1. Prep the Chicken Wings:
- Pat Dry: Use paper towels to pat the chicken wings dry. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
- Trim and Separate: If not pre-cut, separate the wingettes from the drumettes and remove any excess skin or fat.
2. Season the Wings:
- Mix Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Add Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
- Apply Seasonings: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the wings and toss until they are well-coated.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for about 3 minutes. This step ensures that the wings start cooking immediately when placed in the fryer.
4. Cook the Wings:
- Arrange in Basket: Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow for even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry: Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping. The wings should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Adjust cooking time based on the size and quantity of the wings.
5. (Optional) Add Sauce:
- Coat with Sauce: If you like your wings saucy, toss the cooked wings in barbecue sauce or your favorite wing sauce after they come out of the air fryer. For a sticky coating, you can return the sauced wings to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes at 360°F (182°C) to caramelize the sauce.
6. Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer the wings to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.
Tips for Perfection:
- Crispy Texture: Ensure the wings are completely dry before seasoning. Moisture can prevent them from becoming crispy.
- Even Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; this allows the hot air to circulate and cook the wings evenly.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Variations:
- Spicy Wings: Add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
- Garlic Parmesan: Toss the cooked wings with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder for a garlic Parmesan twist.
- Lemon Pepper: Replace the smoked paprika and cumin with lemon zest and cracked black pepper for a bright, tangy flavor.
These Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Wings are a fantastic option for game day, parties, or a delicious snack. They’re easy to make and incredibly tasty with that irresistible crispy texture. Enjoy your homemade wings!