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

Air Fryer Chicken Wings in bowl with celery

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We love crispy chicken like my Chicken Schnitzel, Popcorn Chicken or General Tso’s Chicken, but the air fryer is our new best friend for chicken wings because it’s so much faster, requires less oil, and is memorably crispy!

Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

Cooking Chicken wings in the air fryer is brilliant and you will make 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.

The cook time for air-fried chicken wings is just 16 minutes. It’s three times faster than our Baked Buffalo Wings or Lemon Pepper Wings when cooked in a traditional oven! P.S. Yes, you can totally make those variations in the air fryer and toss them with lemon pepper sauce or buffalo sauce!

Also, there’s no need to preheat an air fryer, which saves you prep time and makes this the fastest crispy chicken wings recipe. All you need is your favorite wing sauce for dipping (more on that below).

Bitten into Air Fryer chicken wing up close

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Wings

The rub for these chicken wings is simple with our go-to spices for baked, sautéed or air-fried chicken. All you need is 3 ingredients: oil, garlic salt and lemon pepper.

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

How to Cut Chicken Wings

If your chicken wings are sold whole (and they are less expensive this way), you will need to cut them for even crisping. To cut a chicken wing, locate the joint between the wing tip, the middle section (drumette), and the end section (the flat). Use a sharp knife to cut into the joint between these sections to create three pieces. Trim off any excess skin.

You’ll use the drumettes and flats. You can save the wing tips for stock or discard them.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Wings

  • Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and set into a large bowl.
  • Drizzle with oil, sprinkle on the seasonings, and then toss to combine.
Dry rub for chicken wings
  1. Air Fry – Arrange the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and you can bake right away – you can let them marinate if you prefer, but there’s no need to pre-marinate chicken wings. Air Fry at 400˚F for 8 minutes, then shake the basket to flip and air fry for another 8 minutes. They should be crispy and golden brown when ready.
chicken wings on air fryer basket

Can I Double the Recipe?

For all-around crispy chicken wings, it’s best to keep the wings in a single layer, so if you are using a smaller basket-style air fryer, you may need to air fry in 2 batches.

If you have a larger air toaster oven-style air fryer, you can double everything. When doubling, air fry for 18-22 minutes or until the skin is crisp, flipping the wings halfway. Bake time will vary based on the surface area of your air fryer basket.

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

What to Serve with Air Fried Chicken Wings

I love serving this restaurant style. My husband used to work at a Chilis restaurant and they served their wings with fresh celery and blue cheese dressing – classic! They also pair really well with these dips and sides:

Crispy air fried chicken wings with celery sticks

These Air Fryer Chicken Wings have a crisp, salty skin with a tender, flavorful center. Let the snacking begin!

Storing and Reheating Chicken Wings

Once the chicken wings are cooled to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. You can re-crisp them in the air fryer at 400˚F for 4 to 5 minutes.

More Air Fryer Recipes

If you’re looking for quick and simple meal ideas, you’ll love these air fryer recipes:

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

4.99 from 1010 votes
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
  • 1 tsp garlic salt, or add to taste*
  • 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, then flip and air fry another 8 minutes for a total of 16 minutes, or until chicken wings are crisp and golden brown on the outside.

Notes

*Seasoning tip: If you love a salty skin, add 1 1/2 tsp of garlic salt. You can also substitute 1 tsp of garlic salt with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.
*If Doubling the recipe: If your air fryer basket is too small to hold the chicken wings in a single layer, cook in batches. For a large air fryer, you can double the recipe and air fry for 18-22 minutes, or until the skin is crisp, flipping the wings halfway. 

Nutrition Per Serving

168kcal Calories0.3g Carbs11g Protein13g Fat3g Saturated Fat2g Polyunsaturated Fat6g Monounsaturated Fat0.1g Trans Fat47mg Cholesterol626mg Sodium102mg Potassium0.1g Fiber0.003g Sugar93IU Vitamin A0.4mg Vitamin C10mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Amount per Serving
Calories
168
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
13
g
20
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Trans Fat
 
0.1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
6
g
Cholesterol
 
47
mg
16
%
Sodium
 
626
mg
27
%
Potassium
 
102
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
 
0.3
g
0
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
0.003
g
0
%
Protein
 
11
g
22
%
Vitamin A
 
93
IU
2
%
Vitamin C
 
0.4
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
10
mg
1
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* 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
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
4.99 from 1010 votes (867 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Lois Chambers
    March 13, 2022

    I really like your posts and videos. They give me new ideas and new ways to do the everyday cooking that we love. These chicken wings will definitely help me with using my air fryer. Bless you and yours!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 13, 2022

      Thank you, Lois for your good comments and feedback!

      Reply

  • Maria Sandillo
    March 11, 2022

    love this receipe- can you recommend a reheat method if i make them ahead?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 11, 2022

      Hi Marie, we always ate them fresh & I honestly haven’t tested that yet to advise. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

  • Jack Levitt
    March 6, 2022

    Alton Brown had suggested steaming the wings for 10 minutes to cook them and then roasting (or in this air frying) at a very high temp of 425 to 450 for about 5 minutes to crisp them. What is your opinion of that option?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 6, 2022

      Hi Jack, that’s another process but I haven’t tested that yet to comment. I bet that will work well too.

