Craving crispy chicken wings without the guilt? These Air Fryer Chicken Wings are the perfect solution! With a golden, crispy exterior and juicy interior, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional fried wings and are ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for an appetizer, a main dish, or even a game day snack, these wings will quickly become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are everything you love about traditional wings, but with a fraction of the fat and calories. Thanks to the air fryer, you get that crispy, golden texture without deep frying. The seasoning is simple yet flavorful, and the best part? They’re ready in just 23 minutes! Plus, they’re easily customizable with your favorite seasonings or dipping sauces. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a quick snack, these wings deliver all the flavor without the hassle.
Ingredients
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Cooking spray (for the air fryer basket)
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1 lb chicken wings (split into flats and drummettes)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Chopped parsley (for garnish)
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Ranch dressing (for dipping, optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. -
Prepare the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This step helps achieve a crispy texture. Transfer the wings to a large mixing bowl. -
Season the Wings
Drizzle the wings with olive oil, then toss them with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. -
Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch for even cooking. -
Cook the Wings
Cook the wings at 380°F for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy. -
Garnish and Serve
Once done, remove the wings from the air fryer and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 2 servings (about 10 wings).
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes
Total time: 23 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Variations
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Spicy Wings: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
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Lemon Pepper Wings: Toss the wings in lemon pepper seasoning after cooking for a tangy, zesty flavor.
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Buffalo Wings: After cooking, toss the wings in a mixture of melted butter and buffalo sauce for a classic wing experience.
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Garlic Parmesan Wings: After cooking, toss the wings in a mixture of melted butter, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory flavor.
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BBQ Wings: Brush the wings with your favorite BBQ sauce in the last 2 minutes of cooking for a smoky, sweet finish.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 360°F for about 4 minutes, or microwave until hot.
Freezing: If you have extra wings, you can freeze them for up to one month. To freeze, allow the wings to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Make sure to thoroughly cook the wings until they are crispy and fully cooked through.
Can I skip the olive oil?
While the olive oil helps to achieve that crispy texture, you can skip it if you prefer. Just be sure to spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Can I use drumsticks instead of wings?
Yes, you can use drumsticks. Keep in mind that drumsticks will need a slightly longer cooking time—around 25-30 minutes in total, depending on their size.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe. Just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking. You may need to cook the wings in batches.
How do I get my wings extra crispy?
To get extra crispy wings, pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket and ensure you’re cooking at the right temperature.
How can I make the wings more flavorful?
Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun, Italian herbs, or garlic parmesan. You can also marinate the wings for an hour before cooking to infuse them with more flavor.
Do I need to flip the wings while cooking?
Flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time is optional, but it can help ensure they cook evenly. If you don’t flip, just make sure they are spaced out in a single layer.
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
These wings are best served immediately after cooking to retain their crispy texture. However, you can make them ahead and reheat them in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes to regain some of the crispiness.
What’s the best dipping sauce for these wings?
These wings go great with ranch dressing, blue cheese, or even a spicy buffalo sauce. Choose your favorite sauce or try making your own at home!
Are these wings gluten-free?
Yes, these Air Fryer Chicken Wings are naturally gluten-free, as they do not require any flour or breading.
Conclusion
These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and flavorful, without the guilt of traditional deep-fried wings. They’re quick, easy to make, and incredibly versatile, making them a great addition to any meal or a tasty snack for game days or parties. With just a few simple ingredients and your air fryer, you can enjoy a healthier version of this beloved dish in no time!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Quick, Healthy, and Delicious
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Craving crispy, golden chicken wings without the guilt? These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are the healthier, quicker way to enjoy your favorite snack – crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for appetizers, game day, or a tasty main course. Serve with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
Ingredients
Cooking spray (for the air fryer basket)
1 lb chicken wings (split into flats and drummettes)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Ranch dressing (for dipping, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Once heated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels, then transfer them into a large mixing bowl.
Toss the wings with olive oil, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch.
Cook the wings at 380°F for 10 minutes, then raise the temperature to 400°F and continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Once done, garnish the wings with chopped parsley and serve with ranch dressing on the side if desired.
Notes
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for about 4 minutes or microwave until hot.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked wings for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
