These air fryer chicken wings are just as crispy as fried chicken wings without the oil, so easy to make, with much less mess! I make mine nice and spicy. Let's make some tonight!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
It's time for super crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings in the Chili Pepper Madness kitchen, my friends. If you've never made chicken wings in an air fryer, you may want to start after reading this recipe.
I get LOTS of questions on just about all of my chicken wing recipes with people asking, "Will this work in an air fryer?"
The answer is a resounding YES.
Air fryer wings are legit. Especially when you get the wings as dry as possible. I share my tips and process for doing this in the information below.
Your wings are done in about 30 minutes, and they really do come out very crispy, as if you had just pulled fried chicken wings from the deep fryer.
Let's talk about how to make air fryer chicken wings, shall we?
Air Fryer Chicken Wings Ingredients
- Chicken Wings. I am using fresh, not frozen chicken wings for this recipe, with the wing tips removed and separated. Cooking chicken wings from frozen in an air fryer is a different recipe and process with different cooking times.
- Baking Powder. To help dry out the chicken wing skins.
- Cajun Seasonings. You can use your own favorite seasoning blends as desired. Try my Chicken Wing Dry Rub.
- Salt and Black Pepper. To taste.
- Vegetable Oil. To help with the "air frying" process. We're not deep frying here, but a bit of oil is needed. You can use other oils, like olive oil or peanut oil.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings - the Recipe Method
Dry the Chicken Wings. Pat the chicken wings as dry as you can with paper towels.
Season the Chicken Wings. Set the chicken wings into a large bowl and coat the wings with the baking powder, Cajun seasonings, and salt and pepper, to evenly coat the skin. *See the Recipe Notes for information about crispier chicken wings.
Preheat the air fryer.
Air Fry at Low Temp. Oil the air fryer basket or trays with vegetable oil and set the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 250 degrees F for 15 minutes. You may need to cook the wings in batches.
Flip and Air Fry at Higher Temp. Flip the chicken wings, then set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F. Air fry cook the wings for another 15-20 minutes, or to your desired crispiness.
Internal temperature of chicken wings should reach 165 degrees F internally when measured with a meat thermometer.
Serve as Desired. Remove and serve. Toss with your favorite wing sauce! Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Boom! Done! Your air fryer chicken wings are ready to serve! Super crispy, aren't they? I told you this recipe was legit. It really it! No joke, these are some darned crispy chicken wings. I love it.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Dry the Chicken Wings. For the crispiest air fryer chicken wings, drying out the chicken wings skins is essential. Baking powder is a well-known ingredient used to help draw moisture from the skin, so it is best to let the chicken wings set at least a few minutes after seasoning, then pat a bit dry as needed.
- Refrigerate the Seasoned Wings for Better Results. I love to set my seasoned chicken wings into the refrigerator in a bowl for a few hours, or overnight, to let them dry out even further. This results in the most amazing crispy air fryer chicken wings every time.
- Wing Sauce Options. You can't go wrong with a homemade Buffalo sauce, my friends! However, the sky is the limit when it comes to wings sauces. Simply toss your wings with your favorite hot sauce, or try my Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce, White BBQ Sauce, Nashville Hot Sauce, or this awesome Peri Peri Sauce recipe. Enjoy!
- Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing. Which do you prefer? This is the eternal argument! Haha, don't make me choose! We can't agree in our kitchen, either. Pick your favorite. Don't forget the celery sticks for dipping.
How Long Do I Cook Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer?
Air fry your chicken wings for 30-40 minutes in an fryer for crispy skinned air fried chicken wings.
My favorite technique is to air fry them for 15 minutes at 250 degrees F, flip the wings, then air fry them for another 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees F, or until they are nice and crispy.
Storage & Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken wings in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will last up to 5 days this way. You can reheat them in the air fryer again until nice and warm.
That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy my air fryer chicken wings recipe. Let me know if you make it. I know they're going to be nice and crispy! I'd love to hear how you spiced them up!
Try Some of My Other Popular Chicken Wing Recipes
Try Some of These Other Air Fryer Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings wing tips removed and separated - fresh/thawed, not frozen
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasonings - or use your favorite seasoning blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings as dry as you can with paper towels.
- Set the chicken wings into a large bowl and toss them with the baking powder, Cajun seasonings, and salt and pepper, to evenly coat the skin. *See the Recipe Notes for information about crispier chicken wings.
- Oil the air fryer basket with vegetable oil and set the seasoned chicken wings into the air fryer basket in an even layer. Air fry at 250 degrees F for 15 minutes.
- Flip the chicken wings, then set the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F. Air fry for another 15-20 minutes, or to your desired crispiness. Internal temperature of chicken wings should reach 165 degrees F internally when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Remove and serve. Toss with your favorite wing sauce!
Notes
Nutrition Information
John says
Can I make and how do I make Spicy Buffalo wings in a air-fryer without burning them?
Mike Hultquist says
John, I am likely going to do a different recipe just for that, but generally you can follow this recipe, then toss the finished wings in Buffalo Sauce at the end. Try my Homemade Buffalo Sauce here: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-recipes/sauces/homemade-buffalo-sauce/
Cindy Kurneck says
I made these last week, and they are fabulous. Another recipe to add to the rotation! I plan on changing up the spice - utilizing some of the wonderful sauces that I've made on this site for dipping!!!!
Mike Hultquist says
I love to hear it, Cindy! Thanks!
Carmen says
These were great! and not much hands on time, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Thanks!
Mike Hultquist says
Yes!! Thanks, Carmen! Glad you enjoyed them! I agree, a great and easy weeknight meal.
Bobby says
These turned out great and very crispy! I dry the wings, spread them out on a plate and refrigerate for a half hour or so, then put them in the seasoning mix and back in the fridge for another half hour or so. Making another batch tonight for dinner.
Mike Hultquist says
Great! Glad you liked them, Bobby!
Damien C. says
This is the best way to make chicken wings in an air fryer, very easy. Another winner, Mike. Thank you again.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Damien!!
Pamela says
Would love it if you included a widget, or whatever, to convert weights and measures to metric, for all your international readers. Thanks, Pamela, Australia.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
I've been waiting for such a plugin. I hope to get one soon! Much appreciated for the comment.
Nick says
I love air fryer wings!!
I use a chipotle mesquite bbq on mine then toss them in a honey sriracha sauce.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
So good!
John says
Banging