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.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Helpful Reader Review
“Delicious! The best part about your recipes is that besides being delicious, they’re so easy! This one was too easy, much appreciated!” – Terri ★★★★★
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, In answer to the gentleman Russ who has a Samsung Air Fry Oven, I have a Frigidaire and it says never to use olive oil because it will cause sm0ke. It says to use Avocado oil, it seems to be able to cook with higher heat and not smoke. Also follow your air fryer guide. I did this and there was a big difference..
We made these tonight and man I wish I’d read your review first. Our house is FILLED with smoke right now! Our smoke alarm was going off the whole time. The wings were good but not worth it for how smoky the house got.
Can they be frozen are reheated at a later date? If so, how do you recommend reheating them?
Hi Callie, I honestly haven’t tested that yet to advise. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.
If you want to retain the crispness don’t use a microwave to reheat. I thawed mine some and put into the air fryer. I have also reheated in my regular oven.
Excellent recipe and so easy to modify for your specific tastes. Since I don’t like lemon, I sub regular ground pepper and some cayenne pepper to knock the heat up just a little. So good!
That’s a good substitute, thanks for sharing! I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe.
we only eat breast I have them flat , how long to cook they are small
Hi Dawn, I haven’t tried just the chicken breast using this recipe, but I imagine the amount of time needed will change. If you test that out, I’d love to know how you like that.
I discovered I can stand the wings up along the edges of my basket eliminating having to turn them. They get crispy and perfect.
Thanks for sharing that with us, MJ.
Love this recipe! Lost count of how many times I used this recipe. I did use 1 tsp of garlic salt and 1 tsp of garlic powder instead of 2 tsp of garlic salt to cut down on the salt. Turns out perfect each time. Thank you.
That’s so great! It sounds like you found a favorite recipe on my blog! That’s just awesome!
New Samsung Air fryer oven and all it did was smoke like crazy. Help
Hi Russ! It’s hard to say what’s causing all that smoke. I would follow your Air Fryer instructions before cooking in it since I haven’t had that experience.
Hi Natasha!
I was recently introduced to your site and so far I am loving your recipes! I too have the same Air Fryer and it works great! However, I seem to have the hardest time cleaning it, and yours looks so clean, practically new!! Any suggestions? Thank you!
I’m so happy you discovered our blog. Welcome, Gail! 🙂 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.
Natasha, I make your egg rolls and we love them. The problem I have is when frying them I have a problem with the egg rolls turning over to cook on both sides, it’s a battle. Otherwise they are our go-to snack and are delicious. We use sweet Chili Sauce by Panda Express. It’s good but a tad got.
Hi Evelyn, I understand what you mean but I’m glad you liked the recipe! Thanks for sharing that with us.
I have found that when I am air frying something like egg rolls, it’s best to put down a piece of parchment paper first. They won’t stick to that. Works every time.
AMAZING! my favorite wings ever. but be careful with salt because lemon pepper has salt in it!
Thanks for your review and reminder, Arya.
Amazing simple recipe! By the way, I did add a bit of herb to it and it tastes amazing
Thanks for your great review, Kenneth and for sharing that with us. What herb did you add, just curious?
Wondering if toaster oven is easier to clean…worried about sides getting really greasy, while pullout basket type you pull everything out and clean no stainless splattered sides……
Hi Joan, if it happens to get dirty, I recommend wiping it once it’s cool to touch.
Huh, if it gets dirty just clean it! smdh
Marvelous
Thank you!!
Outstanding air fried chicken wings and super easy ingredients.Thanks Natashas😋🥰
I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
making the wings tonight but think mine are to big, taking a long time to cook and not browning like yours.
Hi Carol, very large ones can take longer to cook, but make sure to separate the wing into 2 parts as I did in the recipe above.
I like mine we’ll done and crispy so I usually cook about 35 minutes
Is it okay to use butter instead of oil on these. I want to make them for someone who cannot use plant based ingredients at this time.
Hi Linda, I think that will work but I haven’t tried it yet. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes.
Wow…it was scrupulous and amazing….though I would like 2 ask which dishes can best serve as starters on your dinner menu/breakfast..🤔🤔I have special visitors this week
Thanks for your review! Here are some appetizers that you can try.
My oven has a built in air fryer. I tried the wings and it was a disaster! Any advise?
Hi Yolanda, I haven’t tried it in an oven with a built-in air fryer, so it’s hard to say what went wrong without being there. Did they require more time?
I have an oven/air fryer as well. I have found that I need to decrease my temp by 25 degrees or so and add a little extra time.
I am blown away….how can such simple ingredients turn into an amazing dish….? This dish was absolutely DELICIOUS!!!!! My husband bought me the same air fryer so I found your recipe and I’m so happy I did. honeslty If I could give this a 10 star I would. Only 4 ingredients, no prep, easy cleanup…and my family ate all of them!!!
Wow, that’s awesome feedback. Thank you for your perfect rating, I’m glad you loved it!
I have the Same CuisineArt air fryer. Would I put the basket on the bottom shelf setting or middle? Also, would the basket sit on the pan or no pan needed under the basket?
Hi Waseem, I recommend taking a look at the photos in the recipe post. In one of the air fryers, you can see inside we have the wings on the wire rack on the middle shelf and the pan with foil catching any drippings at the bottom. I hope this helps.
How do you air fry chicken thighs????