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Upgrade your snack game with these irresistibly crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings. They’re perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection! It makes a great dinner idea, too!

air fryer chicken wings serves with carrots, celery, and dip

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Crispy Perfection: A Guide to Air Fryer Chicken Wings

If you’re a fan of mouthwatering chicken wings, you’re in for a treat! In this blog post, we’ll explore the tantalizing world of chicken wings in the air fryer, sharing tips, tricks, and everything you need to know to make these delectable treats a reality in your kitchen.

Why Choose Air Fryer Chicken Wings?

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, and chicken wings are no exception. With an air fryer, you can achieve the same irresistibly crispy texture of deep-fried wings while using significantly less oil. Plus, it’s a quicker and healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings Frozen

One of the greatest advantages of cooking chicken wings in the air fryer is that you can use frozen wings! No need to thaw them beforehand. Simply toss them in your favorite seasonings, and you’re on your way to crispy perfection. Say goodbye to the hassle of waiting for wings to defrost.

The Easy Chicken Wings Air Fryer Recipe

Creating mouthwatering chicken wings in the air fryer is a breeze. This easy recipe requires just a few simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. The result? Flavor-packed wings with a kick.

Satisfy Your Cravings

Whether you’re looking for a game day snack, a party appetizer, or a satisfying dinner, air fryer chicken wings are a versatile choice. Their quick cooking time and delicious outcome make them a go-to option for any occasion.

Chicken wings in the air fryer are a game-changer. They offer the same crispy goodness of traditional deep-fried wings with less oil, less hassle, and more convenience. So, if you’re craving an easy, delicious, and fuss-free chicken wings experience, look no further than your trusty air fryer.

chicken wings in air fryer basket

Air Fryer Wings: Ingredients & Substitutions

To make this easy chicken wings recipe, you will need …

Ingredients

  • chicken wings – flats and drumettes. I prefer them cut and separated, but you can enjoy them as the whole wing if you prefer.
  • olive oil – or another neutral oil such as vegetable oil.
  • garlic salt, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper – or any seasonings you prefer.
looking down onto a platter with air fryer chicken wings, carrots, celery, and dip

How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Dry the wings. Take wings and lay them out flat. Pat them dry on both sides with a paper towel.

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Season the wings. Place wings in a large bowl. In the large bowl, add olive oil, garlic salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix so every piece is well coated.

Cook the wings. Place the wings into the air fryer basket and set it to 380°F. Cook for about 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Check the wings every 5-10 minutes or so, turning them so they are evenly cooked.

Crisp the skin. Increase the heat to 400°F and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to make the skin nice and crispy.

Serve. Serve them with your choice of dipping sauces, and enjoy!

hand holding a cooked and seasoned chicken wing

Air Fryer Chicken Wings: FAQs

➡️ There’s smoke coming out of my air fryer! Is that bad?

If it’s white smoke, it’s normal for many air fryers. Lots of brands will let off some white smoke with high-fat foods. Nothing is wrong, and it won’t make your food taste any less amazing. But it’s just something to note.

➡️ I have a bigger air fryer. What shelf should I use?

I would keep the wings on the top shelf.

➡️ Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, you can use frozen wings in the air fryer. Frozen wings can be cooked directly in the air fryer without the need to thaw them first. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

➡️ Do you leave the skin on the chicken?

Ohhh, yes!! That’s what makes this recipe so gosh darn crispy.

➡️ What sauces do you recommend?

This recipe is delicious, with a variety of dipping sauces. Popular choices include ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, honey mustard, and more. You can get creative and experiment with different flavors.

➡️ How should I store leftover wings?

Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Store the wings for up to 3-4 days.

➡️ Can I reheat leftover Air Fryer Chicken Wings in the air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat leftover wings in the air fryer to maintain their crispiness. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat the wings for a few minutes until they are heated through.

➡️ Can I cook air fryer chicken wings frozen?

Yes, you can use frozen wings in the air fryer. Frozen wings can be cooked directly in the air fryer without the need to thaw them first. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Notes

  • To ensure that the chicken wings are cooked through, you can use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.
  • If you have a small air fryer, I would be sure to cook the wings in batches, as I’ve found keeping the wings to one layer is best.
  • Sometimes, depending on the garlic salt brand, you might end up oversalting the wings. There are a few solutions for this … one, you can cut the garlic salt in half entirely. Two, if you still want that garlic flavor (and who doesn’t?!), you can halve the garlic salt and add in some garlic powder. Or, three, if possible, you can use a brand you know isn’t too salty.
air fryer chicken wings on platter with carrots and celery

Other recipes you may enjoy

closeup of air fryer chicken wings
4.53 from 19 votes
Servings: 4 servings

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

By Jamie Sherman
These deliciously crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a quick, easy, and flavorful addition to your next meal or for game-day snacking!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Total: 50 minutes

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Ingredients 

  • 1 pound chicken wings, flats and drumettes separated, tips discarded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions 

  • Take the wings and lay them out flat on a clean, dry paper towel. Pat them dry on both sides with more paper towels.
  • Transfer the wings to a large bowl.
  • To the wings in the bowl, add olive oil, garlic salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well so every piece is well coated.
  • Place the wings into the air fryer basket and turn it to 380°F. Cook for about 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Check the wings every 5-10 minutes or so, turning them so they are evenly cooked.
  • Increase the heat to 400°F. and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to make the skin nice and crispy. 
  • Serve them with your choice of dipping sauces, and enjoy.

Notes

  • Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Store the wings for up to 3-4 days.
  • When you're ready to enjoy the leftover wings, you can reheat them in the air fryer or oven to help restore their crispiness. Preheat the air fryer or oven to around 350°F (175°C) and heat the wings for a few minutes until they are heated through.
  • Did you know that you can use frozen wings in the air fryer? Frozen wings can be cooked directly in the air fryer without the need to thaw them first. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • To ensure that the chicken wings are cooked through, you can use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25lb., Calories: 168kcal, Carbohydrates: 0.4g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 47mg, Sodium: 917mg, Potassium: 104mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 0.01g, Vitamin A: 119IU, Vitamin C: 0.5mg, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Originally published on February 15, 2020. Updated on December 30, 2023.

Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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4.53 from 19 votes (19 ratings without comment)

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6 Comments

  1. Birdie Meyer says:

    Mike loves every recipe I make that you post I will be doing these wings soon!.

    1. Jamie says:

      I’m so happy to hear that! ❤ I hope y’all enjoy them!

  2. William Baker says:

    Wow! after a long time I see such a wonderful recipe article.
    Thank You very much.

  3. Laurna Coluni says:

    Jamie my name is Laurna Coluni from Florida, I want to say thank you for your recipe you posted for fennel cake I made yesterday and today for myself along with husband we loved the taste it reminds us of the Italian feasts when we would go in New York.

    Thanks again
    I will be checking up on more of your delicious recipes

  4. Charlie Trotter says:

    Hi, I have chefman air fryer. Can I make this recipe in my air fryer or will you suggest any other air fryer brand?

  5. Carlee says:

    I have been meaning to make wings in the air fryer. My husband has asked a few times, I need to just do it!