These Air Fryer Chicken Wings have crisp, salty skin and a tender, juicy center. They’re tossed with a simple savory spice rub and a surprising ingredient that helps create irresistible crispiness. They take less than 20 minutes to cook, and there’s no marinating time required. You can use this recipe with a variety of sauces to coat or dip the wings.
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Air Fryer Chicken Wings Video
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Cooking Chicken wings in the air fryer is brilliant, and you will make wings way more often if you try this air fryer method. Cooking chicken wings in the air fryer is one of the fastest ways to get crisp skin and juicy meat. Baking powder helps dry the skin without adding flavor, while the circulating hot air makes the wings blistered and crisp. Did I mention this method is super FAST?
The air fryer cook time is three times faster than my Baked Chicken Wings, Baked Buffalo Wings, or Lemon Pepper Wings when cooked in a traditional oven. There’s no need to preheat the 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).
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Chicken Wings – cut into flats and drummettes. I love the big packs of organic chicken wings from Costco.
- Oil – helps the spices stick to the wings and helps with browning.
- Spice Rub – the best and most versatile chicken seasoning, all you need is salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Baking powder – my secret ingredient to make the wings extra crispy because it dries out the chicken skin.
How to Split 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. You’ll only use the drumettes and flats. Wing tips don’t have any meat and tend to burn, so save those for chicken stock or discard them.
How to Air Fry Chicken Wings
- Prep Wings – Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and set into a large bowl. This is the key to extra crispy chicken wings.
- Drizzle with oil and toss to coat.
- Season – In a small bowl, stir together the seasonings and baking powder (if using), then toss the wings to evenly coat.
- Air Fry – Arrange the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry right away. You can let them marinate if you’re making them ahead, 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 8-12 minutes. They should be crispy and golden brown when ready.
How Long to Cook Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
Air fry chicken wings at 400˚F for 16 to 20 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through. Smaller wings may be done closer to 16 minutes, while larger wings may need the full 20 minutes. The wings are ready when the skin is crisp and golden, and the thickest part of the chicken reaches at least 165˚F on an instant-read thermometer. If you let them reach 175˚F to 185˚F, they will have even more flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Wings
- Pat dry to remove excess moisture, so the skins get crisp instead of steaming.
- Let Air Circulate – leave some space between the wings and air fry in a single layer for optimal crispiness on all sides.
- Use a little baking powder – for extra crispy wings, about 1 tsp per pound of wings helps dry out and blister the skin for an extra golden and crispy skin. I also did this with my crispy Baked Chicken Wings.
- Sauce after cooking: wait until the wings are cooked to add any sauce. If you add sauce too early, the wings lose crispiness.
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 tossed in Buffalo Chicken Wing Sauce paired with fresh celery and blue cheese dressing – classic! They also pair really well with these dips and sides:
- Ranch Dressing or Avocado Ranch
- Veggie Dip
- Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Coleslaw or Caesar Salad
- Corn on the Cob
- Baked Potatoes
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
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken wings, split into flats and drummettes*
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, or add to taste*
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp baking powder, optional (do not use baking soda)
Instructions
- Thoroughly pat dry chicken wings with paper towels and place in a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
- Season – In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, garlic and onion powder, and baking powder (if using), then sprinkle over the chicken and toss to evenly coat wings with seasoning.
- Air Fry – Place in air frying basket, spacing evenly, and air fry at 400˚F for 16-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Air-fry until chicken wings are crisp and golden brown on the outside. They should reach 165˚F on an instant-read thermometer, and they will taste even better if you let them reach 175˚F to 185˚F.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
If you’re looking for quick and simple meal ideas, you’ll love these air fryer recipes:
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Crispy Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Easy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Air Fried Pork Chops
- Crispy Air Fryer Bacon (my fave method!)
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Hi.
What happens to the flats? We love eating them, but I see you split them … and then what?
Hi Esme, we cook them together with the little drumsticks.
Wanting to put several batches in freezer to just pull out and cook. Starting raw, should I season/freeze/cook or season/cook/freeze? How long to cook from frozen cooked/uncooked? Thanks so much!
I tried this recipe myself and my family loved.
Thank you for sharing it!
That’s so great to hear!
Thank you Natasha, dunno in France if I can find lemon pepper, can I just use pepper and lemon juice?
Hi Tasnim! Yes, that should work too. You may also use some lemon zest.
Hi Natasha! I have been following you for a long time. Love your recipes and love that you have made a living doing this. All the best in the future and keep cooking!
Thank you, Carey!
So, so good. Love these for a quick, easy diner. And they are yummy!
They turn out delicious every time, and much less expensive than eating them at the restaurant. Kinders seasonings taste so good on them! I use lemon pepper and buttery steakhouse seasonings.
I’ll admit they are great. But cleaning the air frier after is a witch
This will be my go-to recipe for air fryer wings. Simple and easy. Delicious and crispy. I used my CRUX fryer. Thank you.
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Lisa!
Made these in the Breville toaster oven air fryer. They tasted delicious, but there was SO MUCH SMOKE during the cooking process, and they didn’t crisp up so I had to finish them under the broiler. Wondering what went wrong…has anyone else had this experience? I’m new to air frying, and was so excited to use it, but the smoke was so out of control that I’m not eager to repeat the experience.
