If you love chicken wings you have to try my recipe for whole chicken wings baked in the air fryer. This is a much better option than frying them because it is hands off, but they’re still gonna crispy compared with oven baking. (which is why we’re all obsessed with our air fryers – right?)
I know I say this a lot (like A LOT), but this one really is a great mid-week dinner. If I know we’re going to late home I season the wings ahead of time, and they can wait in the fridge until I’m ready to cook. Then it is as simple as throwing together a quick salad or whipping up some mashed potatoes in the IP, and dinner is served!
Simple seasoning
I use a simple homemade seasoning mix made from paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt (see recipe card below for details). But you can substitute another chicken seasoning rub if you prefer.
You can either use it as a dry rub, or add a little oil (this is my preferred option as it helps to get the chicken skin crispy).
Tip 1: Secret ingredient for EXTRA crispy wings
If you want extra crispy wings (and who doesn’t), just add baking powder (important: not baking soda). Add around 1 teaspoon per pound/ 450g of wings to the seasoning rub.
Tip 2: Give them space and flip
The chicken wings should be placed in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you can, try to arrange them so that they are not touching. There needs to be space around them so the hot air flow can reach all surfaces of the wings to cook them evenly.
Flip the wings over halfway through the cooking time. This helps to ensure they cook evenly, and keeps them juicy.
Tip 3: Check the temperature
The cooking times will vary depending on how large your chicken wings are, and also depending on how powerful your air fryer is. When the cooking time is up, and the wings are golden brown on the outside, check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer to ensure they are cooked through. They should be 165°F / 74°C all the way through.
Serving ideas
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy.
- Add a side of sweet potato wedges and serve with crunchy coleslaw.
- Serve with a Greek salad and warm pita bread, with a side of homemade garlic hummus
Crispy Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 2 lb / 900 g whole chicken wings
- 3 tablespoons / 45 ml light olive oil
- 2 teaspoon baking powder (mix into the seasoning rub, optional)
Chicken seasoning rub (approx 3 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon / 8 g paprika (smoked, hot, or sweet)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F / 160°C.
- Drizzle the chicken wings with oil, sprinkle with the seasoning, and rub in.
- Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket skin-side down. Try to ensure they are not touching.
- Air fry the wings at 320°F / 160°C for 20-25 minutes [Note 1], flipping them over halfway through the cooking time.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the wings have reached165°F / 74°C or higher all the way through. Air fry for an additional few minutes if required.
Notes
- Cook times are an estimate and will vary depending on the exact size of the chicken wings used and the make and model of your air fryer.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.
