I’m so excited to share my Air Fryer Chicken Wings with you! These wings turn out crisp on the outside and tender inside, and they cook much faster than oven wings. They use simple seasoning, very little oil, and come out with that fried-style crunch without deep frying.
Level: Easy
Total Time: About 23 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
The first time I made these Air Fryer Chicken Wings, I was surprised at how simple they were. I had always thought wings needed deep frying to get crisp skin, but the air fryer does an amazing job because the hot air moves quickly around the wings. That movement dries the surface so they crisp up while staying juicy inside.
This method also reduces the amount of oil needed, and the prep is very small. I pat the wings dry, season them with a few basic spices, and the air fryer does the rest. The result feels like restaurant-style wings made at home. They work for game day, snacks, or easy weeknight appetizers.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings
The success of these wings comes from a few simple actions:
• Patting the wings dry helps them crisp because moisture slows browning.
• Coating them in a little olive oil helps the spices stick.
• Spreading the wings so they do not touch lets the hot air reach every side.
• Starting at 380°F and finishing at 400°F makes the skin crisper at the end.
All of these small steps work together to create wings that are crisp outside but still tender inside.
Ingredients
• Cooking spray for the air fryer basket
• 1 pound chicken wings, split into flats and drummettes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley for serving
• Ranch dressing for serving
Directions
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Heat the air fryer to 380°F. When it is ready, spray the basket with cooking spray so the wings do not stick. - Prepare the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step removes surface moisture and helps the skin crisp.
Place the wings in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, paprika, and garlic powder.
Season with salt and pepper. Toss until the wings are evenly coated. - Cook the Wings
Arrange the wings in the air fryer basket so they are not touching.
Cook for 10 minutes at 380°F. - Increase the Heat
After the first 10 minutes, increase the temperature to 400°F.
Cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until the wings are crisp and golden. - Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
Serve with ranch dressing if you like.
Process Details
• Drying the Wings: Removing moisture is important. Water on the surface slows browning and keeps the skin soft.
• Oil and Seasoning: The olive oil helps the spices stick and gives the surface a bit of shine as it crisps.
• Air Flow: Wings must not touch so the hot air can reach all sides. If they are crowded, they cook unevenly.
• Two-Stage Temperature Method: The lower temperature starts cooking the meat gently. The higher temperature at the end makes the outside crisp.
Tips for Success
• Keep the wings in a single layer to get the crispiest texture.
• If your air fryer is small, cook in two batches.
• If the wings resist browning, check that they were dried well before seasoning.
• Increase the final cooking time by a minute or two if you want extra crisp skin.
• Standing wings upright along the basket edges can help fit more while still allowing air flow.
Serving Ideas
• Serve with ranch dressing, celery, and carrot sticks.
• Toss in hot sauce or your favorite wing sauce after cooking.
• Pair with fries or a simple salad.
• Serve on game day as a quick appetizer.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for about 4 minutes or warm in the microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked wings for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
The source gives the following estimate for this recipe:
• Calories: 433 kcal
• Protein: 23 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 97 mg
• Sodium: 192 mg
• Potassium: 191 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Vitamin A: 586 IU
• Vitamin C: 3 mg
• Calcium: 15 mg
• Iron: 1 mg
These Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a simple and dependable way to enjoy crispy wings without deep frying. The air fryer cooks them quickly, keeps the inside tender, and gives the outside a satisfying crunch. With just a few basic seasonings, these wings are easy to prepare and perfect for any casual meal or snack. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do.
