Mediterranean-Style Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Greek Yogurt Marinade

If you love crispy, juicy chicken wings and crave bold Mediterranean flavors, then this Air Fryer Greek Chicken Wings recipe is for you! Using the air fryer to cook chicken wings gives you the same crispy skin and juicy interior without the need for deep frying.

With a tangy, herby Greek marinade made from ingredients like Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, and lemon, these wings are packed with flavor.

Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner, hosting a party, or enjoying a snack, these wings will impress your taste buds and make you feel like you’re dining at a cozy Greek taverna.

Let’s dive into how you can easily make these delicious, crispy, and healthy Greek-style chicken wings in just a fraction of the time!

What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Greek Chicken Wings

Ingredients for the Chicken Wings

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients to make your Air Fryer Greek Chicken Wings. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Wings – You can use fresh or frozen wings, but fresh is always best for a crispier result.
• Olive Oil – A key ingredient in Greek cooking; helps to add richness and crisp up the wings.
• Greek Yogurt – Adds creaminess to the marinade and a tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
• Lemon Juice – For a refreshing, zesty brightness that balances the richness of the yogurt and oil.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves add a punch of savory depth to the marinade.
• Dried Oregano – A quintessential Greek herb that adds an earthy, fragrant flavor.
• Salt and Pepper – For seasoning to taste.

Tools and Equipment

To make your Greek chicken wings, you’ll need the following tools and equipment:

• Air Fryer – The star of the show! Make sure your air fryer is large enough to fit all your wings in a single layer for even cooking.
• Mixing Bowl – For combining the marinade ingredients and tossing the wings.
• Tongs or Spatula – Helpful for flipping the wings halfway through the cooking process.
• Basting Brush (Optional) – For evenly applying extra marinade or olive oil if you like your wings extra crispy.

How to Make Air Fryer Greek Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Start by prepping your wings. If you’re using fresh wings, ensure they’re clean and patted dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the wings crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. If you’re using frozen wings, thaw them first for the best results. You can separate the wingettes and drumettes if you prefer, but this is optional.

Step 2: Make the Greek Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. This marinade will coat the wings, infusing them with all the bold flavors that make Greek cuisine so delicious.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken Wings

Once your marinade is ready, toss the chicken wings in the bowl, making sure they’re thoroughly coated in the mixture. For the best flavor, allow the wings to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate them overnight in the fridge for even more intense flavor. The longer they marinate, the more the wings will absorb the aromatic herbs and tangy yogurt.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating is essential to ensure that the wings start cooking immediately when placed inside the basket, which leads to crispier skin.

Step 5: Air Fry the Greek Chicken Wings

After preheating, place the marinated wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure the wings aren’t overcrowded so they can cook evenly. Set the air fryer to cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through for even crispiness. Depending on the size of your wings, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Once the cooking time is up, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the wings has reached 165°F (74°C). The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining juicy on the inside. If you want them extra crispy, you can cook them for an additional 3-5 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once your wings are perfectly cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices settle, making them even more tender. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, and serve with a side of homemade tzatziki sauce for an extra touch of Greek goodness. Enjoy these flavorful wings as a snack, appetizer, or main course!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Greek Chicken Wings

Achieving the Crispiest Wings

To get the perfect crispy skin on your Air Fryer Greek Chicken Wings, here are a few tips:

• Pat the Wings Dry: Before marinating, make sure your wings are completely dry. Excess moisture will prevent the skin from crisping up.
• Light Coating of Oil: While Greek yogurt adds creaminess to the marinade, a small amount of olive oil will help the wings crisp up beautifully during cooking. Don’t overdo it; just a light coating will do the trick.
• Single Layer Cooking: Arrange the wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket will lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results. If necessary, cook in batches.
• Flip Halfway Through: Flip the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides get crispy and golden brown.

Marinate for Maximum Flavor

While a 30-minute marinade will suffice, letting the wings marinate for several hours or overnight will deepen the flavors. The longer the wings sit in the marinade, the more they absorb the tangy yogurt, herbs, and garlic, leading to a richer, more flavorful bite.

Adjusting Cooking Time for Wing Size

The size of your chicken wings can affect cooking time. Larger wings may need a few extra minutes in the air fryer. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) to ensure the wings are fully cooked.

Experiment with Additional Flavors

If you love experimenting with flavors, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a bit of paprika to the marinade for a smoky or spicy twist. You can also add a little honey for a sweet contrast to the tangy Greek yogurt.

Air Fryer Greek Chicken Wings Serving Ideas

Classic Greek Salad

A fresh, crisp Greek salad is the perfect accompaniment to your Air Fryer Greek Chicken Wings. This classic Mediterranean side is made with ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese, all tossed in a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon, oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. The cool, refreshing salad complements the rich flavors of the wings and balances the dish beautifully.

Tzatziki Sauce for Dipping

No Greek meal is complete without a serving of tzatziki sauce! This tangy, creamy cucumber yogurt dip is perfect for dipping your wings. You can make a quick homemade version by mixing Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and a touch of olive oil. The coolness of the tzatziki pairs wonderfully with the warmth and spices of the wings.

Warm Pita or Flatbread

Serve your wings with a side of warm pita bread or flatbreads for a satisfying meal. You can use the bread to scoop up the wings or dip into the tzatziki sauce for added texture and flavor.

Roasted Vegetables

Roast up some vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, or even a mix of root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. These roasted veggies provide a hearty, healthy side that complements the Mediterranean flavors of the chicken wings.

Crispy Fries

For a more indulgent meal, crispy fries or sweet potato fries would be a fantastic pairing with your Greek wings. Their crispy texture and slight saltiness work in harmony with the juicy, herbed chicken.

Rice Pilaf

For a more filling side, Greek-style rice pilaf is an excellent option. The rice is often cooked in a flavorful broth and seasoned with herbs like oregano and thyme, creating a savory base that pairs well with the wings’ bold flavors.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Greek Chicken Wings bring together the perfect balance of crispy skin, juicy meat, and bold Mediterranean flavors. Thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy this delicious dish without the excess oil of deep frying, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste. The combination of Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon, and herbs creates a marinade that’s both rich and tangy, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a main course, or at a party, these wings are sure to impress.

We hope this recipe inspires you to try making wings in your air fryer and explore the delightful world of Greek cuisine. Don’t forget to experiment with the flavors and sides to suit your personal taste. Happy cooking, and enjoy these crispy, flavorful wings!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen chicken wings for this recipe. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, or use the air fryer’s defrost setting if you’re short on time. Once thawed, follow the same marinating and cooking instructions as you would for fresh wings. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary slightly, so it’s important to check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I make these wings spicy?

Definitely! If you like a bit of heat, you can adjust the recipe by adding some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a small amount of hot sauce to the marinade. This will give the wings a spicy kick that balances perfectly with the tangy yogurt and lemon.

3. How long should I marinate the chicken wings?

For the best flavor, marinate the wings for at least 30 minutes, but if you have more time, marinating overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavors will be.

4. Can I use other parts of the chicken for this recipe?

While chicken wings are the ideal choice for this recipe, you can certainly use chicken drumsticks or thighs if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as darker meat takes longer to cook. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. How can I store leftover Greek chicken wings?

Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crispy texture. Alternatively, you can use an oven to reheat them, but the air fryer will keep them crispier.