Hi Jen, overcrowding is the most likely culprit in the air fryer. Also, a toaster oven air fryer can heat hotter than a basket style so it may need an adjustment in temperature if you were seeing any smoking (that’s not a normal occurrence with this recipe)
I made this recipe last night and I have to say both my husband and I felt it was the best and simplest recipe we’ve made for AF chicken wings and it was fabulous. It was so perfect.
Thank you for all your wonderful recipes = all have been amazing . And please note, I usually do not comment, but I want people to know this is really terrific.
Hi Ellen! I’m so happy to hear that. Thank you for the feedback.
Put your ai fryer under your fan as it will suck out the smoke etc.
Awesome. Your recipes have never failed. This is delicious
I’m glad to hear that, Lynn!
Have you tried these in the air fryer from frozen? Wondering if it would work just as well or if they have to be thawed first. I do chicken breasts from frozen all the time and they get crisp so I assume it would work…
Hi Ticey! I have not, but I don’t see why you couldn’t. Bake time will vary based so keep an eye on them.
Maybe try using a little corn starch along with the oil and spices rubbed on! The cornstarch should help to crisp up the wings!
I have cooked chicken thighs in air fryer from solid as a rock frozen and they cooked super fast and we’re perfect. I’m sure these things will do just fine.
I loved this recipe. The wings were absolutely delicious. I watch you often of Instagram and love every recipe I’ve tried.
Thank you so much, Sally!
Just what I was looking for! Made this Chicken Wing recipe in the Air Fryer and it was crispy and PERFECT. So much so, bought a whole other bag of Chicken Wings and anxious to try different dips with them. Thank you Natasha!
You’re so welcome! Sounds perfect, so happy that you loved our Air Fryer Chicken Wings!
Oven baked… not very crispy at all. I think these need some kind of additional coating.
This recipe was intended for air frying in a toaster oven style air fryer, which works best. If you’re making these in an oven on air fryer mode, they will not get as crisp and may require some additional cook time.
Well Beeteeoh, maybe try looking up OVEN BAKED chicken wings
I tried these tonight and had to double up a few to get them in. I did it for 20 minutes and they were crisping up. Next time will do for 22 to add a BIT more crunch. I used cajun spice instead of lemon pepper, but really any rub should work well. Thanks for the recipe.
Sounds great! Thanks for sharing the substitutions that you used and good to know that they worked well!
Natasha, I have been using your recipe for a year now. It time for me to give 5 stars. Awesome, honestly, minus the lemon pepper.
Thank you so much, Angela.
Hi,
I’m getting an air fryer tomorrow and I bought a pack of chicken wings to try it out because what better test! I’ve been a fan of Natasha’s for a while so wanted to try her recipe first but my son will be here and he’s not a big fan of lemon. Do you use anything in place of the Lemon Pepper or are they great just leaving it out. Thanks!
Try some cajun seasoning and some freshly cracked pepper. Or chili pepper, paprika, and garlic salt/ tajin maybe? My personal favorite usually includes pepper, garlic, and salt and can add other things like thyme/ rosemary/ curry to taste
Hi there! I have an air fry function on my Whirlpool oven and I was wondering if this recipe can be used, without adjustment, in my oven?
Hi Karen! Because the space in an oven is larger than a smaller counter air fryer, these won’t crisp up as well in a large oven.
Hi Karen and Natasha, I have a G.E. oven that has an Air Bake mode. I have never used this mode in this oven. I found a recipe online under
verything Air Fried Wings Recipe – GE Appliances
GE Appliances
https://www.geappliances.com › recipes › everything-air-…
INSTRUCTIONS
Spray the air fry basket with cooking spray. Season the wings with salt and pepper. …
Set mode to Air Fry at 450°F. for 20 minutes flipping the wings halfway through. …
While the wings are cooking, stir the honey and sriracha in a large bowl. Add the hot cooked wings and toss to coat.
Although I am going to use Natasha’s recipe. I am planning on making 24 wings, however I am only going to try 6 to begin with in my G.E. Air Fryer mode oven.
I am going to try it tomorrow. Sunday, 1/14/2024. Was going to have them for the Steelers/Bills game. Planning on saving some for Monday when the game is playing.
Hi Kim! Thanks for sharing that. I hope you love the recipe. Let us know how they turn out.
I was wondering how your wings turned out. I have a new oven with an air fryer and was wondering about the temp and timing?
Well, How did the wings turn out after using it in the oven fryer
Thank you! I used your recipe as my starting point. I have a greek flavour mix that I used instead of the other ingredients plus the olive oil. After they were cooked, I poured around 3 tablespoons of bbq sauce; shook a bit to coat them evenly. My university aged twin sons loved them; it was a sellout.
Thank you for sharing that with us!
Picture looks amazing! We have the Cuisinart model that you mentioned and I am wondering how to use this recipe for chicken wings but also adding in a couple bone-in chicken breast pieces with skin on. Would I adjust the time or take out wings sooner? Any advice you can give on this?
Hi Barb! I haven’t tested chicken breast to provide those exact instructions. They will likely take longer than the wings. The best thing is to check for doneness with a food thermometer (Amazon affiliate link).
Natasha, you are my favorite! I have learned a lot from you, and loved everything we have tried. Your directions are clear and concise. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Leslie! I’m so happy to hear that.
My air fryer only goes to 200
so i cooked them twice at 200 and flipped them. Turnerd out pretty good.
Great to hear that it was a success!