Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Updated Nov 03, 2023
Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a healthier way to prepare wings without deep frying or long cook time. Crisp on the outside and so tender.
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What’s the great thing about air fryer chicken wings? Wings are one of those fried recipes that’s difficult to replicate in the oven. So if you’re looking for a healthier way to eat chicken wings, the air fryer method is your best bet. That’s because the speed and temperature of the air circulating in the air fryer create very crisp skin that you can’t get in an oven.
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I never cooked chicken wings until I saw my son devour them at a restaurant once. Then I figured I should find a way to make them homemade and, albeit, healthier. I love the air fryer method of making chicken wings. They come out perfectly crisp on the outside while juicy and tender on the inside. And there’s no breading necessary, so the recipe is low carb and gluten-free.
I made the chicken wings today! I made them exactly as your recipe stated, except I used smoked paprika instead of regular. The timing of cooking the chicken wings were perfect! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Fell off from the bone. I warmed up some sugar free bbq sauce and added Sriracha, and coated the wings with the warmed sauce once the wings were done. They were the best chicken wings my husband and I have ever had!! We both agree the wings were a ton better than BW3, and this is coming from BW3 wing connoisseurs. My husband said he didn’t want dinner to end. Thank you so so much for the recipe!! – Tkegs
Why make wings in the air fryer?
If you haven’t tried wings in the air fryer yet, give these a try. They are seriously the best!
I like to cook chicken wings in an air fryer mainly because of the reduced cook time. They take less than 20 minutes to cook and come out perfectly crispy and juicy. They require much less oil, but they taste just like deep fried. The prep time is minimal and the cooking is hands off.
Ingredients you will need
- Non-stick cooking spray: To spray the air fryer basket
- Chicken wings: Split into flats and drummettes. Use free run or organic if you can.
- Marinade: Olive oil, paprika, garlic powder salt and pepper.
- To serve: Chopped parsley and ranch dressing.
How to air fry chicken wings
Marinate the chicken wings with the seasoning and olive oil; substituting according to your taste. You can even add some hot sauce to the marinade. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Place the wings in the air fryer so that they are not touching. You’ll want to cook them for 10 minutes and then increase the temperature and cook until they are golden brown. I used a pound of chicken wings and they fit just fine in my air fryer.
When they come out of the air fryer, you can enjoy them as is. You can also toss them in hot sauce, or hot sauce and melted butter or a store-bought buffalo sauce. I prefer keeping the chicken wings not spicy since my son enjoys them so much!
First time making chicken wings, always thought they were difficult to make. Was I WRONG! Not with this recipe!! My husband (of 53 years) who has never shown interest in cooking not even boiling an egg, said the next time he’ll make them. Thank you for an easy, fast, tasteful wonderful recipe. –Oliva
Tips for making this recipe
- Pat dry the chicken wings dry before marinating them. This will remove any excess moisture and help them get nice and crispy.
- Line up the chicken wings standing upright along the sides of the air fryer. If necessary, this is a good trick to fit them in the air fryer basket. It won’t affect how they’re cooked and allows you to fit more in at once.
- Be sure to increase the temperature of the chicken wings during the last few minutes of cooking. You can use the same temperature throughout to make it easier, but I found this tip makes them crisper.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This fried chicken wings recipe is easily doubled, but you may need to cook the wings in two batches so they’re not touching in the basket.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can, but it will take longer and the results may vary. To make the chicken wings in the oven, bake them at 425˚F for 35-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
These wings are best enjoyed as soon as they are cooked. If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat cooked chicken wings in an air fryer at 360°F for 4 minutes or in the microwave until heated through. Only reheat the chicken wings once and enjoy them in one sitting.
You can freeze the fried chicken wings recipe. Let them cool to room temperature and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer safe container. Thaw the wings in the fridge overnight before reheating in the air fryer or oven.
From start to finish, these chicken wings are ready to serve in less than 25 minutes. They are super quick to prep and require 16 to 18 minutes of cooking time when cooked at 380F.
I’m so happy we enjoy chicken wings without the need for deep frying them! These crispy air fryer wings are tender and juicy without taking up too much time to make in an oven.
For more air fryer recipes:
- Pickle Brined Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Air Fryer Potatoes
- Air Fryer Avocado Fries
- Shrimp in Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Salmon
More chicken recipes:
- Chicken Broccoli Casserole
- Pan Seared Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Meatballs with Marinara
- Pickle Brined Chicken Tenders
If you’ve tried this healthy Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Video
Ingredients
- Cooking spray for air fryer basket
- 1 pound chicken wings split into flats and drummettes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for serving
- Ranch dressing for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. When heated, spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken wings dry. Then transfer them to a large bowl. Toss the wings with olive oil, paprika and garlic powder; then season with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken wings in the air fryer so they are not touching. Cook for 10 minutes, then increase the temperature to 400°F, and cook until crisp and golden, about 6-8 more minutes.
- Garnish the chicken wings with parsley, and serve with ranch dressing on the side, if desired
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Comments
What a great recipe. Just bought my air fryer and this is the first thing I made in it. Didn’t know how to keep the wings standing up along the side of the basket, but they turned out golden brown and juicy anyway. This is definitely a go-to recipe from now on. Looking forward to trying some of your other recipes!
Yay, so happy you liked it!! Thank you, Pat! Congrats on the new air fryer, too. I have an entire collection of air fryer recipes I think you’ll enjoy: https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/category/method/air-fryer/
How would I adjust the cooking time for wings that are coming straight from the freezer?
Hmm, good question! I haven’t tried using frozen chicken wings myself but I would do 5 minutes at 380°F after Step 1, then remove the wings and continue the instructions with Step 2. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F. Let me know how they turn out!
Thank you for your wonderful, simple, but delicious chicken wing recipe for the air fryer! I have an air fryer toaster, so roughly doubled the time (they seem to be less effective than a dedicated air fryer, but the results are still similar). I enjoyed mine mostly plain, but it is fun to dip into favorite sauces as an option.
Yay!! So glad you liked the recipe! Thank you for including cook time details for your air fryer toaster as well, it’s very helpful for people to see!
Best air fried wings!!
Yay, so happy you love them! Thanks!!
Great job thanks
So happy you liked them, Jason!
These wings were turned out wonderfully! My family loved them. Chicken not dried out – cooked to perfection!
Yay! I’m so happy to hear that! Having the family’s approval is everything!!
This recipe was easier and quicker than I thought it would be. I like that it gives you proper adjustments for ingredients if you’re making larger servings. This is a good base recipe for cooking wings and dressing them however you want with whatever sauce/topping. I used Frank’s Hot Sauce, my wife and one son had theirs with parmesan cheese, and another son used Melinda’s Sriracha sauce. Everyone got it the way they wanted it.
Aww, so glad you found the recipe easy and that everyone in your family got the flavor they wanted!! Love that! Thanks so much for sharing, Charles!!
I’ve always loved wings but never made them myself. I finally did because they are so expensive ordering at places. This is the only recipe I’ve tried and I will not be even looking for others. They came out better than anywhere else and I toss them with my favorite sauces. Perfection. Also this is the first review I’ve ever left on a recipe of any kind ever.
Wow! Thank you so much, Lucas!! I’m so happy you loved the recipe!
I tried these tonight for dinner. They were very good. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Yay, so happy you liked it! Thank you!!
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