If you’ve never made chicken wings in an air fryer, you’re seriously missing out. These wings come out unbelievably crispy, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor—all without deep frying. And the best part? No messy oil splatters or waiting forever for the oven to preheat.
I remember the first time I made air fryer wings. I was skeptical. How could anything get as crispy as deep-fried wings without the oil? But after one bite, I was hooked. Now, I make them all the time for game nights, quick dinners, or anytime I need that perfect wing fix.
In this guide, I’ll Walk you through everything you need to know about making the best air fryer chicken wings—from choosing the right air fryer to seasoning tips, cooking tricks, and even the best dips to serve on the side. Let’s get to it.
Why Air Fryer Chicken Wings Are a Must-Try
Air fryers have changed the game for home cooking, especially when it comes to wings. Here’s why they’re a total win:
- Crispy Skin Without Deep Frying – Hot air circulation cooks the wings evenly, creating that golden-brown crunch without a ton of oil.
- Healthier Than Traditional Fried Wings – You get all the crispiness with a fraction of the fat. No deep-fryer guilt here.
- Faster Than the Oven – No need to wait 40+ minutes for oven-baked wings. The air fryer gets them crispy in half the time.
- Less Mess, Less Cleanup – No dealing with a pot of oil or greasy stovetop. Just pop the air fryer basket in the dishwasher when you’re done.
Once you try wings this way, there’s no going back. But before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about the best air fryer for the job.
Choosing the Right Air Fryer for Chicken Wings
Not all air fryers are created equal, and if you want perfectly crispy wings, you need the right one. Here’s what to look for:
- Size Matters – If you’re cooking for a crowd, go for a larger air fryer (at least 5 quarts). Smaller ones work, but you’ll have to cook in batches.
- Basket vs. Rack Style – Basket-style air fryers are easier for wings since they crisp up evenly without sticking. Rack-style ones let you cook more at once, but you might need to rotate the wings.
- High Wattage for Even Cooking – Aim for an air fryer with at least 1500 watts to ensure it gets hot enough for crispy skin.
I’ve tested a few, and my top picks for wings are:
- Ninja Foodi 8-Quart – Holds a ton of wings and gets them extra crispy.
- Cosori Pro II – Affordable, heats up fast, and has a great nonstick basket.
- Instant Vortex Plus – Has a built-in rotisserie function, which is a game-changer for wings.
The Secret to Extra Crispy Air Fryer Wings
If there’s one thing that makes air fryer wings unbeatable, it’s that crispy, golden skin. But not all wings come out perfectly crisp unless you follow a few key steps. After testing countless batches, here’s what actually works.
Pat the Wings Dry – No Exceptions
Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Straight out of the package, wings are usually damp, which prevents them from getting that golden crunch. Grab some paper towels and pat them dry before seasoning. If you have time, let them air-dry in the fridge for 30 minutes—this helps even more.
Use Baking Powder for an Extra Crunchy Coating
This is the game-changer. A little bit of baking powder (not baking soda!) helps dry out the skin and create that crispy texture. Toss the wings in a mix of baking powder, salt, and any dry seasonings before air frying. You won’t taste it, but you’ll definitely notice the crunch.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. If you cram too many wings in at once, they’ll steam instead of crisp up. Make sure there’s space between them. If you’re making a big batch, cook in two rounds.
Shake or Flip Halfway Through Cooking
To get even browning on all sides, shake the basket or flip the wings about halfway through. This ensures that every part of the wing gets exposed to the hot air.
Cook at the Right Temperature
I’ve found the sweet spot to be 380°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then, crank it up to 400°F for the last 5 minutes to really crisp up the skin.
Now that you know the tricks, let’s get into the full step-by-step recipe.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Classic Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon oil (optional, but helps with crispiness)
Prepping the Wings for the Best Texture
- Pat the wings completely dry using paper towels. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get.
- In a large bowl, mix the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss the wings in this mixture until evenly coated.
- If you want, add a light drizzle of oil to help them crisp up even more.
