These Air Fryer Chicken Wings have crisp salty skin with a hint of garlic and lemon pepper in every bite. These are seasoned to perfection and cook so fast with no marinating required!

We love crispy baked chicken like my Mom’s famous Chicken Drumsticks these Garlic Dijon Baked Chicken Legs or baked Honey Glazed Chicken but the air fryer is our new best friend for chicken because it’s so much faster and memorably crispy!

Air Fryer Chicken Wings in bowl with celery

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Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe:

Chicken wings in the air fryer is brilliant and you will be making chicken way more often if you try them in the air fryer. The forced circulating hot air makes the skin super crisp which is difficult to achieve in a conventional oven and the center is perfectly cooked, tender and juicy.

Air fried chicken wings cook time is just 16 minutes (3 times faster than a traditional oven). There’s no need to preheat an air fryer which makes this the fastest crispy chicken wings recipe.

Bitten into Air Fryer chicken wing up close

Can I Double the Recipe?

For all-around crispy chicken wings, it’s best to keep the wings in a single layer. If you have a larger air fryer like our Cuisinart model, you can double everything. When doubling, air fry for 18-22 minutes, or until the skin is crisp, flipping the wings half way. Bake time will vary based on the surface area of your air fryer basket.

chicken wings on air fryer basket

What is the Best Air Fryer?

There are 2 very different styles of air fryers. The first type is a toaster oven style with a little oven door like this Cuisinart model that we have, this Cosori model that my sister has, or this fancy one by Breville.

The second type is a slide-in drawer/basket type like the Phillips air fryer, Gourmia or Nuwave brands. We prefer the Cuisinart toaster oven style air fryer because it can accommodate more food and serves a variety of functions. It replaced our old toaster oven because it air fries, bakes, broils and toasts.

best air fryer

Can I Bake these in a traditional oven?

It takes significantly longer to achieve crispy chicken wings in the oven. To bake these chicken wings in a conventional oven, preheat oven to 400˚F and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until crispy, flipping the wings after 30 minutes.

Air Fryer chicken wings garnished with parsley in blue bowl

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings:

The dry rub for these chicken wings is so simple with our go-to spices for baked, sautéed or air fried chicken. All you need is garlic salt and lemon pepper.

Ingredients for air fryer chicken with wings, drummettes, garlic salt and lemon pepper

Toss the wings in a little oil and the 2 seasonings, arrange them on the basket and bake right away. You can let them marinate if you prefer but there’s no need to pre-marinate.

Dry rub for chicken wings

These Air Fried Chicken Wings have a crisp salty skin with a tender center. Pair them with fresh celery and avocado ranch to dip and let the snacking begin!

Crispy air fried chicken wings with celery sticks

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

4.99 from 990 votes
Author: Natasha Kravchuk
Air Fryer chicken wings in bowl with celery
Air Fryer Chicken Wings have crisp salty skin with a hint of garlic and lemon pepper in every bite. These are seasoned to perfection and cook so fast with no marinating required!
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 4 people
  • 1 lb chicken wings, split into flats and drummettes
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 tsp lemon pepper

Instructions

  • Thoroughly pat dry chicken wings with paper towels and place in a mixing bowl.
  • Coat in 1 Tbsp oil then sprinkle on 2 tsp garlic salt and 1 tsp lemon pepper. Toss to evenly coat with seasoning.
  • Place on air frying basket, spacing evenly and air fry at 400˚F for 8 minutes per side, or a total of 16 minutes, or until chicken wings are crisp and golden brown on the outside.

Notes

If Doubling the recipe: air fry for 18-22 minutes, or until the skin is crisp, flipping the wings half way. Bake time will vary based on the surface area of your air fryer basket.

Nutrition Per Serving

168kcal Calories11g Protein13g Fat3g Saturated Fat47mg Cholesterol1207mg Sodium95mg Potassium90IU Vitamin A0.4mg Vitamin C7mg Calcium0.6mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Amount per Serving
Calories
168
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
13
g
20
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Cholesterol
 
47
mg
16
%
Sodium
 
1207
mg
52
%
Potassium
 
95
mg
3
%
Protein
 
11
g
22
%
Vitamin A
 
90
IU
2
%
Vitamin C
 
0.4
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
7
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.6
mg
3
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer chicken wings
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 168

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Pam R
    August 5, 2019

    I made these tonight in my Instant Vortex rotating basket. They turned out soooo good. Cooked them about 25 min to get them crispy. And the Avocado Ranch dip was delicious.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 5, 2019

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Mary H Ross
    August 5, 2019

    I have a air fryer that doesn’t have the temp setting available on it just timers. Suggestions on how long to cook the wings.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 5, 2019

      Hi Mary, I’m not sure how to advise on that type of air fryer. You might check the manual on it to see what the temperature settings correspond to in terms of degrees.

