These Air Fryer Chicken Wings are super crispy outside, tender and juicy inside, and quick and easy to make. They cook faster than the oven and require NO oil, making them faster and less messy than baked or fried wings!
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The crispiest and juiciest chicken wings.
Thanks to its high temperature and convection fan, the air fryer does a fantastic job making chicken skin super crispy while keeping the meat moist. Like my Air Fryer Chicken Legs, these wings have delicious skin and succulent meat, without any oil at all. Totally magic!
And you know what else is magic? The ridiculously easy prep! To make air fryer chicken wings, you just toss the wings in the seasonings, air fry, and devour.
You can use this method for any of your favorite sauces or rubs. Try Buffalo sauce, take it an Asian direction with Korean Air Fryer Chicken Wings, or experiment with one of the other seasoning ideas below!
Key Ingredients
You’ll find the full list of ingredients in the blog post below, but here are some notes to keep in mind.
- Chicken Wings. This recipe calls for 1 ½ pounds of split chicken wings, which is the max amount that I can comfortably fit in a single layer in my Ninja air fryer. If you are cooking more, you’ll need to air fry them in batches
- Sauce. Frank’s RedHot Original is my go-to for tossing the wings, but you can use any sauce you like, or even skip it entirely. The wings are super juicy, even without sauce.
- Butter. This makes the wings finger-lickin’ delish.
How to Make Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
Split the Wings. Cut away the wing tips and split the “drumette” side of each of the “wingettes” from the flat side. Pat dry with paper towels—this is key for crispy skin.
Air Fry at 360°F for 24 minutes. This renders the fat so the chicken wings don’t get soggy. Flip halfway through. (And remember, don’t crowd the basket!)
Turn Up the Heat. Flip the wings again, and increase the temperate to 390°F.
Make the Sauce. We use Buffalo, but use any kind you like.
Toss. Combine the air fryer chicken wings and sauce. ENJOY!
Recipe Variations
- Honey Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Wings. Use the sauce from my Honey Garlic Chicken Wings.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings. Use the sauce from my Lemon Pepper Wings.
- BBQ Air Fryer Wings. Toss the wings in Homemade Barbecue Sauce.
- Extra Spicy Chicken Wings. Add a few pinches of cayenne pepper to your Buffalo sauce.
- Whole Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer. Place the wings in a single layer (you’ll be able to fit about 3 whole wings at a time). Air fry at 250°F for 15 minutes, then increase the heat to high and air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes more. Turn the wings over halfway through each cooking time.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings Video
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
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Ingredients
FOR THE WINGS:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken wings
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup hot sauce Frank’s RedHot is what I use
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ tablespoon white vinegar
- Nonstick cooking spray
TO SERVE:
- Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing, optional for serving
- Celery sticks
- Chopped fresh chives optional for color
Instructions
- Coat the basket of a 3 quart or larger air fryer with nonstick spray.
- Trim off the wing tips (you should be able to feel the joint soft spot). It should separate fairly easily, but if not, put the blade in place, then carefully but firmly hit the top of your knife to apply extra pressure. Discard. Next, split the drumette side of each wing from the flat side at the joint: slice down through the skin feeling for the “soft spot” and wiggle your knife as needed.
- Pat the wings very dry. Sprinkle all over with salt.
- Place the wings in the air fryer in a single layer, making sure they do not touch (if needed, stand up the drumettes along the side). Set the air fryer to 360 degrees F. Cook the wings for 12 minutes, then remove the basket and with tongs, flip the wings over. Return to the air fryer at 360 degrees for 12 additional minutes.
- Slide out the basket, flip the wings once more, then return them to the air fryer. Increase the air fryer temperature to 390 degrees F. Cook the wings for 6 minutes, flipping once more halfway through. The skin should look nice and crisp (if your wings are on the larger side, they may need a few more minutes).
- While the wings finish up, melt the butter in a large microwave safe bowl in the microwave or a saucepan on the stove. Stir in the hot sauce, garlic, and vinegar until smooth.
- Transfer the wings to the bowl with the hot sauce mixture. Toss to throughly coat the wings. Transfer the wings to a serving plate. Sprinkle with chives as desired. Enjoy warm with blue cheese sauce and celery.
