Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Quick, Crispy, and Foolproof!)
If there’s one thing I can make without thinking twice, it’s these air fryer chicken wings. They’re the kind of recipe you turn to on busy nights, game days, or when a craving hits and takeout feels like too much effort.
Crispy skin. Juicy inside. No deep fryer. No mess.
Just perfect air fryer chicken wings—every single time.
I’ve tested wings every way imaginable, and this simple method is the one I always come back to.
Why These Are the Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These wings are:
- Extra crispy without frying
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Made with simple pantry spices
- Easy to customize with sauces
The air fryer does all the hard work, circulating hot air to crisp the skin while keeping the meat tender. Once you try wings this way, you’ll never want to deep fry again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional for extra crispiness:
½ teaspoon baking powder (trust me—it works!)
How to Make Crispy Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Starting hot helps crisp the skin.
2. Dry the Wings
This step matters more than anything. Pat the wings very dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispy wings.
3. Season
Toss the wings with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and baking powder if using.
4. Air Fry
Arrange wings in a single layer in the basket.
- Cook for 20–25 minutes
- Flip halfway through
For extra crunch, increase heat to 425°F for the last 3–5 minutes.
5. Rest & Serve
Let them rest for 2 minutes, then dig in.
My Best Tips for Extra Crispy Wings
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—airflow is everything
- Cook in batches if needed
- Always dry the wings thoroughly
- Use baking powder, not baking soda
Sauce Ideas (My Favorites)
These wings are amazing plain, but even better tossed in sauce:
- Classic Buffalo
- Honey Garlic
- BBQ
- Lemon Pepper
- Garlic Parmesan
Serve with ranch or blue cheese and celery sticks for the full experience.
If you’re looking for crispy air fryer chicken wings that actually work, this is the recipe to save. Simple ingredients, no stress, and results that feel like a win every time.
