These perfectly crispy chicken wings made with a fraction of the oil have tender, juicy insides and a wonderfully crisp outside. Even better, they cook three times quicker than in your traditional oven. The perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory, a platter of these air fryer wings at a potluck, party, or on game days will make you very popular!
Watch how to make them
Why I love this recipe
Easy: Air fryer chicken wings have minimal prep and a simple “toss and bake” recipe that’s so easy to put together. Quick: Deliciously crispy chicken wings only take 20 minutes to cook in the Air Fryer without losing their amazing texture. Plus, the air fryer won’t dry out your chicken while cooking – even at a higher temperature. Customizable: I use my own spice blend but you can adapt and experiment with different herbs and spices to match your tastes. Low-to-No Oil: The joy of the air fryer means you use less oil but don’t sacrifice crispiness. These wings start moist and crisp without deep fat frying.
How to make chicken wings in the air fryer
Portion the Wings: If you’re using whole chicken wings, all you need is a sharp knife to portion them out. Follow this useful guide to separating wings into perfect pieces. Season: Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. Then, transfer the wings to a large bowl and season well with your chosen spices and herbs. Using your hands, rub them thoroughly into the chicken. Then, add the flour and toss the wings until they’re completely coated. The flour will give your wings the all-important crisp, but you can omit it if you want to make the wings gluten-free. Air Fry The Wings: Spray the air fryer basket with a little olive oil so the wings don’t stick. Then transfer the seasoned chicken wings into the basket in a single layer. Make sure there’s a bit of space between the wings so the air can flow. Air fry the wings for 15 minutes at 380ºF/195ºC until the chicken is tender and juicy in the middle with a crisp skin. You can stick a knife inside the chicken to check for doneness or use a meat thermometer. They are ready if the juices run clear, or if they have an internal temperature of 165°F /74°C.
Can you cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer?
Yes! Add all your frozen wings to the air fryer and cook at 400ºF/200ºC for 10 minutes so they thaw. Then, transfer the thawed wings into a large bowl and drain any excess liquid from the air fryer. Follow the recipe as normal.
What to serve with chicken wings
For an appetizing, flavorful glaze, you can toss the wings in a spicy Buffalo sauce before serving – it’s easily homemade or you can buy it at the store. To serve on their own, pair with your favorite dipping sauce – try a Blue Cheese Dressing, BBQ sauce, Alabama White Sauce, Ranch Dressing or a creamy aioli for maximum flavor. Serve the air fryer chicken wings the traditional way with dipping sauces, fresh celery sticks or carrots and sprinkled with a garnish of fresh parsley.
Top tips
Dry Chicken: It might seem strange, but before cooking, your chicken wings should be totally dry. Pat them well with a piece of kitchen towel to get rid of any moisture – this will make sure the wings are super crispy when cooked. Don’t Overcrowd: Airflow in the air fryer will perfectly cook your wings, so don’t crowd them during cooking! If you’re making them for a crowd, bake the chicken in batches. Broiling: An optional step, but if you want super crispy air fryer chicken wings, spread them out on a baking tray and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes before serving. It won’t cook the chicken much and it’ll give the wings a wonderful outside texture. Work With Your Air Fryer: Every air fryer works a little differently, so you may need to adjust your temperature based on the model you have. The temperature and cooking time will also change based on the type of wings you have – so keep an eye on it during cooking!
If you try this easy air fryer chicken wings recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie! In The Freezer: Place the cooled chicken on a tray with space between them and flash freeze for 2-3 hours. When frozen, transfer to a Ziplock bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 6 months. To Reheat: Place the chicken wings in the Air Fryer or your oven and cook at 380ºF/195ºC for 10 minutes until warmed through.
