Go Back
Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Chicken Wings - Great Meal Recipes

Air fryer chicken wings have taken kitchens by storm. Crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor, they make the perfect entrée or appetizer. I first tried making chicken wings in an air fryer during a gathering with friends. Honestly, I was skeptical at first. Could they really rival traditional wings deep-fried in sizzling oil? Spoiler: Yes, they can. The air fryer enhances the texture and flavor without all the added grease.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken wings, split into drummettes and flats
  • ½ tablespoon neutral cooking oil I used avocado oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt adjust according to your taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika optional but recommended for slight smokiness

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings
  1. First, rinse the chicken wings under cold water. Pat them dry using paper towels. This step is crucial. Excess moisture can lead to steaming rather than crisping.
Step 2: Season the Wings
  1. In a large bowl, toss the wings with the oil, salt, pepper, baking soda, and smoked paprika. Make sure every wing is evenly coated. This combination of seasoning makes all the difference, adding flavor while helping create that crispy exterior.
Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This usually takes about 3-5 minutes depending on your model. Preheating ensures an even cook from the start.
Step 4: Arrange the Wings
  1. Place the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding. If you have more wings, it’s better to cook them in batches. Proper circulation of air is what makes them crispy.
Step 5: Cook
  1. Air fry the wings for approximately 25-30 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer is particularly powerful, keep an eye on them as they could cook a bit faster.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
  1. The chicken wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer if you’ve got one handy. Give them a quick visual inspection as well—golden brown is what you’re looking for!
Step 7: Let Them Rest
  1. Once cooked, remove the wings from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps redistribute the juices.
Step 8: Serve
  1. Toss them in your favorite sauce or serve plain. Either way, they are bound to be a hit!

Notes

  • Pat Dry: Don't skip drying the wings; it’s the key to crispiness.
  • Space Them Out: Give the wings room in the air fryer for proper air circulation.
  • Flip During Cooking: Shake or flip the wings halfway through cooking for even browning.
  • Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust spices according to your preference. Garlic powder or cayenne can add a nice touch!
  • Sauce Them Post-Cook: If you want saucy wings, toss them in sauce after cooking to maintain that crispy texture.