If you’re someone who loves crispy, flavorful wings but wants to skip the deep fryer, then air fryer boneless wings are about to become your new favorite recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, these wings deliver all the crunch and juiciness of traditional wings without the hassle or the extra calories.
I absolutely love how easy this recipe is, and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even as a snack for game day. The air fryer makes it so much faster and less greasy than frying in oil. Plus, you can experiment with a variety of sauces, from classic buffalo to tangy BBQ, making them as versatile as you like.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Boneless chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this recipe. They’re easy to cut into bite-sized pieces and cook up to tender perfection in the air fryer. You can also use chicken tenders if that’s more convenient.
All-purpose flour: Flour acts as a light coating for the chicken, ensuring a crispy outer layer while keeping the meat juicy on the inside. It gives the wings that golden texture you love.
Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the flour mixture helps to create an even crispier coating. It absorbs moisture and aids in giving the wings that perfect crunch when air-fried.
Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds that warm, savory flavor that pairs so well with the chicken. It enhances the overall taste and complements the other spices in the coating.
Onion powder: Like garlic powder, onion powder brings a subtle depth to the flavor profile of the wings. It’s an essential ingredient for that savory, umami taste.
Paprika: Paprika brings a smoky, slightly sweet kick to the wings. It’s a key ingredient in the seasoning mix that gives the wings their mouthwatering color and aroma.
Salt and pepper: These two basic seasonings are vital for balancing out all the other spices and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
Olive oil spray: Spraying the chicken with olive oil helps it crisp up in the air fryer, giving it that golden, crispy exterior without the need for deep-frying in oil.
Ingredients List
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
How to Make Air Fryer Boneless Wings
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Make sure the pieces are evenly sized to ensure uniform cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which will help the coating stick better.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they’re well mixed. This seasoned flour mixture is what will give your wings that crispy, flavorful exterior.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated. For extra crispiness, press the coating gently into the chicken to help it adhere. Shake off any excess flour before transferring the pieces to the air fryer basket.
Step 4: Air Fry the Wings
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t crowded. Air fry the wings for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your wings are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two. You can serve them as is or toss them in your favorite sauce, such as buffalo, BBQ, or honey mustard. Enjoy your perfectly crispy boneless wings!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: For the crispiest results, make sure the chicken pieces are in a single layer in the basket. This allows air to circulate freely and cook the wings evenly.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to add more or less garlic powder, paprika, or even chili powder depending on your spice preference. Customize it to your taste!
- Use cooking spray: A light coating of olive oil spray helps to achieve that golden, crispy exterior. Don’t skip this step—it makes a big difference in texture!
- Toss in your favorite sauce: Once the wings are cooked, toss them in your favorite sauce for added flavor. BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or even a sweet and sour glaze work great.
- Check for doneness: If you prefer your wings extra crispy, you can cook them for a couple of extra minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen boneless chicken, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. How can I make the wings spicier?
If you like your wings with a kick, try adding some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix. You can also toss the cooked wings in hot buffalo sauce or sriracha for an extra spicy punch.
3. Can I make these wings gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour and cornstarch to make the coating gluten-free. Just make sure to check the labels on your seasonings to ensure they’re also gluten-free.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Just make sure to cut the thighs into small, even pieces so they cook evenly in the air fryer. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
5. Can I store leftover wings?
Yes, you can store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to get them crispy again.