Hey there, my friend. If you want crispy chicken wings without deep frying, you’re in the right place. Air fryer chicken wings are fast, easy, and come out perfectly golden. No greasy mess, just pure crispy goodness.
And the best part? You only need a handful of ingredients, and they cook in half the time of oven-baked wings.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
Important Info
- Servings: 12 wings
- Estimated Cost: Around $8 for a full batch
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 120 per wing
- Cook Method: Air Frying
- Season: Any season
- Courses: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: LowCalorieDiet, LowFatDiet
Ingredients You Need
- 12 chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Chicken wings | Drumettes or boneless chicken |
| Oil | Butter or cooking spray |
| Garlic powder | Minced garlic |
| Paprika | Smoked paprika or chili powder |
| Cayenne pepper | Red pepper flakes or hot sauce |
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the wings with oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 380°F for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- If you want extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an extra 2 minutes.
- Remove the wings from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Drying the wings before seasoning helps them get extra crispy.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shaking the basket halfway ensures even cooking.
- For sauced wings, toss them in your favorite sauce after cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for 5 minutes.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery and carrot sticks
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen wings in the air fryer?
Yes, but you need to add 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time. Also, shake the basket more often to ensure even cooking.
How do I make my wings crispier?
Pat them dry before seasoning, don’t overcrowd the basket, and increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Can I use baking powder for crispier wings?
Yes, adding 1 teaspoon of baking powder to the seasoning mix helps create an extra crispy texture.
What sauces go well with air fryer chicken wings?
Buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, honey garlic, or lemon pepper butter are great choices. Toss the wings in sauce after they are cooked.
How do I reheat leftover wings?
Place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid using a microwave, as it will make them soggy.