      Reply

  • BB
    August 5, 2019

    Way too salty for us. I reduced the garlic salt by half and they came out perfect !

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 5, 2019

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

    • Kathy
      August 27, 2019

      I use Gaelic powder. Salting can be done at the table if needed.

      Reply

  • Judy Johnson
    July 28, 2019

    Finally a perfect recipe for my new air fryer. Sheesh I’ve been trying everything and this is the best and the easiest too. Now I need to conquer potato and sweet potato fries for my hypo allergic daughter and also apple chips. Any ideas about how to do those. So far all the recipes I’ve tried aren’t coming out crispy enough. Love your website and will continue to try all your recipes over time, also love your humor cuz thats the best cure for mistakes and everything else. Thank you for the Wings now I an be an angel too, albeit an old one at 80 + years.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 29, 2019

      Hi Judy! I’m so happy you tried this recipe! I haven’t tried it with that so I cannot advise but thank you for that awesome suggestion. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

      Reply

  • Bex
    June 18, 2019

    I wanted to like them 🙁
    They were crispy but I guess the flavour didn’t wow me.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 18, 2019

      Thank you for that feedback Bex. Since there is no marinating required, be sure to adequately season with the garlic salt and also use lemon pepper rather than plain pepper for more flavor.

      Reply

  • Rhonda
    May 24, 2019

    How many carbs

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 24, 2019

      Hi Rhonda, we have nutritional information posted towards the bottom of the printable recipe.

      Reply

  • Barbara
    May 24, 2019

    Do you have to use lemon? What else can you use?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      May 24, 2019

      Hi Barbara, the lemon pepper adds really great flavor but you could just use pepper although the flavor wouldn’t be the same.

      Reply

  • Maria
    May 2, 2019

    Can chicken drumsticks be used instead of wings?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 2, 2019

      Hi Maria, I haven’t tested that with drumsticks but it sounds like a great experiment! I imagine the cook time will need to be adjusted.

      Reply

      • Maria
        May 2, 2019

        Thank you… I used this recipe with drumsticks & extended the cooking time. Delicious… the whole family loved them! 😊

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          May 2, 2019

          That’s so great! Thank you for sharing that feedback with me Maria! I’m so happy you all enjoyed that!

          Reply

  • Donald Smith
    April 26, 2019

    I love all of your recipes. Thank You.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 26, 2019

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me Donald!

      Reply

  • Elisabeth
    April 25, 2019

    Is your model of air fryer stainless steel inside and the trays. I do not like buying products with non stick coatings

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 25, 2019

      Hi Elisabeth, The basket does not appear to be coated with anything and they don’t claim that the baking pan (that I use as the drip pan) is non-stick or coated with anything. Although they do say the interior of the machine (the walls) is non-stick for easy cleaning. You might contact the manufacturer to be sure.

      Reply

    • GPS
      April 26, 2019

      What about if the wings are frozen?

      Reply

      • Barbara
        April 27, 2019

        Can I use the frozen wings.I have a new fryer and love the receipes

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          April 27, 2019

          Hi Barbara, I haven’t tested this with frozen wings but I have read it is possible! If you experiment please let me know how you like that with this recipe!

          Reply

          • Ann De Jong
            May 23, 2019

            Hey Natasha, I have done frozen wings, just put them in the basket frozen and i cooked them at 160 c for 30 mins came out perfect

          • Natashas Kitchen
            May 24, 2019

            That’s so great! Thank you for sharing that Ann!

