’s Buffalo Air Fryer Seasoning adds flavor and heat from Frank’s RedHot Sauce.
- Enjoy crisp Buffalo Wings & Buffalo Fries, made with less oil than with deep-frying.
- Ready in less time than frying and with less mess to clean up.
- No artificial flavors; made with McCormick spices.
- Pros:
- Excellent value and convenient bulk purchase.
- Consistent and beloved buffalo flavor.
- Reduces cooking time and simplifies cleanup.
- Free from artificial flavors.
- Cons:
- Larger commitment to one flavor profile.
- Requires more storage space.
- User Impressions: Avid cooks and buffalo wing enthusiasts appreciate the bulk option, ensuring they always have this reliable seasoning on hand. They often mention the consistent spice level and how easy it is to achieve restaurant-quality wings without the fuss.
- See it on Amazon here
Air Fryer Accessories & Appliances: Enhancing Your Cooking Setup
Sometimes, it’s not just about what you put on the wings, but what you put them in. The right accessories and a top-notch air fryer can make all the difference in achieving the best air fryer chicken wings.
Ninja Dual Air Fryer Accessories – Stackable Rack, 304 Stainless Steel
Maximize your air frying efficiency with this clever stackable rack! Designed for dual air fryers, it dramatically increases your cooking capacity, allowing you to cook multiple batches of wings (or other foods) simultaneously. The grid design ensures excellent air circulation, leading to more even cooking and crispier results, which is key for those perfectly golden chicken wings.
- Key Features:
- Baking Multiple Food One Time & More Even Cooking: Three stackable racks increase space and ensure better air circulation.
- Stackable Air Fryer Racks with Side Design: No installation needed, easy to use, with sides to prevent food from dropping.
- Premium Food Grade Material: Made of high quality food grade 304 stainless steel, sturdy, rust-proof, and dishwasher safe.
- Perfect Ninja Dual Air Fryer Accessories: Compatible with Ninja DZ201/DZ090 and most double zone air fryers.
- Multi-Functional Dehydrator Rack: Great for grilling bacon or chicken wings, and dehydrating fruits or meat.
- Pros:
- Significantly increases air fryer capacity.
- Promotes even cooking and crispiness.
- Durable, rust-proof, and easy to clean stainless steel.
- Versatile for various cooking needs (grilling, dehydrating).
- Cons:
- Specific to dual air fryer models, not universal.
- Can slightly reduce air flow if overloaded.
- User Impressions: Owners of dual air fryers consider this rack a game-changer for meal prepping and cooking for larger groups. They love how it helps them cook more food at once, especially batches of wings, without sacrificing crispiness.
- See it on Amazon here
Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer, Extra Large Airfryer with 360° Heating Technology
If you’re serious about your air-fried meals, particularly those big batches of air fryer chicken wings, the Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer is a top-tier investment. Praised by America’s Test Kitchen, its innovative 360° heating and dual heating elements drastically cut down cooking time while ensuring incredibly even and crispy results. Plus, its whisper-quiet operation and unique self-cleaning mode make the cooking experience even more enjoyable.
- Key Features:
- America’s Test Kitchen and Reviewed USA Today recommended.
- 360° Heating Technology: Dual heating elements (top and bottom) and reinvented airflow for even cooking and up to 30% faster cooking.
-
1 in Cooking Speed: Cook 32 chicken wings in 14 minutes.
- Whisper-Quiet Operation: Operates at 55dB.
- 15-in-1 Multifunctional Cooking: Capable of 15 functions including Pizza, Bacon, Steak, Wings, Fries, Air Fry, Toast, Grill, Bake, Roast, and Dehydrate.
- Unique Self-Cleaning Mode: Removes oil and stains in 2 hours via app.
- Non-Stick Ceramic Basket: Effortless cooking and cleaning with a non-stick, non-toxic surface.
- Pros:
- Exceptionally fast cooking times.
- Superior even cooking for consistent crispiness.
- Very quiet operation.
- Highly versatile with 15 cooking functions.
- Convenient self-cleaning feature.
- Large capacity for big batches of wings.
- Cons:
- Higher price point compared to basic air fryers.
