These air fryer chicken wings are the CRISPIEST homemade wings you have ever tried! Cook a whole batch in your air fryer with four simple ingredients. These chicken wings are keto, paleo, and gluten-free!
The air fryer is amazing for cooking up crispy chicken - from easy breaded air fryer chicken breast (a reader favorite), to crispy air fryer chicken tenders and these air fryer chicken wings!
There are SO many reasons why you need to try cooking chicken wings in your air fryer ASAP! Not only are they easy and delicious, but you can cook a large batch all at once without sacrificing the crispy and juicy texture.
You can’t beat how crisp the chicken gets in the air fryer… it’s seriously unlike any grilled or baked chicken wings! The best part of all - this recipe is so simple. We tested multiple variations, but the winner was this easy recipe with minimal seasonings!
Reasons you'll love this recipe
- The flavor and texture are on point - nothing compares to crispy air fryer chicken wings
- they are SO easy to prep (just a few minutes and four ingredients)
- you can easily cook up a large batch (3 lbs; will depend on the size and model of your air fryer)
Ingredient notes
- Chicken wings - you will need fresh (not frozen) wings for this recipe
- Olive oil - can be swapped for avocado oil if you prefer! Note - avocado oil is a great choice for the air fryer since it has a high smoke point!
Step by step directions
Preheat
Heat the air fryer to 200°C/ 390°F. Place near a window or under a hood fan as chicken wings may produce grease which can smoke.
TIP- you can place torn bread under the basket of the air fryer to absorb grease as it drips down. See our air fryer bacon post for a visual
Prepare Wings
Blot chicken wings with paper towel to remove any moisture. Toss chicken wings in olive oil, salt & pepper.
Air Fry
Place all the wings in the air fryer basket and cook for 25-35 minutes, shaking and tossing them up every 10 minutes.
Chicken wings are ready when they are golden brown on all sides and crispy. Enjoy immediately! These wings do not keep well.
FAQ
For this recipe, it's very important to start with dry wings and to toss them evenly in the oil. You likely won’t be able to do this with frozen wings, food safety may be an issue.
They will turn a nice golden color on all sides. It's important to keep tossing and shaking them as they cook so they get that color on all sides.
We love them served as-is with a nice dipping sauce like this healthy homemade ranch. You could also try adding one of these 7 spice blends to the chicken wings when you toss them up, however, you will want to omit the sugar since it will burn in the air fryer.
Flavor Variations
- Lemon pepper - swap salt and pepper for lemon pepper seasoning
- Buffao hot wings - add buffalo hot sauce (we suggest Frank's) to the wings after cooking - tossing gently to coat
- Honey BBQ - after cooking, coat with BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce (optional) for deliciously sticky wings!
Storage + Reheating
Air fryer chicken wings are best enjoyed immediately for the ultimate crispy texture. However, if you have leftovers they can be stored and reheated; but you should expect them to be a bit drier and less crispy after reheating.
Fridge
- store in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 4 days
- reheat in the air fryer at 200°C/ 390ºF until crispy and warmed through
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken wings & drumettes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil *see note 1
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat - Heat the air fryer to 200°C/ 390°F. Place near a window or under a hood fan as chicken wings may produce grease which can smoke.
- Prepare wings - Blot chicken wings with paper towel to remove any moisture. Toss chicken wings in olive oil, salt & pepper.
- Air Fry - Place all the wings in the air fryer basket (*see note 2) and cook for 25-35 minutes, shaking and tossing them up every 10 minutes. Chicken wings are ready when they are golden brown on all sides and crispy. Enjoy immediately! These wings do not keep well.
Tips:
- store in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 4 days
- reheat in the air fryer at 200°C/ 390ºF until crispy and warmed through
Nutrition Information
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Keshia says
I hv an airfryer like a toaster oven so should I line my baskets so that the elements in the oven arent missed up? Im a feared to break my oven.
Denise Bustard says
Hi Keshia! I just purchased an oven-style air fryer and haven't had a chance to test these out in it yet. Let me know if you try them, I do think the cook time would be different.
Michelle says
Frozen chicken wings take 30 min to cook in the air fryer. It is amazing! We have an actifry original. We put 20-25 frozen wings in at a time and after 30 min wings are ready. Sometimes we add seasoning or sauce at 15 min or wait until wings are finished cooking.
Denise says
Hi Michelle, thanks so much for letting me know! I might have to try this next time 🙂
Miguel GONZALEZ says
I first cook a little big in a pan with water 10 ,to 15 minutes and the a put in the air frier. No grease and crispy taste.
Denise says
Interesting! I will have to try your method, thanks for sharing Miguel 🙂