Chicken Wings in Air Fryer {So Easy}

There’s something so satisfying about air fryer chicken wings - crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and just the right amount of seasoning. They're one of our favorite chicken recipes along with air fryer barbecue chicken and air fryer chicken tenders.

This method for cooking chicken wings in an air fryer gives you all of that, without the mess of deep frying or the long oven bake time. They’re quick, easy, and just right for busy nights, casual get-togethers, or anytime you’re craving something comforting with a little crunch.

Why We Love Making Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

Wings used to be a once-in-a-while treat in our house - usually something we ordered when everyone was too tired to cook. I’d tried baking them in the oven, but they never got as crisp as I wanted, and frying them? Honestly, I didn’t love the smell or the cleanup.

Then I tried air fryer fried chicken wings. The first batch came out beautifully golden, with that delicate crackle you want from a good wing. And the best part? Hardly any effort. They’ve become a regular favorite since - especially as a weekend fakeaway treat when we want something fun without fuss.

Why an Air Fryer is Perfect for Cooking Chicken Wings

The air fryer works like a mini convection oven, circulating hot air around the food. That means the wings cook evenly and crisp up without drying out. Here's why it's perfect for wings:

• No need for lots of oil
• Cooks quickly
• Less mess and less cleanup
• Results are reliably crispy

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Chicken wings - (around 6 per person for an appetizer or 10 per person for a main course - depending on how hungry you are).

Oil - To create a deliciously crispy skin (choose an oil that's suitable for using in an air fryer. I like to use vegetable oil, or olive oil).

Seasoning - I used a mixture of dried garlic granules, dried onion granules and paprika but you can use your favorite combination of seasonings and spices.

Salt and pepper - Brings out the flavor of the chicken.

What is higher welfare chicken?

When making air fryer chicken recipes, I like to source high-quality free-range or higher welfare chicken. This means that the chickens have been kept in better conditions than cheaper sources of chicken. Find out more about higher welfare chicken here.

How to make air fryer fried chicken wings

Dry the wings thoroughly: Use paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This is key to getting crispy skin.

Season: In a large bowl, toss the wings with the seasonings and spices until evenly coated.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket or on the tray. Don’t overcrowd—you want air to circulate around them.

Cook for 20–25 minutes 400°F (200°C), flipping the wings halfway through. They should be crisp and golden, and the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.

Optional: Toss with sauce just before serving, or serve plain with a favorite dip.

How to prepare and cook chicken safely

I used to be nervous about cooking raw chicken. But if you follow some basic steps, it's straightforward. The important thing is to practice good kitchen hygiene when handling and cooking chicken to avoid food poisoning. Click here to find out more information about cooking chicken safely.

Avoid Cross-Contamination

• Keep raw chicken separate from other foods — especially ready-to-eat items like salads or fruits.
• Use separate cutting boards and knives for raw meat and other ingredients.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water after handling raw chicken.

❌ Never rinse raw chicken — it can splash bacteria around your sink and counter.

Cook Chicken to the Right Temperature

• Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part (not touching bone) to check. Don’t guess by color or juice.

💡 Even if the chicken looks white, it may not be fully cooked inside — always check before serving.

Store Chicken Properly

• Refrigerate raw chicken below 40°F (4°C) and use within 1–2 days.
• Freeze raw chicken if not using soon, and thaw in the fridge (not on the counter!).
• Cooked chicken should be stored in the fridge and eaten within 3–4 days.

Clean Up Thoroughly

• Disinfect any surfaces, sinks, utensils, and boards touched by raw chicken.
• Wash dishcloths and sponges regularly — bacteria love them.

Don’t Let It Sit Too Long

• Don’t leave raw or cooked chicken out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if it’s hot outside).
• When reheating, bring chicken up to 165°F (75°C) again to kill any lingering bacteria.

How Long to Cook Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

At 400°F, wings typically take 20–25 minutes to cook, depending on their size and your air fryer model. Flip them halfway through to ensure even crisping.

For slightly larger wings or extra crispiness, you can go up to 28 minutes. Just keep an eye on them toward the end.

Tips for Success

• Pat the wings dry before seasoning. Any excess moisture will prevent crisp skin.
• Cook in a single layer. If you need to cook in batches, it’s worth it for the texture.
• If using sauce, toss the wings after cooking, not before.

Variations & Substitutions

• Boneless? You can use boneless chicken pieces—just reduce the cook time to 15–18 minutes.
• Low sodium? Use a salt-free spice blend or dial the salt back.
• Different flavors? Use your favorite mix of seasonings to switch up the flavor. You could use oregano for a herby twist or chili powder for extra heat. Or go for these air fryer buffalo wings!
• Want even more crunch? For a super-crispy skin, add half a tablespoon of baking powder (not baking soda) to the seasoning mixture when coating the raw chicken.

How to store leftover chicken wings

If you have leftovers:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

How to reheat chicken wings in air fryer

• Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–6 minutes until warmed through and crisp again.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Whether you serve them sauced or plain, these air fryer wings are an easy way to bring a little comfort and crunch to your table. Serve with air fryer frozen french fries or sweet potato fries for the ultimate fakeaway dinner. I hope they become a go-to in your kitchen like they have in mine.

If you give this recipe for chicken wings in air fryer a try, I’d love to hear what you think—or what sauce you ended up using!

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor—these air fryer chicken wings are about to become your new go-to! Whether you're serving them for game day, movie night, or just a seriously tasty snack, this recipe keeps things easy and mess-free.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken

Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Makes: 2 servings

Calories: 496kcal

Author: Michael

Ingredients

• 750 g chicken wings or 6-8 wings per person as an appetizer, or 10 wings per person as a main
• 2 teaspoons oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic granules
• 1 teaspoon onion granules
• 1 teaspoon paprika or your choice of dried herbs/spices
• Large pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

• Dry the wings thoroughly: Use paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This is key to getting crispy skin.
• Season: In a large bowl, toss the wings with the seasonings, including the salt and pepper until evenly coated.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
• Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket or on the tray. Don’t overcrowd—you want air to circulate around them.
• Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. They should be crisp and golden, and the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.
• Optional: Toss with sauce just before serving, or serve plain with a favorite dip.

Notes

Note: Nutritional information is approximate and for guidance only.

Tips for Success

• Pat the wings dry before seasoning. Any excess moisture will prevent crisp skin.
• Cook in a single layer. If you need to cook in batches, it’s worth it for the texture.
• If using sauce, toss the wings after cooking, not before.
• For extra cripiness, add a tablespoon of baking powder (not baking soda) to the seasoning mix.

Nutrition

Serving: 375g | Calories: 496kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 150mg | Potassium: 366mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 790IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg