Air fryer chicken wings have become my absolute go-to for weeknight dinners and game day get-togethers. I remember the first time I tried making them, hoping for that perfect crunch without all the oil. What I got was pure magic – incredibly tender, juicy chicken with a satisfyingly crispy skin, all thanks to the air fryer. It’s truly amazing how simple this easy air fryer chicken wings recipe is. The aroma alone, a mix of savory spices and perfectly cooked chicken, is enough to make your mouth water. You’ll be craving these crispy air fryer chicken wings every week! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with these amazing chicken wings!
- Incredible flavor that will have everyone asking for more.
- Super fast prep time means you can enjoy them sooner.
- A healthier way to enjoy wings, with minimal oil needed.
- Budget-friendly, making them perfect for any occasion.
- A guaranteed hit with the whole family, young and old.
- You’ll achieve perfectly crispy air fryer chicken wings every single time.
- This easy air fryer chicken wings recipe is foolproof and stress-free.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Gather these simple ingredients and let’s create some fantastic air fryer chicken wings. The magic really happens with the simple yet effective air fryer chicken wings seasoning blend that gives these wings their incredible flavor and crispy texture without any breading.
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats – make sure they’re the same size for even cooking
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (aluminum-free) – this is the secret to super crispy skin!
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – enhances all the other flavors
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds that classic savory depth
- 1 teaspoon paprika – for a touch of color and mild flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – for a little kick

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Ready to master how to make air fryer chicken wings? It’s surprisingly simple and yields incredibly delicious results. Let’s get these wings from the fridge to your plate with minimal fuss and maximum flavor!
- Step 1: Start by patting your chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crispiness. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to help them cook more evenly.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the baking powder, kosher salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. This simple yet effective air fryer chicken wings seasoning blend is the key to their amazing taste.
- Step 3: Add the dried chicken wings to the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Toss them gently with your hands or tongs until they are evenly coated. Let them sit for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes. Getting the air fryer chicken wings temperature just right is important for optimal cooking.
- Step 5: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can prevent them from cooking evenly and getting crispy. You might need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Step 6: Cook for 12 minutes. Then, carefully flip the wings using tongs.
- Step 7: Continue cooking for an additional 10-13 minutes. The total air fryer chicken wings cooking time will be around 25 minutes. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Step 8: Once cooked, carefully remove the wings from the air fryer and let them rest for about 2 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them even more tender.
Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Follow these tips for unbelievably crispy wings every time. These techniques ensure you get that perfect crunch with air fryer chicken wings no breading.
- Don’t skip the baking powder! It’s the secret ingredient for crispy skin.
- Ensure your wings are bone-dry before seasoning for maximum crisp.
- Resist the urge to overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed.
- A quick toss in your favorite sauce right after cooking adds amazing flavor.

What’s the secret to perfect Air Fryer Chicken Wings?
The key is twofold: ensuring the wings are completely dry before seasoning and using a touch of baking powder in your air fryer chicken wings seasoning. This combination creates that restaurant-quality crispiness. For more on achieving perfect crispiness, check out this guide on crispy air fryer recipes.
Can I make Air Fryer Chicken Wings ahead of time?
You can season the wings and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. This allows the seasoning to really penetrate the meat, but make sure to pat them dry again before cooking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Air Fryer Chicken Wings?
The most common pitfall is overcrowding the air fryer, which leads to soggy wings. Also, make sure your wings are thoroughly dried; otherwise, they won’t get crispy. This is often why my air fryer chicken wings not crispy!
Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These amazing air fryer chicken wings are so versatile! They’re absolutely perfect as air fryer chicken wings for appetizers at your next party, disappearing fast from the platter. For game day, they’re a guaranteed touchdown, bringing everyone together with their irresistible flavor and crunch. I love serving them alongside some cool ranch dip or a tangy blue cheese dressing. They also make a fantastic main course when paired with simple sides like a fresh green salad, celery sticks, or some crispy potato cheese sticks. Honestly, these wings are a crowd-pleaser no matter how you serve them!
Nutrition Facts for Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (about 4 wings) for these delicious air fryer chicken wings:
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and exact portion sizes used. For more healthy options, explore our latest recipes.
How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Got leftover air fryer chicken wings? Lucky you! To store them properly, let the wings cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for about 3 months. For the best results when reheating, I highly recommend using your air fryer again. This method is perfect for air fryer chicken wings reheating, bringing back that amazing crispiness. Just pop them back in the air fryer at around 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and delightfully crunchy again!
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Wings
What are the best Air Fryer Chicken Wings?
The best air fryer chicken wings are those that are perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, seasoned well, and cooked at the right temperature. My recipe uses a simple baking powder and spice mix to achieve this, resulting in fantastic flavor without breading.
How do Air Fryer Chicken Wings compare to oven baked or deep fried?
The beauty of air fryer chicken wings is that they offer a similar crispiness to deep-fried wings but with significantly less oil, making them a healthier choice. Compared to oven-baked wings, air frying is much faster and consistently delivers a crispier skin. So, while air fryer chicken wings oven baked comparison shows advantages in speed and texture, they truly shine for their convenience and health benefits. For a comparison on cooking methods, you might find information on Philly Cheesesteak preparation helpful in understanding different cooking techniques.
Can I use different seasonings or sauces for my Air Fryer Chicken Wings?
Absolutely! While my base recipe is delicious, feel free to experiment with your favorite air fryer chicken wings seasoning blends. You can also toss them in sauces like buffalo, BBQ, honey garlic, or a spicy chili glaze right after cooking for endless flavor variations. Just be sure to add the sauce after cooking to maintain crispiness.
Why are my Air Fryer Chicken Wings not crispy?
If your air fryer chicken wings aren’t crispy, it’s usually due to a few common issues. First, ensure the wings are completely dry before seasoning and cooking. Second, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. Lastly, using baking powder in the seasoning mix is a key trick to achieving that desirable crunch. This is often why my air fryer chicken wings not crispy!
Variations of Air Fryer Chicken Wings You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, get ready to explore even more delicious possibilities for your air fryer chicken wings! Experimenting with different flavors is half the fun. For instance, you might enjoy trying our cashew chicken recipe for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Wings: For a kick, add cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix. You can also toss them in a spicy buffalo sauce after cooking for an extra fiery bite.
- Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Wings: After cooking, toss the wings in a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of parsley. This variation is always a crowd-pleaser!
- Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Wings: A classic for a reason! Toss the cooked wings in your favorite buffalo sauce. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for the ultimate game day snack.
- Honey Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Combine honey and soy sauce with minced garlic and a touch of ginger for a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze. Toss the cooked wings in this delicious sauce for a flavor explosion.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Crispy, Easy Perfection
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe for crispy, juicy wings in just 25 minutes. Perfect for game day or any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pat chicken wings completely dry with paper towels and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Mix baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Add wings to seasoning mixture and toss until evenly coated; let sit for 10 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes.
- Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- Cook for 12 minutes, then flip wings with tongs.
- Cook for an additional 10-13 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let wings rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure wings are completely dry for maximum crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Baking powder is key for crispy skin.
- Always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
- Wings reheat best in the air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings
- Calories: 285 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg








