Crispy, golden, and full of flavor, these air fryer chicken wings deliver the satisfying crunch of traditional fried wings without the excess oil. Quick to make and endlessly versatile, they’re ideal for game days, parties, or casual weeknight dinners. Whether served plain or tossed in your favorite sauce, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These air fryer chicken wings offer everything you want in a wing: crispy skin, juicy meat, and bold flavor—all with minimal effort and no deep frying required. By air frying, you reduce oil while still achieving that crave-worthy crunch. With simple pantry spices and just a few minutes of prep, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite sauces for endless flavor variations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or ranch for serving
Directions
- Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this is key for crispiness.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time.
- For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the final 5 minutes of cooking.
- Serve the wings plain or toss them in buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or your preferred wing sauce. Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: 320 kcal
Variations
- Saucy Wings: Toss with buffalo sauce, honey garlic, teriyaki, lemon pepper, or BBQ after cooking.
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning blend for extra heat.
- Dry Rub: Use your favorite dry rub or seasoning blend, such as Cajun, taco, or jerk spice.
- Boneless Option: Substitute boneless chicken bites or drumettes, adjusting cook time as needed.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just confirm your sauces and seasonings are certified if needed.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat and maintain crispiness, return the wings to the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the skin soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and air frying to ensure crisp results.
Do I need to marinate the wings?
Marinating is not necessary for this recipe. The seasoning adds plenty of flavor, and the air fryer locks in moisture.
Why aren’t my wings crispy?
Ensure the wings are completely dry before cooking and do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches helps achieve better crisping.
Can I cook drumsticks or thighs instead?
Yes, but adjust the cook time based on the size and thickness of the meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What sauces go best with air fryer wings?
Classic buffalo, honey BBQ, garlic parmesan, and sweet chili are all excellent choices. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Can I prep the wings in advance?
You can season the wings and refrigerate them a few hours ahead of cooking. This can even enhance flavor.
How do I make them spicier?
Add cayenne pepper to the seasoning or toss with a spicy sauce like hot buffalo or sriracha after cooking.
Are air fryer wings healthier?
Yes, they use significantly less oil than traditional fried wings, making them a lighter alternative without sacrificing taste.
What kind of air fryer works best?
Any standard basket-style or oven-style air fryer will work well. Ensure your model allows for even air circulation.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking and less crispiness.
Conclusion
These air fryer chicken wings are a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy crispy wings without the mess and heaviness of deep frying. Seasoned to perfection and adaptable to countless flavor combinations, they’re a go-to recipe for casual dinners, gatherings, and game days alike. Once you try them, you’ll be reaching for this method every time wing cravings hit.
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Wings are irresistibly crispy, golden, and full of flavor—seasoned to perfection and cooked without the excess oil. Quick and easy to make, they’re the ultimate appetizer or game-day snack that’s healthier and just as satisfying as traditional fried wings.
Ingredients
-
2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-
Optional: buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or ranch for serving
Instructions
-
Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
-
In a large bowl, toss wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
-
Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
-
Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if necessary).
-
Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
-
For extra crunch, increase the heat to 400°F (204°C) for the last 5 minutes.
-
Serve plain or toss in your favorite wing sauce. Pair with dips like ranch or blue cheese!
Notes
-
Drying the wings thoroughly before seasoning is key to achieving a crispy texture.
-
You can use frozen wings, just add 5–8 more minutes to cook time.
-
Customize with your favorite dry rub or hot sauces.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
