There’s nothing quite like biting into crispy, juicy air fryer chicken wings — without the mess of deep frying. This recipe is my go-to when I need a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. With just a few pantry spices and your trusty air fryer, you can have golden, flavorful wings in under 30 minutes. I’ve been making them this way for years, and they turn out perfectly every single time. You can find more easy air fryer recipes on the blog if you’re looking to expand your air fryer game.
What You’ll Need
- Chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt & pepper
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Step 1 — Prep the wings
Pat wings dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures crisp skin.
Step 2 — Season generously
Toss wings in olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly coated.
Step 3 — Air fry to perfection
Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 8–10 minutes.
Step 4 — Serve and enjoy
Transfer wings to a plate and serve immediately with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips & Easy Swaps
- Use baking powder for extra-crispy skin.
- Swap olive oil with avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
- Add cayenne pepper for heat.
- Cook from frozen — just add 5–6 minutes to total cook time.
- Make ahead: store cooked wings in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 380°F (193°C).
- Avoid crowding the basket — wings need space for airflow.
- Try lemon pepper or BBQ seasoning instead of paprika.
Serving Ideas & Variations
These wings are great on their own, but you can change things up:
- Toss in buffalo sauce after cooking.
- Drizzle with honey garlic sauce.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and parsley.
- Serve with blue cheese dressing.
- Pair with fries or potato wedges.
- Add to a game day snack platter.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Crowding the basket → Cook in batches for even crispiness.
- Skipping the flip → Flip halfway to avoid soggy sides.
- Too much oil → Light coating is enough; excess makes them greasy.
- Undercooking → Use a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F (74°C) inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Just add 5–6 minutes to the cooking time and flip halfway through.
Preheating gives a head start on crisping, but it’s not essential for good results.
Cool completely, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 3–4 minutes to regain crispiness.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Method
- Pat wings dry with paper towels.
- Toss with olive oil in a large bowl.
- Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until coated.
- Place wings in a single layer in air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
- Flip and cook another 8–10 minutes.
- Check internal temp — should be 165°F (74°C).
- Serve hot with dipping sauce and veggies.
