Once you try these air fryer chicken wings, you’ll never want to make them another way. They come out tender and juicy with an irresistible crunch, ready in about 20–25 minutes and perfect for game day or any gathering.
For the past year I’ve been making these ultra-crispy wings in my air fryer and finally decided to share the simple method. They’re so crunchy that you’ll hear an audible snap when you bite in, and the seasoning is enough that they’re delicious plain — though you can always serve them with your favorite sauce.
Wings are one of my favorite game-day snacks. I also make a honey buffalo version in the Instant Pot, but this air fryer method stands on its own because of the texture and ease.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Air frying produces consistently tender meat with a perfectly crispy exterior—no deep frying required.
- Simple, straightforward ingredients that are easy to scale to feed a crowd.
- Versatile: serve as a main with sides or as an appetizer with dipping sauces or enjoy them plain.
Recipe ingredients
This recipe uses only a few pantry staples. You can vary the seasonings to put your own spin on the wings.
Ingredient notes
- Chicken wings: I used 1.5 lbs of a mix of drumettes and flats, which feeds about four people. Increase quantities as needed and cook in batches if necessary.
- Oil: A tablespoon of high smoke point oil helps the spices stick and promotes even browning. Avocado oil is a great choice; grapeseed or light olive oil also work.
- Seasonings: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper keep the flavor simple and satisfying. Swap in other blends like blackened or jerk seasoning to change the profile.
How to make chicken wings in the air fryer
Air frying wings is fast and fuss-free. Follow these steps for evenly cooked, crispy wings every time.
Pro tip: For maximum crispiness, arrange the wings in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket so hot air can circulate.
- Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and toss with the oil.
- Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, then toss with the wings until evenly coated.
- Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between pieces. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to work in batches.
- Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, flip the wings, then cook another 10–12 minutes until the skin is crisp and the meat is cooked through. Serve immediately.
FAQs
Use oils with a high smoke point to avoid burning and off flavors. Avocado, grapeseed and light coconut oil are good options.
How long do wings take in the air fryer?
Wings typically take 20–25 minutes depending on size. Flip them halfway through cooking for even browning.
Can you cook frozen wings in the air fryer?
Yes. Add about 5–6 minutes to the cooking time. Cook frozen wings in a single layer when possible; if they’re frozen together, run them for a few minutes first and break them apart before finishing.
How do you get wings extra crispy?
Give each piece space in the basket, cook at a high temperature, and flip once. Light oil and dry seasoning help the skin brown and crisp.
Are air-fried wings healthier?
Air frying uses far less oil than deep-frying, making these wings a lighter option while retaining great texture and flavor.
Recipe notes
- Pro tip: Cook in a single layer and don’t overcrowd the basket.
- Scale the recipe as needed, but cook in batches for best results.
- Try different seasoning blends to vary the flavor profile.
- Serve with your choice of dipping sauces—bbq, buffalo, ranch—or enjoy them plain.
More air fryer recipes you’ll love:
- Air fryer bacon
- Air fryer baked potatoes
- Air fryer broccoli
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts
- Air fryer chicken breast
- Air fryer corn on the cob
- Air fryer jalapeño poppers
- Air fryer meatballs
- Air fryer potato skins
- Air fryer pork chops
- Air fryer salmon
- Air fryer shrimp
- Air fryer zucchini fries
Did you try this recipe? If so, please leave a review below and tag @flavorthemoments on social media so I can see your results.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Servings: 4 | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Total: 25 mins
These air fryer chicken wings are tender, juicy and satisfyingly crispy. A simple, reliable method for great wings in about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or other high smoke point oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Toss the wings with the oil in a large bowl.
- Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper, then coat the wings evenly with the seasoning.
- Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 10–12 minutes until crispy and cooked through. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the basket for the crispiest results.
- Adjust seasonings or swap blends to change the flavor.
- Pair with any favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as-is.
Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
Calories: 411 kcal, Carbohydrates: 1 g, Protein: 31 g, Fat: 31 g