      Reply

  • Patricia Murphy
    March 3, 2022

    DRY with little flavor! I did use a high quality chicken wing not store bought. Followed to the t, disappointed I spent good money on the wings for nothing!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 3, 2022

      I’m so sorry to hear that Patricia. The most common reason is overcooking the meat. If you try this recipe again I would see about decreasing the time and adding more seasoning to your preference.

      Reply

  • Sue R
    February 13, 2022

    These are my favourite homemade chicken wings. I did use no salt seasoning because we have high blood pressure.
    Am doing a sample test before the game. Just an excuse to have a couple.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 13, 2022

      Sounds great, Sue. Enjoy and I hope everyone loves it too!

      Reply

    • Maria Garry
      February 21, 2022

      Excited be making your air fryer chicken wing recipe tonight will let you know the results.Also looking forward to receiving your other air fryer recipes 😃

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        February 21, 2022

        I hope you love it, Maria!

        Reply

  • LeAnn Bitler
    February 11, 2022

    Hello Natasha,
    I plan on making this recipe for Super Bowl Sunday. I will let you know how they turn out.

    LeAnn Bitler

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 11, 2022

      I hope you love them, LeAnn! I can’t wait for your great review!

      Reply

  • L Hill
    February 4, 2022

    These are so gooood. My whole family likes them. My husband doesn’t even like wings and loved these.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 5, 2022

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, L!

      Reply

  • Jennifer B
    February 3, 2022

    So I want to do this in my convection oven what do I change to make it work.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 3, 2022

      Hi Jennifer, The forced circulating hot air makes the skin super crisp, which is challenging to achieve in a conventional/ convection oven, and the center is perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy, but you can see the notes we have on the recipe under the section: “Can I Bake these in a traditional oven?” I hope this helps!

      Reply

  • Sandra
    January 30, 2022

    Sorry way too salty for me and my family so bummed. Definitely modify salt or in thus case the garlic salt.

    Reply

  • Serra
    January 28, 2022

    Extra-virgin olive oil only has a smoke point of 375F. Both times that I made these wings according to your specs, my smoke alarm was set off. I have made sure my air fryer is clean and in a ventilated area, to no avail. I’m going to try it with cold-pressed canola oil next time, or maybe extra-virgin avocado oil, which have higher smoke points.

    Reply

    • Fran Conder
      January 28, 2022

      That’s odd. Mine does not do that. Maybe you had it too close to the burners? Also, make sure you are not using extra-virgin olive oil.

      Reply

  • Candy Knutson
    January 25, 2022

    I spent a little extra when we bought our new stove and got the convection option. One less small appliance to find room for. It works great for crimping food.

    Reply

  • Amy Wilson
    January 1, 2022

    Excellent! Haven’t been a fan of my air fryer but this recipe changed me. If I only use the fryer for these wings, family will be happy. Simple recipe but so tasty.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 1, 2022

      I’m so glad you loved it, Amy! Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Linda
    December 26, 2021

    I am new to this. I have just received a 3.8 litre Air Fryer with an 8×8 basket. I guess it is a small Air Fryer. It was a gift. The temperature only goes up to 390. Do you think I could use this recipe. What do you suggest I do with the first batch when the second is cooking.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 27, 2021

      Hi Linda! That’s pretty close to 400 degrees! I bet that could still work! It may take slightly longer to air fry.

      Reply

  • Carla Hart
    December 14, 2021

    Hi Natasha, I have a microwave air fry oven. would this recipe work in it ?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 14, 2021

      Hi Carla, I don’t have any way to test that since my microwave doesn’t have that option. Sorry I can’t be more help with that question.

      Reply

  • Gunnar
    December 2, 2021

    This is my go to recipe for lemon pepper wings in the airfryer. I eliminate the garlic salt and just use the lemon pepper seasoning. Too salty with the garlic salt!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 2, 2021

      Hello there, great to hear that this is now your go-to recipe. That’s right, just feel free to adjust any seasonings according to your preference.

      Reply

  • Lori
    November 21, 2021

    I used the rotisserie basket and cooked the wings for 30 minutes. They turned out really good served with bleu cheese dressing for dipping. I will check out your other air fryer recipes as I get more familiar with using the fryer. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 21, 2021

      Great to hear that the recipe was a success, Lori. Thank you for the review!

      Reply

  • Shauna
    November 16, 2021

    My new favourite wing recipe. I made this in my oven and baked the wings for 45 minutes. Actually I added a few more minutes since my wings weren’t quite thawed. I was nervous about the long baking time but trusted the recipe and they turned out nice and crispy!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 16, 2021

      That’s so great! I’m happy you found a new favorite, Shana!

      Reply

  • Brenda
    November 10, 2021

    Made these, they were awesome. When they were done I tossed them in some Buffalo sauce. Guys love them while watching the games.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 10, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Brenda! I’m so happy you enjoyed that.

      Reply

  • Kristen
    November 7, 2021

    Wings turned out nice and crisp! They were a bit too salty. Would cut down on the garlic salt next time.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 7, 2021

      Thanks for your review, Kristen.

      Reply

  • Lisa sells
    October 16, 2021

    The air fryer
    Chicken wing recipe is fantastic! Made them for the first time, turned out perfectly
    Cooked and spiced!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 17, 2021

      Thanks for your review, Lisa. Glad you loved it!

      Reply

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