These air fryer chicken wings are the perfect game-day or party snack, offering the crispy texture and juicy flavor of deep-fried wings with a healthier twist. The best part is this recipe is totally versatile so you can season the chicken wings just about however you like.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- They are quick and easy to make. Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is much faster and less messy than deep-frying.
- They are a healthier alternative. Air frying uses less oil and results in a healthier dish compared to traditional deep-frying.
- They are crispy and succulent. Air frying chicken wings creates crispy skin, while the meat stays juicy, for perfect chicken wings every time.
In this recipe, we’ll show you four different ways to season your chicken wings to suit your taste. You can marinate the wings in a flavorful mixture, season them with a dry rub, or baste them with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Whether you prefer a tangy, spicy, or sweet flavor, there’s an option for everyone. These different methods allow you to customize the flavor of your chicken wings and make them your own.
Scroll down for the printable card for this air fryer chicken wings recipe, or read on for all the details.
What do you need?
Full ingredients list and quantities given in recipe card below.
Chicken wings
This recipe uses fresh split chicken wings,
You can make the recipe with whole chicken wings, or frozen chicken wings, but the methods are a little different to check out Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings, or Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings for more details.
Seasoning
You can season chicken wings for air frying using any type of seasoning that you usually would, including dry rub, marinade, oil and spices, or you can even baste them with a sauce.
4 ways to season chicken wings
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can season the wings just about anyway you like to suit your taste.
1. Make a simple crispy coating
The recipe below uses seasoned cornstarch (aka cornflour) to make a light crispy coating.
Simply add your favorite seasoning and the cornstarch together in a zip-lock bag, add the chicken wings, and shake until the wings are thoroughly coated.
2. Use a rub or seasoning mix
No corn starch, or want a simpler recipe? You can just use seasoning mix or a rub to season the wings. It can be used with or without oil, but a little oil witll give you a crispier result.
Add the wings to a bowl, and sprinkle with your favorite seasoning mix or dry rub. A drizzle of oil is optional, but will help the wings to crisp up. Rub the mixture all over the wings, then let them sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse before air frying.
3. Marinating the wings
For those who prefer a juicy and flavorful wing, marinating the chicken in a mixture of your choice for at least an hour (or up to overnight) before cooking. This will infuse the wings with a bold, tangy flavor and keep them moist during cooking.
Add the marinade to a sealable bag, add the wings and mix to coat the wings. Refrigerate for at least half an hour until ready to cook. Drain the marinade prior to air frying.
4. Baste with sauce
This is probably the simplest way to make chicken wings in your air fryer. Season the wings with salt and pepper before air frying, then simply brush the wings with the sauce in the final 5 minutes of cooking, and allow it to caramelize and form a crispy crust.
BBQ sauce is always a great option, but teryaki sauce, sweet chili sauce, or periperi sauce also work well.
How to cook crispy chicken wings in the air fryer
This recipe is very simple to make, there are just a few simple steps to getting them just right:
- Season the chicken wings using one of the methods above.
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F / 180°C.
- Place chicken wings in the air fryer. The chicken wings should be placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It is OK if they are touching, but try to ensure there is space around them so the hot air flow can reach all surfaces of the wings.
- Air fry wings. Air fry the chicken wings at 360°F / 180°C for 20-25 minutes flipping them over half way through the cooking time.
- Check the temperature. The chicken wings are cooked when they are golden brown and have reached 165°F / 74°C or higher in the thickest part remove from the air fryer.
- Toss with your favorite sauce and enjoy!
How long to cook chicken wings in the air fryer
The exact cooking times will depend on a number of 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, and avoid touching the bone with the thermometer tip for an accurate temperature reading.
Serving ideas
Chicken wings are best served with a great dipping sauce, and something fresh and crunchy on the side. Try:
Ranch sauce with celery and carrots on the side is a classic, but blue cheese sauce with cos lettuce, or jerk sauce with sliced bell peppers are also great combinations!
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, air fry at 360°F / 180°C for 4-5 minutes until 165°F / 74°C or higher in the center.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken wings split at joint, remove tips
Seasoning [See Note 1 for alternative seasoning options]
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt optional
Directions
1. Season chicken wings [see Note 1 for alternatives].
- Place the cornstarch and seasonings in a large zip-lock bag, and shake to combine.
- Pat the wings dry with paper towels. Place the wings in the storage bag and seal the bag. Toss the bag until all of the wings are coated.
2. Air fry wings
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F / 180°C.
- Place chicken wings in air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side down. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Air fry chicken wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping them over half way through the cooking time.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the wings have reached 165°F / 74°C in the center of the thickest part.
- Toss with your favorite chicken wing sauce, and serve.
Notes
- Seasoning mix or dry rub: Use 2 tablespoons of dry rub or chicken seasoning. Pat the wings dry, place in a bowl, add rub/seasoning mix and toss to coat. Optional: add a drizzle of oil
- Marinade: Place chicken wings in a bowl or large zip-lock bag, add the marinade and ensure that the wings are well-coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and place in the refrigerator for at least half an hour. Drain the marinade prior to air frying.
- Sauce: Season chicken wings with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper and an optional drizzle of oil. Air fry the chicken wings as per the recipe above, but brush sauce onto chicken wings when they have 5 minutes of cooking time remaining.
Nutrition
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I’m Eliza, busy mom, home cook, and blogger. My goal is to help everyone cook good food. Whether you are short on time, skills, or motivation, there is something here for you! We have dozens of quick and easy recipes for dinner, lunch, side dishes, and more. Our recipes use everyday ingredients, for quick delicious meals your family will love! Read more…