Video
Notes
- TO MAKE IN THE OVEN: Place a broiler rack 4 to 6 inches from the broiler. Preheat to high. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place an oven safe baking rack on top. Arrange the wings on the rack in a single layer so they do not touch. Broil for 20 to 25 minutes, until the wings are browned and crisp, flipping once halfway through.
- TO STORE. Refrigerate leftover chicken wings for up to 3 days.
- TO REHEAT. Let the wings come to room temperature. Mist with water to help make them juicy, then reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes, or the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 6 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Nutrition
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Okay, ready for a stupid question, Erin? Servings: 10 wings. Umm…10 wings per person? Or 10 servings of 1 wing??? Not really sure, since the calories are so low..lol. Help an old broad out and ‘splain it to me, Lucy. Hahahaha!
No stupid questions! That is nutrition per 1 wing. So multiply by however many you usually eat (for my husband, that’s probably all 10 LOL!)
This recipe was easy and really satisfied my craving for Buffalo wings! I recently bought a double basket air fryer which had the perfect capacity. I won’t have a need to go out and buy restaurant wings again!
Hi Sharon! So glad you enjoyed the wings! Thank you for this kind review!
Best wing recipe and first class instructions
Hi Gene! So glad you enjoyed the chicken! Thank you for this kind review!
So good! Juicy and crispy. We ate the whole batch in one sitting.
Hi Sondra! So glad you enjoyed the chicken! Thank you for this kind review!
Cook times were perfect! We used her Buffalo sauce recipe and made a dry rub. They came out perfect!
Hi Sydney! Thank you so much for letting me know and for this very kind review!!
Excellent wings!!
Hi Trevor! So glad you enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Hi, would you folks with experience advise us on how you clean up your air fryer from the fat? This step has been an issue for me. Thanks!
Hi Alan! Your air fryer should have some instructions with it that tells you how to clean it. I think it would be specific to your brand and model. Hope this helps!
Hi Erin,
You nailed this recipe! Have been on the the prowl for an air fried wing recipe that would ratchet up the crispness. My attempts with coatings got close but never quite got there.
Your instructions were perfect, especially drying and salting the wings. The double air fry with increased temp to 390 took the crispness over the top. This is my go to wing recipe for eternity……
Rick
Hi Rick! So glad you enjoyed the wings! Thank you for this kind review!
These wings were awesome. My son said they were the best he’s ever tasted.
Hi Jane! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Hi,
Can I use boneless skinless chicken breast for this recipe?
Hi Anita! Here is my recipe for air fryer chicken breast: https://www.wellplated.com/air-fryer-fried-chicken-breast/ Hope this helps!
You say to cook at 360 24 minutes, flipping halfway through then turn up to 390 and flip half way through but you DON’T say how long at 390???
Hi Carmen! It’s in Step 5 of the recipe card. Could you please double check to see if you see it on your end, because I see it on my end.
I have tried many recipes for air fryer chicken wings, but the two recipes on this site are the best. The chicken is crispy, not fatty, which is key. I’m convinced this is the way – pat very dry, cook on low, then on high! The sauces are delicious on both recipes.
Hi Lynn! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank for this kind review!
I have tried many chicken wings gimmicks over the years with ‘average’ results but you nailed it. “Baking soda. Air drying in the fridge. Instant pot and broil.” Nothing was quite right.
And in fairness, I just got an air fryer so that does make a difference, but I did some research before I picked a first time air fryer wings recipe. I made them as directed and they were crispy without being dried out. Best I could hope for without being actually deep fried. Your two temperature technique turned out terrific. (Say that three times fast!) I have since made your Korean wings too. Awesome.
Hi Jim! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This was by far the most confusing recipe for anyone , it’s not step by step, some parts you say the temp for cooking but not the time, and the part that has the temp , you don’t put the cooking time, you also don’t mention the measurements for all the ingredients to make the sauce . Also? You don’t mention if the wings need any season before putting in the air fryer . too much unnecessary words/writing, and very confusing, it should be simple , step by step. This is by far the worst cooking article and I had to make this comment because of how frustrating it was , reading it multiple times and yet, it’s not clear.
Hi Nancy, did you not see the full, detailed recipe card directly above? You would have scrolled right past it to leave this comment. For ease, you can use the “jump to recipe” button at the top of the post which will take you right there.
DRIED WING PARTS. USED MY OWN SEASONING MIXED IN WITH ALMOND FLOUR. TOSSED AND LET SET FOR 1 HOUR. COOKED 12 MINS BOTH SIDES @ 360 AND 3 MORE MINS @ 390. TOSSED IN BUFFALO SAUCE LET SET FOR 5 MIN AND PERFECTLY PERFECT. NEVER BUYING HOT WINGS AGAIN. I LIKE MIND BETTER.
Hi Rick! Glad the timing worked well for you!
I cooked 6 whole chicken wings in the air fryer, using recommendation for whole wings. They turned out really great. Drizzled Sweet Baby Rays sweet teriyaki sauce over them and ate 4. My taste buds savored every bite.
Hi Peggy! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I can’t cook anything right and I followed your recipe to a t. These came out PERFECTLY! I’ll never get restaurant wings again!
Hi Nicole! So glad they turned out for you! YAY!
Dog Gone Good!😒
Hi Eric! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I made these air fryer wings twice and love how perfectly crispy they always come out! My go-to wing recipe going forward! YUMMY!
Hi Ana! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Great Recipe awesome flavor
Hi! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Love the recipe. First time my wings came out how I actually wanted them & the best I ever made. Not a fan of the sauce too much but did a light layer of it instead and it was delicious.
Hi Zaire! Glad your wings came out! Thank you for this kind review!
Should I preheat the the airfryer before cooking?
Hi Phyl! It’s not needed for this recipe, that said, there are some air fryer models that require preheating so I would check your manual. Hope you enjoy them!
Just tried this with my new combo air fryer/toaster oven. I doubled the sauce recipe because hubby likes saucy wings. I used half Frank’s Extra Hot and half regular Frank’s and added cayenne and crushed dried hot peppers from our garden since we also like the wings extra spicy. My husband is kind of a wing gourmet and he gave these a big thumbs up. I think the vinegar adds a nice touch to the flavor. Now that I know what I’m doing, these are a good, fairly easy alternative to ordering takeout wings and we’ll have some for the Super Bowl next Sunday. Go Birds!
Hi Gina! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Erin,
Thanks for sharing your recipe(s). Today was the first time I ever used an air fryer (4 qt) and the wings came out perfectly crispy. The hot sauce was awesome and it is gonna be my ‘secret sauce’ go to for friends & family. I’m gonna make the chicken leg recipe next and will use the leftover hot sauce. Wow…so good. Chicken never tasted so good!
Hi Mary! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
The two star rating was do to the fact that I dusted the first batch I used the baking soda method. They were disgusting and a BBQ sauce didn’t help. Who came up with this awful idea
Hi Margaret! I’m sorry to hear you had trouble with the recipe and I am a little confused. These wings don’t include baking soda. If you take a look at the ingredient list, it’s not listed. We explained in the blog post about how some people use baking soda to make their wings crispy but after testing it out we ultimately decided not to put that in our recipe because we felt like the baking soda was not needed to make these wings crispy.
This chicken wings recipe has become our favorite go-to meal. It taste so good. Looking forward to more quick and easy recipes. Cheers!
So happy you enjoyed it Nina!! Thanks for sharing!
These are the closest I have come to fried wings without frying them. They were really great!!!
Hi Patty! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Very good, very easy. I did adjust the cooking time because my wings were on the smaller side but this is my go-to for wings. Delicious!
Very good wing recipe, I think the vinegar was the SHI** that took it over the top. HOWEVER, not as crispy as expected with my air fryer. But, I loved them and will continue to cook again!! Thanks!!
Hi Dan! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Ok so I am newish to the air fryer world AND originally from Buffalo, NY. I have been living in Miami for many years and I was craving “traditional” chicken wings. I stumbled upon this recipe and decided to give it a try. Holy moly…they came out sooo good and sooo close to the wings I remember eating as a kid. Thank you Erin…what a treat!
Makes me so happy to hear! Thank you Alicia!
I’ve tried many wing recipes, but the air fryer method is my new favorite. It’s quick, easy, and it taste so good.
I can’t believe how quickly these chicken wings cooked in the air fryer. I made this last night with a homemade bbq sauce. It was fantastic!
Your recipe was incredibly easy to follow. I must say that air fried chicken wings are much better that frying them. I also appreciated the versatility of the recipe when it came to the sauce. I opted for the classic Spicy Buffalo sauce. we devoured them in one go!
I couldn’t agree more Haidee! Thank you!
Hi Erin! I’ve tried this recipe a few times now, and it’s always been a hit with my family and friends. I appreciate how easy to follow your recipes.
Hi Janina! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Thank you for this
I made these in the air fryer as directed and they turned out perfect! My kids loved them.
These were absolutely delicious! So few ingredients and yet it was bursting with flavor. I’ll definitely be making these again!
SO GLAD, thanks for sharing Jasmine!
First time making wings in my new air fryer. The seasoning was perfect and the wings were delicious! So glad I chose this recipe.
So glad you enjoyed it Claire! Thank you!
I really liked the flavor of the rub, however my husband thought there was too much pepper in the mix and asked that the next time I make it, that I cut back on it. They come out juicy and nicely done.
So glad you enjoyed it Francine! You can definitely adjust the seasonings as needed.
I made these for dinner and WOW! I loved them. Will definitely be making these again.
I took a picture of my plate of crispy wings but I don’t know how to share onto the comment page. Anyway thank you so much for the amazing recipe.
Yay Chloe! So glad you enjoyed it! If you are on social media you can post the photo there and tag us! Thank you!
AMAZING! Super easy to make, our second batch came out crispier because we did crowd a little on the first batch. It was so tender!
Great to hear! Thank you Monica!
I make this recipe often. Delicious, and so simple. Sometimes I add other seasonings, like pepper, garlic, onion, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning.
So tasty! Thank you Janelle!
Simple crowd pleaser. I’m not a fan of wings but this recipe is so simple and my nephew is obsessed. I make these every time we get together!
Yay! Thank you Katy!
I made a different sauce to coat wings in but the wings were perfectly cooked. I love the simplicity of this recipe. So good!
I’m new to the air fryer trend and these were fantastic! Easy and tasted great – way better than oven baked. I did have to decrease the time, though. The wings I got were on the smaller side and 30 minutes was too long.
So happy to hear it Penelope!!
First time for me making wings. This recipe created excellent wings. I am not a spicy Buffalo wing person, so I may used half the hot sauce and added a little Sticky Fingers bourbon sauce (no corn syrup). I was amazed at the flavors. I look forward to cooking another of your recipes, and would definitely serve your wings to friends and family.
Yay! Thank you!
FANTASTIC!
Wings were crispy and cooked to perfection. The flavor was perfect – the teaspoon of kosher salt (I used coarse ground) was exactly the right thing.
The sauce was tart with a little kick; not overpowering.
This will be put into the regular meal rotation at our house for picky wings fans!
Great to hear, thank you Kim!
Just made wings per this recipe and they were just as good if not better than what you get out! ( and YES CRISPY!)
Yay! Thank you Rob!
tasty and easy to make. still turned out great when i used frozen wings. if you’re busy or a little low on energy like me it’s a great recipe :)
Great to hear! Thank you!
These were WAY overcooked. Had to toss out wings and waste money.
I’m sorry to hear that you had trouble with the recipe, Andrew. The timing has worked well for myself (and others) so I wished it would have been a hit for you too! I know it can be so disappointing to try a new recipe and it does not turn out for you.
Best wing sauce ever! I had to air fry another round but so good!
So happy to hear you enjoyed it, thank you Carolyn!
These were just perfect! I found that they were ready after the two rounds of 12 minutes each and did not need to do the final 6 min. Came out perfectly juicy AND crispy!
Thanks for the feedback Anna!
I made these for the 1st time yesterday. I was hesitant, because they are cooked in the air fryer without the sauce (I prefer my wings saucy). They were remarkable! I will never make wings any other way! The crispiness is restaurant-quality, & tossing them in the sauce afterwards worked well! I’m sharing your recipe on Facebook, so others can enjoy it. Thank you!
Yay! Thank you so much Courtney!