Air Fryer Chicken Wings

These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are so easy to make and turn out perfectly crispy every single time. The wings are air fried instead of deep fried but still turn out crispy, golden, and juicy. They make for a great weeknight dinner, game day snack, or crowd-pleasing appetizer. 

The Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

I love a crispy chicken wing and one of my favorite ways (and the easiest!) to get the crispiest, juiciest wings is in the air fryer. Honestly, if you don’t have an air fryer, it’s worth getting one just to be able to make wings. It saves time, there’s less cleanup, and the wings always turn out crispy and delicious.

In this post, I’ll show you how to make the best air fryer chicken wings recipe with just a handful of ingredients. The wings turn out every bit as golden, crispy, and flavorful as more traditional fried wing recipes but with less work, time, and no deep frying.

More Delicious Chicken Wing Recipes

• Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings
• Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
• Red Curry Chicken Wings
• Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken Wings
• Sweet and Sticky Chicken Wings

Ingredients

Split Chicken Wings: sometimes called “party” wings, split chicken wings are my favorite to use for air frying.  The wing is separated into two parts, the flat and the drum. If you prefer, you can use whole chicken wings instead. 

Avocado Oil: I like the neutral flavor of avocado oil, but you could also use any oil with a higher smoke point. Coconut oil or melted ghee could also work.

Baking Powder: I’ve made these wings both with and without baking powder and both versions turn out great. But, if you want a little extra crispiness, I recommend adding a little baking powder does the trick!

Herbs and Spices: this recipe uses salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and dried dill to season the wings and give them the best flavor.

How to Cook Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

Step One: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels, and add them to a large mixing bowl. Then, add the avocado oil and baking powder, and toss to combine and coat the wings completely. 

Step Two: Place the wings in an air fryer basket heated to 400 degrees, arranging them in a single layer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the wings are crispy and golden. Make sure to shake the basket or flip the wings over halfway through! 

Step Three: Transfer the cooked wings to a large mixing bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and all the dried spices. Toss to combine and coat the chicken. 

Step Four: Transfer the wings to a serving platter. Then, garnish them with thinly sliced green onions, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces!

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Here are a few tips to achieve super crispy wings every single time: 

• Make sure the wings are fully thawed out, and pat them dry. Do not skip this step! Patting the chicken wings dry, once they have fully thawed out, helps to ensure that there is no extra moisture on the wings so that they can get nice and crisp in the air fryer.
• Use a little oil. Just one tablespoon of oil will go a long way to help the wings crisp as they cook. Chicken wings naturally have a bit of fat on them so they don’t need a ton of extra oil.
• Preheat the air fryer. Similarly to an oven, air fryers require a bit of time to heat before cooking. Set the temperature to 400 degrees, and allow the air fryer plenty of time to preheat. Cooking at a high temperature will help you achieve a crispy exterior without drying out the meat. 
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer and how many wings you’re making, you may want to work in batches. Make sure you leave enough room in the air fryer basket to arrange the wings evenly, leaving a bit of space all around each piece, and flip them over halfway through cooking. This allows the air to circulate on all sides, cooking the wings evenly and preventing any of the sides from becoming soggy. 

Can I Bake These Wings?

Don’t have an air fryer? Or, just prefer to bake your wings instead? No worries! You can absolutely make this air fryer chicken wings recipe in the oven instead.

To do so, follow the recipe as usual drying out and tossing the wings. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 425 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes or until they’re browned and the skin is crispy. 

You can give the wings a flip halfway through to ensure that they cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees and are safe to eat. 

Serving Suggestions

I love to pair these wings with dipping sauces like dairy free Ranch dressing, healthy jalapeño Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, and buffalo sauce. They’re great on their own but also pair well with sides like: 

• Carrot and Celery Sticks
• Crispy Homemade Air Fryer French Fries 
• Crispy Potato Wedges with Chipotle Aioli
• Oven Roasted Sweet Potato Fries
• Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
• Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
• Healthy Homemade Coleslaw

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook chicken wings in an air fryer? 

The exact time will vary depending on your exact air fryer and the size of your wings. However, I’ve found that 15 to 20 minutes is typically all you need. 

Why are my wings not crispy in the air fryer? 

If your wings don’t turn out crispy, it’s likely either because the air fryer was not hot enough or they were overcrowded in the basket. 

Should you oil wings before air frying? 

Technically, you can cook chicken wings in the air fryer without using oil. However, I find that they become a lot crispier with the addition of a bit of oil. Just a tablespoon is all you need, which is a lot less than traditional fried wing recipes! 

Can you put raw chicken in the air fryer? 

Yes, as long as you cook your chicken completely, meaning it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, it is perfectly safe to cook raw chicken in an air fryer. Be sure to thoroughly clean the air fryer after cooking your wings.

How to Store and Reheat

Store: Transfer leftover wings to an airtight container, and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. 

Reheat: Warm them in the air fryer at 350 degrees for about 6 minutes or until heated through, flipping them over halfway through cooking. 

More Reader Favorite Game Day Recipes

• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Slow Cooker Baked Beans
• Healthy 7-Layer Dip
• Crispy Potato Skins
• Greek Yogurt French Onion Dip
• Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

I hope you give these Air Fryer Chicken Wings a try! They’re crispy, tender, and so delicious! If you do give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews and ratings help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you trust and love.

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Recipe by: Ashlea Carver / All the Healthy Things | Photography by: Eat Love Eat