- Large footprint might require significant counter space.
- User Impressions: Users are blown away by the speed and efficiency of the Typhur Dome 2. They frequently highlight its ability to produce incredibly crispy wings and other foods, loving the quiet operation and the innovative self-cleaning function.
- See it on Amazon here
Pre-Prepared Chicken Wings: Convenience Meets Quality
Sometimes, half the battle is just getting started. High-quality pre-prepared chicken wings can be the perfect canvas for your air fryer magic.
Tyson Chicken Wing Sections, 2.5 Lb. (Frozen)
Starting with good quality chicken is fundamental to making the best air fryer chicken wings. Tyson’s individually frozen wing sections offer convenience without sacrificing quality. They’re all-natural, minimally processed, and ready to be seasoned and air-fried to crispy perfection. Having these on hand means delicious wings are always just minutes away.
- Key Features:
- One 2.5 lb. package of individually frozen Chicken Wing Sections.
- All-natural, minimally processed chicken with no artificial ingredients.
- 19 grams of protein and 0 grams of trans fat per serving.
- Resealable bag for easy storage.
- Pros:
- Convenient and ready to use.
- Individually frozen for easy portioning.
- All-natural with no artificial ingredients.
- High protein content.
- Resealable bag for freshness.
- Cons:
- Frozen, so requires thawing time (though many air fryers can handle frozen wings directly).
- No seasoning included, so you’ll need your own.
- User Impressions: Customers appreciate the convenience and consistent quality of these Tyson wing sections. They are a go-to for quick meals and gatherings, praising how well they air fry to a golden, crispy texture when seasoned properly.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the best oil for air fryer chicken wings?
A1: For air fryer chicken wings, the best oils are those with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or peanut oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer without burning, which can cause a bitter taste and unhealthy byproducts. Lightly coating your wings ensures crispiness without greasiness.
Q2: Do I really need to use oil for air fryer chicken wings?
A2: While air fryers are known for cooking with “less oil,” a small amount of oil is often recommended for chicken wings. It helps the seasoning adhere, promotes a crispier skin, and contributes to that desirable golden-brown color. Without any oil, wings can sometimes turn out dry or less crispy.
Q3: How do I get my air fryer chicken wings extra crispy?
A3: To get extra crispy air fryer chicken wings, pat them very dry before seasoning. A light coating of high smoke point oil, a quality coating mix (like those reviewed above), and cooking in a single layer (avoiding overcrowding) are key. Some people also recommend a double fry, cooking at a lower temperature first then blasting them with high heat at the end.
Q4: Can I use cooking spray instead of liquid oil in my air fryer?
A4: Yes, cooking sprays like PAM Air Fryer No-Stick Cooking Spray or Mantova Air Fryer Spray are excellent for air frying. They provide an even, light coating of oil, which is ideal for achieving crispiness without excess fat. Just be sure to use a spray specifically formulated for high heat and non-stick properties suitable for air fryers.
Q5: What temperature and time are best for air frying chicken wings?
A5: A common method is to preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Cook the wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are crispy and golden. Adjust time based on your air fryer model and wing size.
Q6: What LSI keywords should I keep in mind when cooking air fryer chicken wings?
A6: When thinking about air fryer chicken wings, consider LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords such as “crispy chicken wings,” “air fryer recipes,” “healthy cooking,” “high smoke point oil,” “non-stick spray,” “flavorful coating,” “cooking time,” “golden brown,” and “juicy wings.” Using these naturally in your conversation or recipe description helps convey a broader understanding of the topic.
Q7: Can I air fry frozen chicken wings?
A7: Yes, you can air fry frozen chicken wings directly. Increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes, and make sure to separate them halfway through cooking. They might not get quite as crispy as thawed wings, but they’ll still be delicious and convenient.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of air fryer chicken wings is a journey of delicious discovery. While the best oil for air fryer chicken wings is undoubtedly a crucial component, true perfection comes from combining that with the right coatings, seasonings, and even the right equipment. Whether you’re aiming for classic buffalo, a unique crispy coating, or just perfectly golden and juicy wings, these 10 products can help you achieve culinary greatness right in your own kitchen. Happy air frying!