Air Fryer Chicken Wings are crispy, tasty, and surprisingly easy to make! With just a sprinkle of your favorite seasonings, they come out golden and delicious every time.
I can’t resist these juicy chicken wings, especially when they’re perfectly crunchy. They disappear faster than I can imagine, so I always make a double batch—just in case! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: For the best flavor and texture, choose fresh or thawed wings. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with chicken drumsticks. Both options work great in the air fryer!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a nice richness, but feel free to use other oils like avocado or canola oil. These oils also help achieve that crispy texture without affecting flavor. I usually have avocado oil on hand!
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These spices are staples for flavor. If you prefer fresh, you can substitute with minced garlic and chopped onions, but go lighter on the amounts to adjust for flavor intensity.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient provides a deep, smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or chili powder works as a substitute. I think the smoked version really elevates the dish, especially with wings!
Cayenne Pepper: It’s optional but adds a nice kick. If you want less heat, consider using a pinch of red pepper flakes or omit it altogether. For a milder flavor, try sweet paprika instead!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Wings Are Crispy and Cooked Evenly?
The key to crispy wings is air circulation and proper spacing in the air fryer. Follow these steps for great results:
- Preheat the air fryer to develop that crispy outer layer quickly.
- Coat the wings well with oil and seasonings. This helps the skin crisp up.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer. Avoid stacking so that they can cook evenly.
- Halfway through cooking, shake the basket to promote even browning. This could be a game changer for the crunch factor!
- Always check the internal temperature; it should be at least 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Letting the wings rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite more flavorful!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Cooking spray (for the air fryer)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 35-40 minutes in total. You’ll need 5 minutes to preheat the air fryer, 10 minutes to mix the ingredients, and 25-30 minutes to cook the wings until they’re crispy and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat The Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This should take about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken wings cook evenly and get that nice, crispy texture!
2. Season The Chicken Wings:
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat). Make sure every wing gets a good coating of those yummy spices.
3. Prepare The Air Fryer Basket:
Next, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This will help prevent the wings from sticking and make sure they cook nicely without any mess!
4. Arrange The Wings:
Place the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd them; there should be space for hot air to circulate around each wing for even cooking.
5. Cook The Chicken Wings:
Cook the wings for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, give the basket a good shake to turn the wings around. This will help them cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness on all sides.
6. Check For Doneness:
When the wings look golden brown and crispy, check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer. They should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. If they need a little more time, just pop them back in for a few extra minutes!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re ready, take the wings out of the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help keep them juicy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or buffalo sauce, and enjoy your delicious air-fried chicken wings!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just remember to increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes. It’s also best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for optimal seasoning and even cooking, but if you’re in a hurry, you can cook them straight from frozen. Just ensure they reach the minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika for a slightly different flavor. If you want to add a hint of smokiness, consider a tiny dash of liquid smoke or a touch of cumin to the mix.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Wings?
Store leftover chicken wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain their crispy texture, or you can reheat them in the oven.
Can I Make These Wings Spicier?
Absolutely! To amp up the heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add your favorite hot sauce to the seasoning mix. For an even spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce directly to your wings before cooking.
