Air fryer chicken wings are one of the best ways to make crispy wings at home without deep frying. The skin turns golden and crunchy, while the meat stays tender and juicy. If you’re aiming for fewer calories and less mess, this air fryer recipe is your go-to.
Why I Love Making Air Fryer Chicken Wings ?
Let me tell you a quick story. I didn’t always cook wings at home—until I saw my son inhale a plate of them at a local diner. That moment flipped a switch for me. I wanted to find a way to make delicious, restaurant-quality wings in my kitchen, but healthier. Enter: my trusty air fryer.
The air fryer has completely changed how I cook. Chicken wings especially come out crisp without breading, juicy without oil, and they’re ready in under 25 minutes. No splatter, no waiting on the oven, no sacrificing flavor.
And for this busy mom of two? That’s a huge win.
Why Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings ?
If you haven’t tried Chicken Wings in Air Fryer yet—trust me, you’re missing out. Here’s why this method works so well:
- Quick cook time: About 20–25 minutes total.
- Super crispy skin: Better than the oven.
- Minimal oil: Just a spritz, not a deep fry.
- Healthier: No breading needed, low-carb and gluten-free.
- Kid-friendly: You can keep them mild or toss in sauce after
Table Of Contents
What You Need for Perfect Wings
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a batch of 2 lbs of deliciously crisp chicken wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (NOT baking soda)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: buffalo sauce, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic butter, or ranch seasoning for tossing
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Step by Step
- 1. Prepare the Wings
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the wings to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- 2. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
- 3. Arrange the Wings
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned wings in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching.
- 4. Cook the Wings
- Air fry the wings at 380°F (193°C) for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
- For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Serve
- Remove the wings from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Toss them in your preferred sauce or enjoy them plain.
- Serve with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce.
Other Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love:
Want to make your own crispy masterpiece at home or explore other chicken favorites?
Try these:
- Homemade Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken for Crispy Results at Home
- Chicken Tenders air fryer
- Air fryer Chicken Fajita
- Air Fryer Cornbread
- Frozen Chicken nuggets
Bonus Tips – Frozen & Reheated Wings
- 1- Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer:
You can cook them straight from frozen. Air fry at 400°F for 30–35 minutes. Flip halfway and season after they’re fully cooked.
- 2- Reheat Chicken Wings in Air Fryer:
Set the air fryer to 350°F and reheat wings for 5–6 minutes. They’ll be crisp and hot—way better than soggy microwaved ones.
Serving Ideas & Flavor Variations for Air Fryer Chicken Wings
You can enjoy these air fryer chicken wings plain or get creative with sauces. Try tossing them in:
- Buffalo Sauce: Hot sauce + melted butter = game-day favorite.
- Garlic Parmesan: Mix butter, garlic, and grated parm for savory delight.
- Ranch Seasoning: A dry rub favorite that’s kid-approved.
Pair them with fries, coleslaw, or just a cold drink—they shine on any plate.
FAQs
How long do you air fry chicken wings for?
Typically, air fry at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway. For extra crispiness, increase to 400°F for the last 5 minutes.
How long to air fry chicken wings at 180 degrees?
Cooking at 180°C (356°F) may take around 30-35 minutes. Ensure wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Why are my wings not crispy in the air fryer?
Possible reasons include not patting the wings dry, overcrowding the basket, or not cooking at a high enough temperature.
How do you make chicken crispy in the air fryer?
Pat the wings dry, use a light coating of baking powder, cook in a single layer, and finish at a higher temperature for crispiness.
Air fryer chicken wings are a quick, healthier alternative to traditional fried wings, offering the same delicious taste with less mess. With the right techniques and seasonings, you can enjoy crispy, flavorful wings any day of the week.
PrintAir Fryer Chicken Wings
Enjoy crispy and juicy air fryer chicken wings with this easy recipe. Perfect for game day or a quick dinner, these wings are healthier and just as delicious as traditional fried wings.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken wings
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional: buffalo sauce, garlic butter, or ranch seasoning for tossing
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. In a large bowl, mix baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the wings in the seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
4. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil and arrange wings in a single layer.
5. Air fry at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Increase temperature to 400°F for the last 5 minutes for extra crispiness.
7. Remove wings and toss in your favorite sauce if desired.
8. Serve immediately with dipping sauce and sides.
Notes
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
For frozen wings, increase cook time to 30–35 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to confirm wings reach 165°F internal temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
For more air fryer recipes:
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fryer Chicken Bites
- Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
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