Cook a batch of these crispy chicken wings in the air fryer for an effort-less appetizer worthy of any game day. It’s a quick and easy recipe – around 5 minutes of hands-on prep and they air fry in around 20 minutes.
Crispy wings are super simple to make in the air fryer. The hot air (plus little baking powder) gets the skin extra crispy. You can season them any way you like, pop them in the air fryer, then set and forget, while you watch the game!
Scroll down for the printable recipe card, or read on for all the details.
What do you need?
Chicken wings
This recipe uses fresh split chicken wings (wings that have been cut into wingettes and drumettes). Separating them allows quick even cooking and crispiness, for unsplit, see my recipe for cooking whole chicken wings in the air fryer.
If you’re short on time, you can cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer. The cooking times are a bit different, so check out this recipe for all the details: Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
Baking powder
Baking powder helps achieve an extra crispy skin on the air-fried wings. The alkalinity of baking powder also boosts browning.
Seasoning
This recipe uses a store-bought chicken seasoning mix. Choose your favorite brand, or try using Cajun seasoning, lemon-pepper seasoning or all-purpose seasoning.
Alternatively, you can make a simple homemade seasoning mix. See the recipe card for a simple recipe.
Oil
You will need some oil to get the chicken wings really crispy. Choose a neutral-flavored cooking oil with a high smoke point. Light olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil are all good choices.
Pro Tip
Choose a cooking oil with a high smoke point to reduce the chance of your air fryer smoking. Vegetable oil or avocado oil are good choices.
How to cook chicken wings in the air fryer
- Prepare the chicken wings. Pat the chicken wings dry on paper towels, and place into a large bowl. Drizzle with oil, then add the seasoning and baking powder, and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/ 200°C.
- Place chicken wings in the air fryer in a single layer. Try to ensure there is space around them so the hot air flow can reach all surfaces of the wings.
- Air fry chicken wings for 20-25 minutes flipping them over halfway through the cooking time.
- Check the temperature. The chicken wings are cooked when they are golden brown and crispy, and have reached 165°F / 74°C or higher in the thickest part.
How long to air fry chicken wings
The exact cooking times will depend on a few factors, including how large the chicken wings are, and how powerful your air fryer is.
The important thing with getting the cook times right with chicken is always to ensure that the internal temperature is 165°F / 74°C or higher all the way through.
Use an instant-read thermometer at the end of the cook time to check the temperature in the center of the thickest part of a few of the largest chicken wings. If required, air fry for additional 2-3 minute intervals until they are cooked correctly.
Tip
Use an instant-read thermometer to measure the temperature in the center of the thickest part of a few wings. For an accurate temperature reading, avoid touching the bone with the thermometer tip.
Serving ideas
- Serve with classic buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing for Buffalo chicken wings – a guaranteed crowd pleaser! Serve with cooling celery and carrot sticks to balance the heat (they also make great vehicles for scooping up extra sauce!)
- Serve with ranch sauce for dipping, and Parmesan powder for a double flavor hit!
- Toss the wings in a sweet and spicy Asian sauce like Thai chili or General Tso’s sauce.
- Glaze with your favorite fruity sauce like BBQ or mango habanero for the last five minutes of cooking time, for sticky wings.
Storing and reheating
Store any leftover chicken wings in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, and use within 3 days.
You can reheat the chicken wings in the air fryer: heat at 360°F / 180°C for 4-5 minutes until 165°F / 74°C or higher in the center.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken wings split at joint, remove tips
- 1 tablespoon light olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning [Note 1]
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F / 200°C.
- Pat chicken wings dry and place in a large bowl.
- Drizzle wings with oil, then add seasonings and baking powder. Toss to coat wings evenly.
- Place chicken wings in air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down. Cook in batches if required.
- Air fry chicken wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping them over half way through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and cooked through [Note 2]
- Toss with your favorite chicken wing sauce, or serve with dipping sauces on the side.
Notes
- Or make a simple homemade mix from: 2 teaspoons paprika (sweet or smoked), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm internal temperature is at least 165°F /74°C all the way through.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.
