These crispy air fryer chicken wings are coated in baking powder to help make them extra crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is quick and easy, and they're ready in under 20 minutes with no messy oil! In this post, I'll provide simple step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and answers to common FAQs so you can make perfect, crispy chicken wings every time!
Why this Recipe Works
Using the air fryer to cook chicken wings is one of my favorite ways to make them. If you don't know, an air fryer uses convection cooking to circulate hot air around your food as it cooks, and it's perfect for crispy foods like chicken wings.
Air frying wings takes half the time of baking them in the oven and is healthier and much cleaner than deep frying chicken wings. Here is why you'll love this recipe:
- No Need for Deep Frying: The convection of the air fryer gives these wings a crispy exterior without frying in oil.
- Simple Ingredients: With basic pantry staples, you can whip up these wings in no time.
- Fast and Convenient: Ready in under 20 minutes, these wings make for a quick and easy appetizer or main course.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Wings: You can buy whole chicken wings and break them down using the steps below, or you can use split wings.
- Baking Powder: Helps make the wings super crispy. Make sure it's aluminum-free for better flavor.
See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients and measurements.
How to Cut Whole Chicken Wings
Wings are often sold whole, with the wing tip, flat (or "wingette"), and drum all attached. You can cook them that way if you'd like, but they're much easier to eat if you trim them. All you need is a good pair of kitchen shears or a sharp chef's knife to do the job.
- Hold the wing with a paper towel for better grip, then find the knobby joint where the flat and drum meet. Cut through the joint to separate the drum and place it to the side.
- Find the joint between the wing tip and the flat, then cut off the wing tip and discard or freeze them for making stock later.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400℉.
- Prepare the Wings: Rinse and pat dry the chicken wings with paper towels. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil.
- Season: Add baking powder, salt, and pepper to the wings. Toss to coat.
- Cook: Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer, ensuring they don't touch. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the wings and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Set the wings on a sheet pan and refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps remove any excess moisture for extra crispiness.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Be sure to place the wings in a single layer with space between them for air circulation. Work in batches if needed.
- If cooking multiple batches for a crowd, add them all back to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes before serving to reheat the earlier batches.
- Use your air fryer's crisper plate or rack to keep the wings elevated from the fat that renders out in the cooking process.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in your air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes or in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
What Internal Temperature for Chicken Wings?
According to USDA guidelines, chicken wings should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to be safe for eating.
The higher fat content makes them pretty forgiving to cook without drying out, so you can cook them above this temperature if they're not crispy yet. It's really important to let them cook long enough that the fat can render out of the chicken skin for the wings to become extra crispy.
I recommend using a digital meat thermometer to check several of the wings and ensure they're cooked through before serving.
What to Serve with Wings
These crispy chicken wings are a perfect appetizer for game day! Serve them with fresh veggies like carrot sticks and celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
For a larger appetizer spread, pair them with my Southwestern Chicken Egg Rolls, Easy Homemade Spinach Artichoke Dip, and my Velveeta Chili Cheese Dip
Recipe Variations
These air fried chicken wings are perfect for tossing in your favorite wing sauce. Visit any sports bar and you'll know the sauce options are endless, but here are a few of my favorites:
- Buffalo - For classic buffalo wings, combine melted butter and your favorite hot sauce to taste in a large bowl, then toss the wings in the sauce. For a complete recipe, be sure to check out my crispy baked buffalo wings!
- Lemon Pepper - Combine melted butter, lemon pepper seasoning, and fresh lemon juice for one of my favorite chicken wing flavors! Check out my Lemon Pepper Wings post for details on making lemon pepper wing sauce.
- Teriyaki - Use thick store-bought teriyaki sauce or make your own homemade sauce for a sweet and savory wing flavor.
- Honey Barbecue - For another classic wing flavor, simply combine your favorite BBQ sauce with honey and toss the wings, then enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can make wings from frozen in your air fryer. First, cook them at 350°F for around 10 minutes to defrost the wings. Then pat them dry with paper towels and continue from step 1 in this recipe.
These wings can also be cooked in the oven at 425°F for around 45 minutes, flipping after 30 minutes.
More Appetizer Recipes
📖 Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Equipment
- Kitchen Shears
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken wings
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder, aluminum free
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400℉.
- Rinse the chicken wings, then pat dry with paper towels. Place them in a large mixing bowl and toss with olive oil. Then add the baking powder, salt, and pepper and toss.
- Place the wings in the air fryer in a single layer, leaving space between them so they aren't touching. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8 minutes. Then remove and serve.
Nutrition
* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.
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