Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

BySusan Miller July 28, 2025July 28, 2025

Get ready to meet your new favorite game day (or any day!) snack—these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings deliver irresistible crunch and flavor with almost zero mess or fuss. The air fryer transforms simple ingredients into golden, tender wings that are absolutely perfect for sharing… or devouring all by yourself!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Deliciously Crispy Texture: The air fryer works magic, giving you shatteringly crisp chicken wings on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Super Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples—no fancy marinades or hard-to-find spices required.
Quick and Effortless: With less than 25 minutes from prep to plate and minimal cleanup, these wings are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Healthier Than Traditional Wings: Forget deep frying in tons of oil; the air fryer uses just a tablespoon for that indulgent texture you crave.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients & Substitutions

Everything you need for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings is probably already in your kitchen. Each ingredient here is carefully chosen for a reason—from the olive oil that helps crisp the skin to the aromatic blend of spices that delivers flavor in every bite.

Chicken wings: Split into drums and flats for even cooking; be sure they’re fully defrosted for best results.
Olive oil: Just a touch ensures the wings turn deeply golden and crisp in the air fryer—no need to drench in oil!
Garlic powder: Adds a savory backbone that pairs perfectly with the rich chicken.
Onion powder: This powder brings a mellow sweetness and helps balance the other spices.
Paprika: The secret to beautiful golden color and a subtle, smoky warmth.
Salt: Essential for amplifying all the other flavors—don’t be shy!
Black pepper: Finishes the blend with a bit of earthy, gentle heat.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings

Start by patting your chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step may feel small, but it’s absolutely crucial—removing excess moisture is what makes these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings truly next-level crunchy. If you’re working with whole wings, separate them into drums and flats for more even cooking.

Step 2: Season and Toss

In a large bowl, drizzle the wings with olive oil and toss to coat them lightly and evenly. Then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss again to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated in that flavorful seasoning blend.

Step 3: Preheat and Arrange

Preheat your air fryer at 400°F for two minutes. This helps the wings hit a hot surface right away, letting the skin start crisping immediately. Once preheated, arrange the chicken wings in a single layer in the basket—don’t let them overlap or touch! This way, the hot air can circulate and make every wing crunchy all over.

Step 4: Fry, Flip, and Finish

Air fry the wings at 400°F for ten minutes, then open the basket and carefully flip each wing. Pop them back in for another eight minutes—you’ll see the skin turn gorgeously golden and crisp. When they’re done, serve them straight away for the best texture!

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with sliced green onions, freshly chopped parsley, or a dusting of extra paprika for a pop of color. If you like a little kick, a drizzle of hot sauce or a light squeeze of fresh lemon can really brighten things up.

Side Dishes

Serve these wings with classic celery sticks and carrot batons, and don’t forget creamy ranch or blue cheese dip for dunking! Crispy potato wedges, a vibrant slaw, or even a hearty side salad all make this a complete and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party platter, stack the wings high on a rustic wooden board alongside dipping sauces in fun jars. If you’re serving for dinner, pair with tiny ramekins of your favorite dips and scatter extra seasonings or fresh herbs over the top for a show-stopping table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop your leftover Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings into an airtight container and stash them in the refrigerator—they’ll stay delicious for up to three days without losing all their magic. Just let them cool completely before sealing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

You can totally freeze any leftover wings! Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll be good for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring those wings back to hot and crispy perfection, pop the refrigerated or thawed wings back in the air fryer at 400°F for 3-4 minutes. They’ll return to their just-cooked greatness—no sogginess, just crunch!

FAQs

Can I make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings from frozen?

Yes, but you’ll want to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and make sure to pat the wings dry once they’ve been defrosted—you’ll still get beautifully crispy skin, but the seasoning may cling better if you thaw them first.
How do I keep wings from sticking in the air fryer?

Just lightly brush or spray the basket with olive oil before adding the wings, and always arrange them in a single layer so they have plenty of space.
What’s the best way to make these extra spicy?

For a spicy version, add a little cayenne pepper to your spice mix or toss the finished wings in your favorite hot sauce right after they come out of the air fryer.
Can I double the recipe in one batch?

Unless you have a jumbo-size air fryer, it’s best to cook in batches—crowding the wings means they won’t get that signature crispy texture since the air can’t circulate properly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving wings that are outrageously crispy, packed with flavor, and effortlessly easy, give these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings a whirl. They never fail to impress, and there’s just something extra comforting about sharing a platter with friends or family. Enjoy every bite!