  • Stephanie Barker
    April 24, 2019

    Thanks for a recipe for the air fryer! I love to use mine for things like french fries, but don’t have a lot of recipes for meals. Please continue to provide more!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 24, 2019

      I am on it!! Keep checking back. I’m completely smitten with my air fryer 🙂

      Reply

  • sheri
    April 24, 2019

    Hi
    I may buy one someday, could you tell me if my clay baker would fit in one of these? It is 7 inches tall, and 14 inches long, and about 9 inches wide. Love all your recipes, thanks so much,
    Sheri

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 24, 2019

      Hi Sheri, the rack is 10.5×10.5 and the height clearance is only about 4″ so it would not fit into this model.

      Reply

  • Mrs.Ali
    April 24, 2019

    Do you leave the skin on the wings? This recipe seems so simple. I hope it turns out well. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 24, 2019

      Hi Mrs Ali, yes we left the skin on

      Reply

  • Taylor
    April 24, 2019

    The perfect amount of crispy! Yum!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 24, 2019

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that Taylor!

      Reply

  • Becky Hardin
    April 23, 2019

    These are perfect! Love how easy and delicious they turn out.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 23, 2019

      So delicious! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Suzy
    April 23, 2019

    Love how crispy that get on the outside in the air fryer!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 23, 2019

      The perfect amount of crisp! Thank you Suzy!

      Reply

      • Mark
        January 1, 2020

        I got an Air Fryer for Christmas, this is the first recipe I made….the wings were perfect…it did take longer time than stated to crisp up, but were perfect when taken out.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          January 2, 2020

          I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

          Reply

  • Trang
    April 23, 2019

    How easy and delicious! I seriously love the Air Fryer because regular frying is too messy!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 23, 2019

      Yes! Exactly! Thank you for sharing your awesome review with me Trang!

      Reply

      • Irina
        April 29, 2019

        I bought 4 lbs of wings and usually I just multiply all the ingredients. But 8 tsp of garlic salt seemed excessive, so I only did 5 tsp. It was over salted. Like…a lot. Otherwise was great. I did in the oven and didn’t marinate. Will definitely do in future with less salt.

        Reply

        • Erica Rutledge
          July 13, 2019

          So I always think that garlic salt is overly salty also. I cut my garlic salt with garlic powder. It cuts the salt in half and amps up the garlic flavor.

          Reply

  • Kristyn
    April 23, 2019

    Wings are the best!! Love them! I love how easy these look to make as well! I’ll have to try them in the air fryer!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 23, 2019

      So easy to make! I hope you love this recipe!

      Reply

  • Susan
    April 23, 2019

    Have my Cuisinart for over a year! Perfect wings! Thank you. Hope to see more conversions for air frying!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 23, 2019

      I have some delicious air fryer recipes in the works! I’d also love to hear YOUR favorite things to make in the air fryer!

      Reply

      • liz
        April 24, 2019

        I haven’t purchased an air fryer yet, though I have been considering it. I just haven’t justified getting yet another appliance for only a couple recipes. As others have said, I’m also looking forward to more recipes. Thanks!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          April 24, 2019

          You’re so welcome Liz!

          Reply

    • stephanie
      June 5, 2019

      I have a Cuisinart and followed this recipe….my wings weren’t even almost done after the 16 minutes. Nor were they done after another 15 minutes. I eventually had to put them on the oven setting to finish them off. I don’t understand what happened and reading everyone’s reviews, I’m even more confused.

      Reply

      • Natasha
        June 5, 2019

        Hi Stephanie, is your Cuisinart an air fryer or a toaster oven? If it is only a toaster oven, you would have to use the regular baking instructions. If you have it set to the “Air Fryer” Mode, the air frying instructions should work as directed unless you are using much larger wings.

        Reply

  • Jane Konowitz
    April 23, 2019

    I have the same air fryer. Would love to see more of your air fryer recipes!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 23, 2019

      That’s so great! I’m excited to create more recipes with this air fryer!

      Reply

      • Kathy
        October 4, 2020

        My new stove has a convection oven and an air fryer feature. I have not used it yet. Could I use this recipe?

        Reply

    • Olga
      April 29, 2019

      Hello Natasha, I am considering getting an airfrier, but also would need it to be a toaster, may I ask why you chose this air frier instead of the one by Breville? … that one looks more high tech and the dimensions are larger? … thanks for advice,

      Olga

      Reply

      • Natasha
        April 30, 2019

        Hi Olga, it was mostly a “yes, they have an air fryer at Costco” decision. The Breville one is definitely more spendy but has great reviews. If you have a larger family, I would go with a larger one.

        Reply

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