Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe: Quick, Easy, & Delicious

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings take just 23 minutes total and deliver perfectly golden, juicy wings every single time. It’s my go-to air fryer recipe for game days, lazy weekends, or whenever I need a quick and easy crowd-pleaser—minimal effort, maximum flavor.

I first discovered this time-saving method when I was craving wings on a weeknight but didn’t want to deal with deep frying or heating up the oven. Traditional chicken wings can take 40+ minutes, but these beauties are ready start-to-finish in just over 20 minutes. Your air fryer does all the heavy lifting while you sit back and relax. Trust me, once you try this, there’s no turning back.

Why This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Is a Game-Changer

• Quick cooking time: From start to finish in only 23 minutes, compared to 40+ minutes with traditional baking.
• Mess-free: No need to hassle with deep frying or scrubbing a greasy pan.
• Crispy, golden perfection: The air fryer delivers a crunchy exterior without the extra oil.
• Hands-off cooking: Set the timer, walk away, and let the air fryer work its magic.
• Healthier alternative: Use a fraction of the oil compared to frying while still getting indulgent flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

To make the best air fryer chicken wings, you’ll need just a few kitchen basics:

• Air fryer: Use a model with a basket large enough to fit your wings without crowding. I recommend one with a 3.5-quart capacity or larger.
• Cooking spray: Prevents the wings from sticking and ensures even crisping.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping the wings halfway through cooking for that all-around golden color.

If you’re in the market for an air fryer, go for a budget-friendly option while ensuring it has precise temperature controls and a nonstick basket for easy cleanup.

Simple Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

The best part about these easy air fryer chicken wings? You only need a handful of pantry staples. Here’s what goes into them:

• Chicken wings: Split into flats and drummettes for even cooking. Pre-cut packs are a great time-saver.
• Olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and promotes a crispy skin without needing extra oil.
• Spices: A mix of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper keeps the flavor simple yet addictive. Want more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne!
• Parsley: An optional garnish that adds fresh color and a hit of brightness.

Pro Tip: Grab your wings fresh from the butcher or frozen from the freezer aisle—they work perfectly either way, as long as they’re fully thawed before cooking.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe Details

• Servings: 2 servings
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Ingredients

• Cooking spray for air fryer basket
• 1 pound chicken wings split into flats and drummettes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for serving
• Ranch dressing for serving

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Once heated, spray the basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Dry wings are the secret to that extra-crispy skin!
3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, paprika, and garlic powder. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not touching for the crispiest results.
5. Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for another 6–8 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy.
6. Transfer the wings to a serving plate, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with ranch dressing on the side, if desired.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

• Dry your wings: Patting the wings dry removes excess moisture for maximum crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. Overlapping wings steam instead of crisping.
• Flip for even cooking: Use tongs to flip halfway for uniform crispiness.
• Reheat like a pro: Pop leftovers in the air fryer at 360°F for 4–5 minutes to revive the crunch.
• Customize your flavors: Swap paprika with chili powder or garlic powder with onion powder to shake things up.

Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Variations

• Buffalo-Style: Toss the cooked wings in your favorite buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Parmesan: Coat with melted butter, minced garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan after air frying.
• Asian-Inspired: Drizzle soy sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds for a twist of umami.
• Lemon Pepper: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon pepper seasoning.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings FAQs

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to ensure they crisp up evenly.

What temperature should I cook chicken wings in the air fryer?

Start at 380°F for 10 minutes, then increase to 400°F for the final 6–8 minutes for that perfect crispy finish.

How do I keep the wings crispy?

Avoid overcrowding the basket and pat the wings completely dry before cooking to remove moisture.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to prevent overcrowding.

These quick chicken wings in air fryer are guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen. What’s your favorite wing flavor? Let me know in the comments below!