Let me tell you, when I first got my air fryer, chicken wings were one of the first things I wanted to master After countless batches and tweaking techniques, I’ve figured out the formula for absolutely perfect, ridiculously crispy air fryer chicken wings that might actually be better than deep-fried versions (yep, I said it!)
These wings come out with golden crackling skin on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside. Plus, cooking wings in the air fryer is healthier, less messy and honestly, just easier than traditional frying methods.
So whether you’re prepping for game day, hosting a party, or just craving some delicious wings on a weeknight, I’ve got you covered with this foolproof method.
Why Air Fryer Wings Are Better Than Any Other Method
Before we dive into the recipe, let me tell you why the air fryer is a game-changer for chicken wings:
- Healthier: Uses only a fraction of the oil compared to deep frying
- Crispier skin: The circulating hot air creates perfectly crisp skin all around
- Juicier meat: The quick cooking method seals in moisture
- Less mess: No splattered oil all over your kitchen
- Faster cooking: Ready in about 20 minutes versus 45+ minutes in the oven
- No preheating: Most air fryers heat up in just a couple minutes
What You’ll Need
Here’s the simple ingredient list for basic crispy wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings (drums and flats, separated)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Wings
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If your wings are frozen, thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight. This is crucial for crispy results!
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Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels. This might seem like an unnecessary step, but it’s actually one of the most important parts! Removing excess moisture is essential for achieving that crispy skin we’re after.
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If your wings are whole separate them into drums and flats by cutting at the joints. You can discard the wing tips or save them for making chicken stock.
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Place the dried wings in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
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In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
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Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the wings and toss until evenly coated. I like using my hands here to really work the seasoning into every nook and cranny.
Air Frying Method
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Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 2-3 minutes. While some recipes skip this step, I find preheating helps with even cooking.
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Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd! The wings should not be touching each other. This ensures proper air circulation for maximum crispiness. You’ll likely need to cook in batches.
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Cook the wings at 400°F for 10 minutes.
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Open the air fryer and carefully flip each wing.
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Continue cooking for another 8 minutes.
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If you want them extra crispy, flip the wings once more, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
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Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked.
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Remove the wings and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
The Two-Stage Cooking Method for Ultra Crispy Wings
If you want to take your wings to the next level, try this two-stage cooking method:
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Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer and cook at 380°F for 20 minutes. This lower temperature helps render the fat from the skin while keeping the meat juicy.
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Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for another 10 minutes until golden brown and ultra-crispy.
This method takes a bit longer but creates restaurant-quality wings with incredibly crispy skin and tender, juicy meat.
Sauce Ideas
While these wings are absolutely delicious on their own with just the dry rub, tossing them in sauce takes them to another level. Here are some options:
- Classic Buffalo: Mix melted butter with Frank’s RedHot sauce (2:1 ratio)
- Honey BBQ: Mix your favorite BBQ sauce with honey (3:1 ratio)
- Garlic Parmesan: Melt butter with minced garlic, then toss with grated parmesan
- Lemon Pepper: Toss with lemon juice and extra black pepper
- Sweet and Spicy: Mix honey, soy sauce, and sriracha
Important tip: Always sauce your wings AFTER cooking, not before. If you sauce before air frying, the sugars in the sauce will burn before the wings are cooked through.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your wings aren’t turning out perfect, here are some common issues and how to fix them:
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Wings aren’t crispy enough: Make sure you’re patting them completely dry before cooking. Also, don’t overcrowd the basket.
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Skin is burning but meat isn’t done: Lower the temperature to 370°F and cook for longer.
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Too much smoke: Some fat dripping is normal, but if you’re getting excessive smoke, try adding a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer drawer to prevent the fat from burning.
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Wings are dry: You might be cooking them too long. Check the temperature earlier or try the two-stage cooking method.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These wings are best eaten fresh out of the air fryer, but if you need to make them ahead:
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Make-ahead: You can season the wings up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator.
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Reheating: To reheat leftover wings, place them in the air fryer at 370°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
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Freezing: Cooked wings can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat in the air fryer.
Serving Suggestions
Complete your wing feast with these classic sides:
- Celery and carrot sticks
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping
- Homemade french fries
- Creamy mac and cheese
- Simple wedge salad
- Corn on the cob
Final Thoughts
Once you try making chicken wings in the air fryer, I guarantee you’ll never go back to any other method. The combination of that perfectly crispy skin, juicy meat, minimal oil, and quick cooking time just can’t be beat.
Plus, they’re so easy to customize with different seasonings and sauces that you could make wings every week and never get bored!
I’d love to hear how your air fryer wings turn out! Leave me a comment below if you try this method.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen wings in the air fryer?
A: While it’s possible, I don’t recommend it. Frozen wings release too much moisture during cooking, which prevents the skin from getting crispy. For best results, always thaw your wings completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Q: How many wings can I cook at once?
A: It depends on the size of your air fryer, but the most important thing is to arrange them in a single layer with some space between each wing. For a standard 5-6 quart air fryer, you can usually fit about 1 pound of wings at a time.
Q: Do I need to spray the air fryer basket?
A: If your air fryer basket has a non-stick coating, you shouldn’t need to spray it. The oil on the wings themselves should be enough to prevent sticking.
Q: Can I use different seasonings?
A: Absolutely! The cooking method stays the same regardless of what seasonings you use. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spice blends or pre-made rubs.
Q: Why are my wings not as crispy as I’d like?
A: The #1 reason is not drying the wings thoroughly before cooking. Also make sure you’re not overcrowding the basket and that you’re cooking at a high enough temperature (400°F for the final stage).
Q: What’s the best air fryer for chicken wings?
A: Any air fryer will work, but basket-style air fryers tend to produce crispier results than oven-style air fryers. Look for one with at least 5-6 quarts capacity if you plan to cook wings regularly.
How to make air fryer chicken wings in 25 minutes
Step 1: Pat dry the chicken wings and place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle olive oil over them.
Step 2: Combine the seasonings and sprinkle them on the wings, then mix well so that the meat is fully covered.
Step 3: Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then flip them and cook for another 10 minutes. Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Cook them in multiple batches if needed.
Step 4: While the wings are cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Add Franks RedHot hot sauce (or a hot sauce of your choosing) and simmer on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: When the wings are done cooking and have reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, place them in a clean mixing bowl and pour the buffalo sauce mixture over them.
Step 6: Toss the wings until theyre fully coated and serve immediately with dipping sauce, carrots and celery.
Read more: 7 of the Best Air Fryer Accessories
How long does it take to cook chicken wings in the air fryer?
Cook your wings for 20 minutes at 400 degrees, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Farenheit.