The Best Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who love chicken wings, and those who haven’t had them cooked properly. Seriously, a perfectly crispy, juicy wing is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But achieving that sports-bar-level crunch at home? That often means dealing with a vat of splattering oil or waiting forever for the oven to work its slow, often-soggy magic. It’s a messy, time-consuming hassle.

But what if I told you there’s a better way? A way to get unbelievably crispy wings without the deep-frying drama or the oven-baking disappointment. My friends, it’s time to embrace the air fryer. This countertop marvel circulates hot air at high speed, creating a cooking environment that crisps up chicken skin to absolute perfection while keeping the meat tender and juicy. It’s faster, cleaner, and honestly, the results are just better.

Ready to make the best wings of your life in under 30 minutes? Let’s get to it.

Why the Air Fryer Reigns Supreme for Wings

You might be skeptical. Can an air fryer really beat a deep fryer? When it comes to wings, the answer is a resounding yes.

Unmatched Crispiness: The air fryer renders the fat from the chicken skin, making it shatteringly crisp without needing to be submerged in oil.
Speed Demon: We’re talking about perfectly cooked wings in about 15 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to decide what to watch on TV.
Healthier Indulgence: You get all the crunch with just a fraction of the oil used in deep frying.
Zero Mess: Say goodbye to oil splatters and a greasy stovetop. The air fryer contains it all, and the basket is usually dishwasher-safe.

What You’ll Need

This recipe uses a simple yet flavorful dry rub that creates a perfect base for any sauce—or is delicious enough to stand on its own.

2 lbs chicken wings: You can use whole wings or “party style” wings (drums and flats separated).
2 tablespoons avocado oil: Or another high-smoke-point oil like canola or grapeseed.
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: For a beautiful color and smoky flavor.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon mixed herbs: An Italian blend or herbes de Provence works great.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This process is so simple, you’ll have it memorized after the first try.

1. Preheat and Prep

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Give it a good 5 minutes to get screaming hot. This initial blast of heat is key to getting that skin to crisp up right away.

2. Season the Wings

While the air fryer is heating, grab a large bowl and add your chicken wings. It’s important to pat them dry with paper towels first; dry skin equals crispy skin! Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and mixed herbs to the bowl.

3. Oil and Toss

Drizzle the avocado oil over the seasoned wings. Now get in there with your hands or a pair of tongs and toss everything together until each wing is evenly coated with the spices and oil.

4. Arrange in the Basket

Once preheated, arrange the chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This is the most important rule of air frying! The wings need space for the hot air to circulate. If they’re piled on top of each other, they’ll steam and turn out soggy. If you have a smaller air fryer, cook them in two batches. Trust me, it’s worth the extra time.

5. Cook to Crispy Perfection

Place the basket into the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-17 minutes.

To ensure they get crispy all over, you need to flip them halfway through the cooking time. Around the 8-minute mark, pull out the basket and use tongs to flip each wing over.

The wings are done when they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should be at least 165°F (74°C).

6. Rest and Serve

Once they’re cooked, remove the wings from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to settle. Serve them hot as they are, or toss them in your favorite sauce (like Buffalo or BBQ) while they’re still warm.

Tips for Wing Success

A few extra pointers to help you become a true wing master.

Size Matters: Not all wings are the same size. Big, meaty wings might need an extra couple of minutes, while smaller ones might be done sooner. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of cooking.
Get Creative with Seasoning: This dry rub is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to experiment. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, some onion powder for more savory depth, or a little brown sugar for a sweet-and-spicy vibe.
Sauce Like a Boss: If you’re adding sauce, the best time to do it is right after the wings come out of the air fryer. Place the hot, crispy wings in a clean bowl, pour over your sauce, and toss to coat. The heat from the wings will help the sauce cling perfectly.
For Extra-Extra Crispy Wings: Some people swear by adding a teaspoon of baking powder (not baking soda!) to their dry rub. This helps to draw out moisture and creates an even crunchier skin.

Enjoy your ridiculously delicious, perfectly crispy, and shockingly easy homemade chicken wings!