Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken wings; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ¾ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Published: October 8, 2025

by Dian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Cooking Time: You can have these wings ready in under 25 minutes, making them ideal for busy days.
Crispy Texture: The air fryer ensures a perfectly crispy skin without deep frying.
Easy Cleanup: Using an air fryer means less mess compared to traditional frying methods.
Flavorful Seasoning: The blend of paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper gives these wings a delicious kick.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair them with your favorite sauces or sides like carrots and celery for a complete meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make these air fryer chicken wings, you’ll need a few essential tools that will ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Air fryer
Large mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Air fryer: This appliance cooks the wings evenly while achieving that coveted crispiness without excess oil.
Large mixing bowl: It provides ample space for tossing the chicken with seasonings, ensuring every piece is coated well.
Tongs: Using tongs makes it easy to flip the chicken wings in the air fryer without risking burns or mess.

Ingredients

These air fryer chicken wings are golden, crispy, and easy to make in under 25 minutes. I love to serve them with a side of chopped carrots and celery for the best wing night experience!

For the Chicken Wings

1 pound chicken wings
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
¾ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.

Step 2: Coat the Wings

Use your hands to massage the spices all over the chicken until they are evenly coated.
In a small bowl, mix together the flour and cornstarch.
Add this mixture to the chicken wings and toss until each piece is coated.

Step 3: Cook in Air Fryer

Arrange the seasoned chicken wings in an even layer in your air fryer basket.
Spray lightly with oil for extra crispiness.
Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes.
Flip the wings over and continue cooking for another 8 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Enjoy your delicious homemade air fryer chicken wings as a tasty treat any night of the week!

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air fryer chicken wings are a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering. They are versatile and can be paired with various sides and dips to enhance their flavor.

Classic Pairings

Celery Sticks – Crisp and refreshing, celery provides a perfect crunch alongside the wings.
Carrot Sticks – Sweet and crunchy, carrot sticks add a burst of color and flavor.

Dipping Sauces

Buffalo Sauce – A classic choice that adds heat and tanginess to your wings.
Ranch Dressing – Creamy and cool, ranch dressing complements the savory flavors of the chicken.
Blue Cheese Dressing – For those who enjoy bold flavors, blue cheese dressing pairs well with spicy wings.

Fresh Garnishes

Chopped Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness when sprinkled on top before serving.
Lemon Wedges – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and enhances flavors.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Achieving the perfect air fryer chicken wings is all about technique. Follow these tips for crispy, flavorful results every time.

Choose Quality Wings – Opt for fresh or frozen wings without added preservatives for the best taste.
Pat Dry Before Coating – Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crispier texture during cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Spacing out the wings allows hot air to circulate properly, ensuring even cooking.
Use Baking Powder in Coating – Adding baking powder enhances crispiness by creating a light coating on the wings.
Flip Halfway Through Cooking – This ensures all sides get evenly cooked and browned for that perfect crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Pairing side dishes with air fryer chicken wings can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

French Fries – Crispy fries are a classic choice that pairs well with chicken wings. Consider seasoning them with garlic or herbs for extra flavor.
Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and creaminess, balancing the savory taste of the wings.
Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad provides comfort alongside spicy chicken wings.
Sweet Potato Wedges – Baked or air-fried sweet potato wedges offer a sweet contrast to spicy flavors.
Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and pairs perfectly with any wing sauce.
Baked Beans – Sweet and smoky baked beans provide heartiness that complements the meal beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will help you make the best air fryer chicken wings. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Skipping the Oil: Not using oil can lead to dry wings. Always add a little olive oil to keep them juicy and crispy.
Overcrowding the Basket: Filling the air fryer basket too full prevents proper air circulation. Cook in batches to ensure each wing gets crispy.
Neglecting the Seasoning: Forgetting to properly season your chicken can result in bland wings. Massage the spices thoroughly into each wing for great flavor.
Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking wings for too long can make them tough, while not cooking them enough can leave them underdone. Stick to the recommended times and check for doneness.
Forgetting to Flip: Not flipping the wings halfway through cooking can lead to uneven crispiness. Always turn your wings for an even cook.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store your leftover air fryer chicken wings in an airtight container.
They will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Allow wings to cool completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe bags or containers; they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently, as this method may make them less crispy.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making air fryer chicken wings:

How do I make Air Fryer Chicken Wings extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispy air fryer chicken wings, try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch when coating the wings. This helps absorb moisture and creates a crunchier texture.

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes! You can cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer, but you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Be sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

What sauces go well with Air Fryer Chicken Wings?

Popular sauces include buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, or teriyaki sauce. You can toss them in your favorite sauce after cooking for added flavor.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can also use turkey wings or even cauliflower florets for a plant-based option.

Final Thoughts

These air fryer chicken wings are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. Customize them with your favorite seasonings or sauces for a personalized touch. Whether it’s game day or a casual dinner, these wings are sure to impress!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card