Cooking Instructions for Perfect Wings
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 3-5 minutes. This helps the wings cook evenly.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid stacking them.
- Cook at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.
- Increase the heat to 400°F and cook for another 5 minutes to crisp them up.
- Remove from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before tossing them in your favorite sauce.
How to Keep Wings Hot and Crispy
If you’re making a big batch, keep cooked wings warm in a 200°F oven while the rest are cooking. Place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet so the air can circulate around them, preventing sogginess.
Best Flavors and Seasoning Ideas
One of the best things about air fryer wings is how easy they are to customize. Whether you like them spicy, garlicky, sweet, or tangy, there’s a perfect flavor for you. Here are some of the best seasoning and sauce ideas to take your wings to the next level.
Classic Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings are a must if you love that spicy, buttery goodness. The key is getting the sauce just right—too much butter and it’s greasy, too much hot sauce and it’s overpowering.
Buffalo Sauce Recipe:
- ½ cup Frank’s Red Hot sauce
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Mix everything together and toss your crispy wings in the sauce while they’re still hot. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for the full experience.
Garlic Parmesan Wings
If you want wings that are loaded with garlicky, cheesy flavor, this is the way to go.
Garlic Parmesan Coating:
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
After the wings are cooked, toss them in the butter and garlic mixture, then sprinkle with Parmesan and Italian seasoning. These are especially good if you want a crispy, flavorful wing without any heat.
Honey BBQ Wings
For those who love a mix of sweet and smoky, honey BBQ wings are perfect.
Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe:
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Warm the sauce in a small pan or microwave, then toss your cooked wings in it. If you want a caramelized finish, pop the wings back in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes after saucing them.
Lemon Pepper Wings
Lemon pepper wings are tangy, zesty, and incredibly easy to make.
Lemon Pepper Coating:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
After air frying, toss the wings in melted butter and sprinkle with lemon zest and lemon pepper seasoning for that bright, citrusy kick.
Spicy Cajun Wings
If you love bold, smoky flavors with a little heat, Cajun wings are the way to go.
Cajun Spice Blend:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
Toss the wings in this dry rub before cooking for a deep, flavorful heat.
The Best Dips and Sides for Air Fryer Wings
Wings are amazing on their own, but let’s be real—dips and sides make them even better. The right dip can balance out the heat, add creaminess, or bring an extra punch of flavor. And when it comes to sides, you need something that complements the wings without stealing the show.
Best Dips for Chicken Wings
Ranch Dressing
There’s a reason ranch is the go-to for wings. It’s cool, creamy, and balances out spicy flavors perfectly. If you want to make it at home, just mix together:
- ½ cup mayo
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Let it chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes so the flavors meld together. It’s worth the wait.
Blue Cheese Dressing
If you love a little tang, blue cheese dressing is the way to go. It pairs especially well with buffalo wings. A quick homemade version:
- ½ cup mayo
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mash the blue cheese into the mixture for a chunkier texture or blend it for a smoother dip.
Honey Mustard
For a sweet and tangy option, honey mustard is perfect. Mix together:
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon mayo
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
It’s ridiculously simple but so good.
Spicy Sriracha Mayo
If you like a little kick, sriracha mayo is a game-changer. Just stir together:
- ½ cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
It’s creamy, spicy, and perfect for dipping crispy wings.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Wings
Celery and Carrot Sticks
This one’s a classic. The crunch and freshness of raw veggies cut through the richness of the wings. Plus, they’re perfect for scooping up extra dip.
Crispy French Fries
Wings and fries just make sense. If you want to keep things simple, toss some frozen fries in the air fryer while the wings rest. Want to go all out? Make fresh fries from scratch by cutting russet potatoes into thin strips, tossing them in oil, and air frying at 400°F for about 15 minutes.
Coleslaw
A cool, tangy coleslaw balances out the heat from spicy wings. For a quick version, mix together:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors develop.
Mac and Cheese
If you want a comfort food combo, mac and cheese is the way to go. The creamy, cheesy goodness pairs ridiculously well with crispy wings.
