Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings for a Sharper Mind | Mental Health Recipes

There’s something so undeniably satisfying when you crunch into a perfectly crispy chicken wing.

Maybe it’s the sound, maybe it’s the flavor, or maybe it’s just the joy of knowing you didn’t have to drown dinner in oil to get that golden bite!

And thanks to the air fryer, wings can go from a guilty pleasure to feel-good fuel—for real.

And with less oil and more crunch, you’re likely going to want to make these wings again and again. They not only taste good but also bring tons of protein, which is exactly what your good ol’ noggin and mental health need (yes, again, for real!). 

So, this one’s for the wing lovers out there (me included!). Let’s dig into how you can make that perfectly crispy air fryer wing, as well as how it supports your mental well-being.

How to Make The Perfectly Crispy Chicken Wing

I’m not too into super saucy chicken wings. I don’t love the mess or the clean-up. And I will happily admit that, yeah, saucy wings taste good. But for my own comfort, I always lean toward the crispy ones with less mess! 

However, restaurant prices are continuing to climb. Cheap wing nights now tend to be, well, less cheap.

So, why not make your favorite wings at home?

And why not make them a little healthier?

If you’re out of excuses, keep reading to make this crispy wing recipe and to learn more about how it can elevate your cognition and mental wellness.

Why These Crispy Chicken Wings Are the Perfect Bites for Your Mind

Chicken wings probably aren’t the first thing you think of when you think of ways to improve your mental health.

In fact, most people place nutrition and diet last, opting for journaling, meditating, and more. While these are great self-care practices (definitely not here to bash them!), the truth is that your body can only do so much with what you give it.

Thus, we’ve got to give it some good stuff!

And these chicken wings are gooooood. They taste great. Plus, they give your mind some serious fuel. Here’s how!

Chicken Packs Tons of Protein

Chicken wings may look like simple bar food, but they’re actually packed with nutrients that play a direct role in brain health. 

For instance, chicken wings provide a high-quality source of protein, which is essential for producing neurotransmitters—the brain’s chemical messengers that regulate mood, focus, and stress response.

Amino acids, including tryptophan, found in poultry, are used by the body to create serotonin. In turn, this means that digging into a plate of crispy wings may just help stabilize your mood and keep irritability at bay (no joke!).

Chicken also contains vitamin B6, a nutrient involved in energy metabolism and the synthesis of dopamine. In other words, this is another important nutrient that can help you maintain a steady mood.

Related Article: Homemade Chicken Soup: What Your Soul Has Been Craving | Mental Health Recipes

Olive Oil Provides a Dose of Healthy Fats

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to support cognitive health and reduce inflammation. It’s no secret why it’s a staple in the Mediterranean diet. 

But here’s the thing: Chronic inflammation has been linked to depression, anxiety, and memory problems. Thus, swapping heavy, refined oils for olive oil is a small but meaningful step toward protecting mental wellness and overall health.

Even more impressive is olive oil’s content of polyphenols, which are plant compounds with antioxidant properties. These compounds help reduce oxidative stress, which can damage brain cells over time. Research has even connected regular olive oil intake with lower risks of cognitive decline as we age.

In other words, this isn’t a bad oil to include in your diet fairly regularly! But ensure you stick to small amounts. Add it to dressings; use it for these wings! There’s lots to love here.

Related Article: The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Breakfast Bowl for a Better Mood | Mental Health Recipes

Garlic May Help Reduce Stress (Even a Little Bit!)

Garlic powder brings that savory depth to your wings, but it also delivers compounds like allicin, which are linked to reduced inflammation and improved circulation. Now, better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients can reach the brain, supporting sharper thinking and steadier energy. Pretty good trade-off for this popular spice!

Some research also suggests that its natural compounds may help regulate cortisol levels. In turn, you may experience less tension, fewer anxious thoughts, and a calmer state of mind. 

On top of that, garlic is thought to support the gut microbiome, which scientists now know plays a major role in mood regulation. So that sprinkle of garlic powder does far more than season your wings—in many ways, it’s seasoning your resilience, too!