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
These were amazing wings! So simple and quick.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Gem! Thank you for the wonderful review!
Natasha, you are a gift from God! I enjoy your recipes a lot. They are very comforting, easy, and fun, especially in this season. Pls don’t stop cooking. Lots of love!
Thank you for that wonderful compliment! You’re so nice! Thank you!
I love your recipes and plan to try the air fryer chicken wings.
I have the cuisinart oven and have been pleased with the results.
That’s so great Colleen! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!
You are adorable and I enjoy making your recipes. Your smile makes me smile and you make my day!!! Keep up the good work and ideas are wonderful. Next I am going to make the meatloaf. Wish me luck.
Will sure do, Kathy. Thank you for your good comments, it helps inspire me to keep on going! I hope you love the next recipe that you will try.
2t garlic salt was way too much for 1 lb chicken wings and I like salt, these were almost inedible because all I could taste was the salt. I envy those who used garlic powder instead.
Hi Carol, we didn’t find it overpowering, but you can add it to taste. Keep in mind 2 tsp garlic salt is similar to using 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp garlic powder.
Hey Natasha can I add buffalo sauce to my wings to get a little flavor
Hi Amy, you can definitely brush it with a sauce! I haven’t tested that in the hairdryer but it may work! If you experiment please let me know how you like that
Cooking your wings in a hairdryer. Lol 🤣 Natasha you are one beautiful and amazing person.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed this recipe.
We don’t have the cuisinert air fryer; I posted this before, & someone posted she used the oven but I forgot the temp & time. I’ve scrolled & can’t fine her response, I’d like to try these wings as they look so yummy. Thank you. Loving your recipes. esp. the white chicken chili.
Hi Rebecca, one of our readers wrote in with the following comment “! These turned out amazing. I cooked them for 11 mins each side at 390 because that was the suggestion for my air fryer and I didn’t have garlic salt so I did 1.5 tsp of garlic powder and 3/4 tsp of salt. I don’t think my husband and I took a single breath while eating these, lol. Amazing!” I hope that helps.
Hi Natasha! Two words, TASTEFUL RECIPES!!!
I want to coat wings in creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Could you please share with me the recipe. Thank you so much.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for that suggestion! Adding that to my list.
As we are told, too much salt is not good for you. For this and other reasons, I prefer to use garlic powder, vice garlic salt for air frying chicken wings. They come out very tasty. Lemon pepper is also vital to making wings taste good.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
Amazing!! Will definitely make again.
Thank you for your great review and I hope you love every recipe that you try!
After making the whole chicken in instant pot (it was a hit), I’m willing to try these chicken wings but I just have a toaster oven with the convection option. I was wondering if I could do those in it? At what. Temperature and for how long? And also should I leave the rack in the middle of the oven? Thanks
Hi Myrianne, it really depends on your convection toaster. I would suggest for you to check out the instructions stated in the toaster.
The wings have been in fryer now for almost 20 minutes and still aren’t crispy
I hope they turn out Amber. Did you double-check all of your settings?
Wow! These turned out amazing. I cooked them for 11 mins each side at 390 because that was the suggestion for my air fryer and I didn’t have garlic salt so I did 1.5 tsp of garlic powder and 3/4 tsp of salt. I don’t think my husband and I took a single breath while eating these, lol. Amazing!
Fantastic! I’m glad you both enjoyed this recipe Michelle. I hope you love every recipe that you try!
This was so good!
Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Jennifer!
Hi…great wings! Just wondering, approximately how many wings equal 168 calories.
Hi Gwen, it depends on the size of your wings, but it was about 3-4 per serving.
Can you please address the major issue when choosing the appliance — CLEAN UP. How do those you mention compare?
Hi Julia, the one I own is just like cleaning any mini oven. I wipe down the door and clean the drip pan with every use. When I use it, I also put the trays and racks into the dishwasher that day.
What air fryer are you using
Hi Belinda, we have this Cuisinart Air Fryer linked in the recipe. I hope that helps.
Using my new Power XL 7qt air fryer, I followed your recipe….They’re Great and I’m also a “newbie” to air fryers, send more recipes for us………pretty please
I will add that to my list! Thank you for sharing that awesome review with us!
I have the same air fryer you have, Ken, and I love the fact that it is easy to clean. I don’t think it would last as long if I put in the dishwasher so I just hand clean.
I just made these for lunch as I got some wings on sale. Just used garlic powder and lemon pepper ..next time will add some cracked pepper. They were very tasty! Trying lots of different things in the air fryer. Thanks Natasha!
You’re welcome, Judy! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
I just got a new air fryer and only used it for fries and they were great. I am going to try this Salmon recipe but I you can provide more Air Fryer recipes for this newbie. I enjoy watching your videos and your cooking recipes.
Thank you for that suggestion Anabel! I will add that to my list.
Am having a big crowd for a birthday would like to make a very large batch (big eaters) will have to make in 3 or 4 batches how do I keep first and 2nd batches warm while making more batches?
Hi Candy, I would keep them warm in a warm oven on a baking sheet.
Candy, I just made two big batches for a Super Bowl party. Kept first one warm in a 225° oven till second one was done. It worked perfectly.
PJR