Loaded Potato Wedges
Think of these as fries with an upgrade. Air fry some potato wedges, then top them with melted cheese, and a drizzle of ranch or sour cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Air Fryer Wings
Even though air fryer wings are easy to make, a few small mistakes can ruin that perfect crispy texture. If your wings have ever turned out soggy, undercooked, or just not as good as you hoped, chances are one of these issues is to blame.
Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket
This is probably the most common mistake. If you pile too many wings on top of each other, they won’t cook evenly, and the skin won’t get crispy. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food, so the wings need space. If you’re making a big batch, cook in two rounds instead of stuffing them all in at once.
Skipping the Preheat Step
Some people throw their wings in without preheating the air fryer. While it might not seem like a big deal, preheating ensures the wings start cooking immediately at the right temperature. This helps lock in moisture while crisping up the skin. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat button, just run it empty at 380°F for 3-5 minutes before adding the wings.
Not Drying the Wings Properly
Moisture is the enemy of crispy wings. If you don’t pat them completely dry before seasoning, they’ll steam instead of crisping up. For even better results, let them air dry in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking.
Using Too Much Oil
Air fryers don’t need much oil, and adding too much can make the wings greasy instead of crispy. A very light spray or a teaspoon tossed with the wings is all you need.
Forgetting to Flip or Shake the Wings
If you want evenly cooked wings with golden-brown skin on all sides, you need to flip or shake them halfway through cooking. Otherwise, one side might get crisp while the other stays soft.
Not Adjusting Cook Time for Different Wing Sizes
Not all wings are the same size. Smaller wings cook faster, while larger ones need extra time. If you’re using jumbo wings, check for doneness by cooking an extra 3-5 minutes at 400°F at the end. The best way to be sure? Use a meat thermometer—wings are done when they reach 165°F internally.
Tossing in Sauce Too Early
If you add sauce before the wings are fully cooked, you’ll end up with soggy skin. Always toss wings in sauce after they’re done cooking. If you want a sticky glaze, put them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400°F after saucing.
FAQs About Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Can I Cook Frozen Wings in the Air Fryer?
Yes, but they won’t be as crispy as fresh wings unless you take a few extra steps. If cooking from frozen, air fry at 380°F for 25 minutes, shaking halfway through. Then, increase to 400°F for another 5-7 minutes to crisp up the skin. If you have time, thaw the wings first and pat them dry for better results.
How Do I Get the Wings Super Crispy?
The secret to crispy wings is patting them dry before seasoning, using a little baking powder, and cooking at a high temperature. Also, don’t forget to space them out in the air fryer and flip them halfway through cooking.
What’s the Best Oil to Use for Air Fryer Wings?
You actually don’t need much oil, but if you want extra crispiness, use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. Avoid olive oil, as it can burn at high air fryer temperatures.
Can I Reheat Leftover Wings in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F for 4-5 minutes to bring back the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the wings soggy.
Do I Need to Flip the Wings While Cooking?
Yes. Flipping or shaking the wings halfway through ensures they cook evenly on all sides. If your air fryer has a rack instead of a basket, just use tongs to turn them over.
How Long Should I Let Wings Rest Before Serving?
Letting wings rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking helps the juices settle and keeps them extra juicy. If you’re tossing them in sauce, do it immediately while they’re still hot.
Final Thoughts on the Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air fryer chicken wings are the ultimate game-changer—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, all without the hassle of deep frying. Whether you’re making classic buffalo wings, garlic parmesan, or honey BBQ, the air fryer delivers perfect results every time.
The key is patting the wings dry, not overcrowding the basket, and using the right seasoning tricks like baking powder for extra crispiness. And don’t forget to toss them in sauce after cooking to keep that crunch. Pair them with the perfect dip and a side of fries or coleslaw, and you’ve got a meal that’s better than takeout.
Once you start making wings in the air fryer, you’ll never go back. It’s faster, easier, and just as delicious—maybe even better. Try different flavors, experiment with cooking times, and find your perfect wing recipe. Chances are, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen.