Air fryer chicken wings are the ultimate answer to your cravings for something crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor—without the mess of deep-frying. Whether you’re making them fresh, from frozen, or reheating leftovers, these wings come out perfect every time. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: cooking times, seasonings, tips, and more.
Wondering how long to cook chicken wings in the air fryer? Or how to make them from frozen? Or even how to reheat them without turning them rubbery? Keep reading—you’re in the right kitchen.
Table of Contents
Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Easy, Crispy, and Absolutely Delicious
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, juicy air fryer chicken wings ready in 30 minutes with no oil or mess—perfect for game day or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken wings
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat wings dry and toss with olive oil and spices
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (optional)
3. Arrange wings in a single layer
4. Air fry for 24 minutes, flipping at 12 minutes
5. Toss in sauce or serve with dip
6. Garnish and enjoy!
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
For extra crispiness, dust wings with baking powder.
Let sauced wings rest 2 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 wings
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
The Story Behind My Favorite Air Fryer Chicken Wings
From Vermont Grills to My Asheville Air Fryer
I’m Olivia Bennett, and if you were to pop into my Asheville kitchen on a Sunday night, you’d probably see the air fryer doing its thing—and me tossing a tray of hot, crispy wings into a big bowl of sauce. My love for wings started back in Vermont where my dad grilled them on game nights. They were smoky, sticky, and always a hit.
Fast forward to my adult kitchen, and things look a little different—but taste just as good. I wanted that same irresistible crunch and flavor, but with less oil, less cleanup, and a faster cook time. That’s when I turned to air fryer chicken wings, and honestly? I haven’t looked back.
Now, they’re a weekly must-have in our home. Whether it’s game day, movie night, or just a Tuesday craving, I know I can get that satisfying wing experience without turning on the oven or heating up a vat of oil. Plus, they pair beautifully with other favorites like these steak bites in the air fryer or my crunchy potato chip crusted chicken.
Why Air Fryer Chicken Wings Are Worth Every Crunch
If you love wings but hate the mess of deep frying, this method is for you. No greasy splatter. No hovering over the stove. Just throw the wings into the air fryer, flip them halfway, and let the machine work its magic. You get crispy skin, tender meat, and big flavor—all in less than 30 minutes.
Perfecting Air Fryer Chicken Wings at Home
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
For a basic but flavorful batch of air fryer chicken wings, here’s what you’ll need:
For the wings:
- 2 pounds of chicken wings (drums and flats)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or spray)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat)
For serving (optional):
- Buffalo, BBQ, or garlic parmesan sauce
- Chopped green onions or parsley
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
These ingredients give your wings flavor before the sauce even touches them. And if you’re prepping ahead, this seasoning blend works well with other chicken recipes like chicken nuggets in air fryer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is crucial—removing moisture helps them crisp up. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil and all the seasonings. Coat evenly. - Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional)
While some models don’t need preheating, I recommend preheating your air fryer at 400°F for 2–3 minutes for even cooking. - Arrange Wings in the Basket
Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd; if needed, cook in batches. The air needs to circulate freely to crisp the skin. - Cook
Air fry at 400°F for 24 minutes, flipping the wings halfway at the 12-minute mark. They should be golden and the skin crisp when done. Internal temperature should hit 165°F. - Toss or Sauce
Immediately toss the hot wings in your choice of sauce—Buffalo, BBQ, or garlic butter. Or keep them dry-rubbed and serve with dips. - Serve Hot
Garnish and serve hot. Pair them with a side of baked sweet potato in air fryer for a full plate!
How to Cook Frozen Air Fryer Chicken Wings & Reheat Them Like New
How to Cook Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer
Yes—you can absolutely make air fryer chicken wings straight from the freezer, and they still turn out crispy, golden, and delicious. No need to thaw, no need to stress. Cooking frozen chicken wings in air fryer is a total game-changer for busy nights or surprise guests.
Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. This helps start crisping the skin immediately.
- Place frozen chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t stack them.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, allowing the wings to partially thaw and render some fat.
- Drain the basket, then season the wings with your preferred dry rub.
- Continue cooking for 18–22 more minutes, flipping halfway through.
The result? Extra crispy skin, juicy meat, and no greasy mess. Total cook time: about 28–32 minutes for frozen chicken wings in air fryer. They’re especially handy when you didn’t plan ahead. I often pair these with quick sides like Italian sausage in air fryer or even baked sweet potato in air fryer for a fast, comforting dinner.
How to Reheat Chicken Wings in Air Fryer Without Drying Out
Leftovers? Not a problem. The best way to bring day-old air fryer chicken wings back to life is—you guessed it—reheat chicken wings in air fryer.
Here’s how:
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F
- Place the leftover wings in a single layer
- Cook for 5–6 minutes, flipping once halfway through
That’s it. The wings come out hot, crisp, and just as satisfying as when they were fresh. Unlike reheating in the microwave, the air fryer keeps the skin from going soggy. If the wings are heavily sauced, you can wrap them loosely in foil for the first half of cooking, then uncover to crisp.
This method also works well for reviving appetizers like the air fryer onion blossom—another snack that needs a little crunch to shine.
Why the Air Fryer Wins Every Time
Whether you’re cooking air fryer chicken wings fresh, frozen, or reheated, the air fryer makes them better—every time. It’s faster than the oven, cleaner than deep-frying, and the wings come out with perfect texture. No other method matches the balance of crisp and juiciness.
Even when using frozen chicken wings in air fryer, you’re only about 30 minutes away from a restaurant-worthy result. And if you’re learning how to reheat chicken wings in air fryer, it means your game day leftovers still taste like day one.
How to Make Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer: Tips, Flavors & Expert Tricks
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings Like a Pro
If you’ve been wondering how to make chicken wings in the air fryer, the good news is—it’s unbelievably easy. The real secret to crispy and juicy air fryer chicken wings lies in a few simple, repeatable steps. Once you know them, cooking air fryer chicken wings will become second nature.
Here’s how I do it every single time:
- Dry the wings thoroughly with paper towels. Any surface moisture stops them from crisping up.
- Coat with oil and seasoning. A quick drizzle of olive oil plus a dry rub ensures flavor in every bite.
- Place in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so hot air can circulate around each wing.
- Air fry at 400°F for 24 minutes, flipping the wings after 12 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Toss with your favorite sauce or serve dry. Let them rest for 2 minutes before tossing—this keeps the skin crispy.
Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a snack, this is exactly how to make air fryer chicken wings that taste better than takeout. I use the same method when cooking recipes like chicken nuggets in air fryer and chicken shawarma sheet pan dinner, because it always works.
Seasoning and Flavor Ideas for Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Once you master the base recipe, the sky’s the limit. These variations will give your air fryer chicken wings flavor that matches any mood:
| Style | What to Use |
|---|---|
| Buffalo | Butter + hot sauce (Franks RedHot) |
| Garlic Parmesan | Melted butter, garlic, Parmesan |
| Lemon Pepper | Lemon zest, cracked pepper, sea salt |
| BBQ Honey | Sweet BBQ sauce + a drizzle of honey |
| Asian Sticky | Soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sriracha, and honey |
Tips for more flavor:
- Season before AND after. A pre-cook dry rub and a post-cook sauce = flavor layered wings.
- Want ultra-crispy? Dust wings with baking powder before air frying.
- For extra char, broil for 1–2 minutes after cooking.
The best part? Once you learn how to make chicken wings in the air fryer, you’ll never go back. They’re faster than oven-baked wings, cleaner than deep-fried ones, and just as satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Wings
How long to cook chicken wings in air fryer?
To cook chicken wings in the air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 24 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures crispy skin and juicy meat every time. Wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
How long to cook frozen chicken wings in air fryer?
Start by cooking frozen chicken wings in the air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes to allow moisture to release. Drain, season, then cook for an additional 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway. Total cook time is 28–32 minutes for crispy results.
How long to reheat chicken wings in air fryer?
Reheat chicken wings in the air fryer at 360°F for 5–6 minutes, flipping once. This brings back the crisp without drying out the meat. If wings are sauced, cover lightly with foil for the first few minutes, then uncover to finish crisping.
How to make chicken wings in the air fryer?
To make chicken wings in the air fryer: dry the wings, season with a dry rub, place in a single layer in the basket, and air fry at 400°F for 24 minutes. Flip halfway through, then toss in your favorite sauce or serve dry with dips.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Making Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Whether you’re cooking fresh, frozen, or leftover wings, the air fryer chicken wings method is quick, clean, and consistently delicious. With no need for oil splatter or deep-frying, you can enjoy crispy, golden wings any day of the week. You’ve learned how to cook chicken wings in the air fryer, how to make them from frozen, how to reheat them like new, and even how to customize them with different flavors.
Next time you’re craving something crunchy, skip the takeout and toss a batch of wings in your air fryer. It’s a simple, satisfying recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
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