If you love the crispy, golden wings you get at your favorite restaurant but want a healthier, hassle-free way to enjoy them at home, then this Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe is for you. No oil, no mess—just perfectly seasoned wings with irresistibly crispy skin and juicy meat. Whether you serve them plain or toss them in your favorite sauce, these wings are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- No Oil Needed: The air fryer creates a crispy exterior without added fat.
- Quick and Easy: Just season, air fry, and enjoy in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy skin with juicy, tender meat inside.
- Customizable: Enjoy them plain, or toss with Buffalo, BBQ, honey garlic, or your favorite sauce.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Great for game days, parties, or a quick dinner.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
- 2.5 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats, separated)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
That’s it! Simple ingredients let the wings shine, and you can always add extra spices or sauces to suit your taste.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This helps the wings start crisping up as soon as they hit the basket.
Step 2: Season the Wings
Pat your wings dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Then place them on a tray and season with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands or tongs to ensure an even coating.
Step 3: Air Fry the Wings
Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to work in batches.
Cook at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, then flip the wings and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crisp. Internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe eating.
Step 4: Serve and Sauce
Remove the wings from the basket and transfer to a plate. Serve immediately or toss with your favorite sauce like:
- Buffalo sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Teriyaki glaze
- Honey garlic
- Lemon pepper butter
Or keep them naked with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Wing
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave space between the wings so they crisp up evenly.
- Flip halfway through: Turning the wings ensures even cooking and color.
- Dry your wings well: Extra moisture prevents crispiness—use paper towels to pat them thoroughly.
- Season generously: The air fryer locks in flavor, so don’t skimp on seasoning.
Delicious Sauce Ideas
Want to level up your wings? Here are a few homemade sauce ideas:
Classic Buffalo Sauce
- ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Whisk together and toss with cooked wings.
Honey Garlic Glaze
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 minced garlic cloves
Simmer until slightly thickened and pour over wings.
Add-Ins and Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or chili powder to your seasoning.
- Smoky Flavor: Try smoked paprika or a dry rub.
- Low Carb: These wings are naturally keto and paleo-friendly!
- Extra Crispy: Add 1 tsp of baking powder per pound of wings for an even crispier result.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Wings
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Celery and carrot sticks
- Potato salad or coleslaw
- Cornbread muffins or garlic bread
- Dipping sauces: ranch, blue cheese, or sriracha mayo
Perfect for Any Season
Whether it’s summer BBQ season or a cozy game-day gathering in winter, these air fryer chicken wings are a year-round crowd-pleaser. Use them for:
- Game night snacks
- Family dinners
- Party appetizers
- Meal prep protein for salads or wraps
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Marinate or season wings up to 24 hours in advance.
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in Air Fryer: Pop leftovers back in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Freeze: Cooked wings freeze well for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe is the ultimate shortcut to getting restaurant-quality wings at home—no deep-frying, no greasy cleanup, and way less mess. With just a few spices and 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of crispy, juicy wings ready for dipping, tossing, and devouring.
Share Your Wings
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see your version! Snap a pic and tag it with #AirFryerChickenWings on Instagram or leave a comment below. What sauce did you try? What sides did you pair them with?
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs chicken wings drumettes and flats, separated
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This helps the wings start crisping up as soon as they hit the basket.
Step 2: Season the Wings
- Pat your wings dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Then place them on a tray and season with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands or tongs to ensure an even coating.
Step 3: Air Fry the Wings
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to work in batches.
- Cook at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, then flip the wings and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crisp. Internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe eating.
Step 4: Serve and Sauce
- Remove the wings from the basket and transfer to a plate. Serve immediately or toss with your favorite sauce like:
- Buffalo sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Teriyaki glaze
- Honey garlic
- Lemon pepper butter
- Or keep them naked with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing!
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