Crispy Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer

Name: Crispy Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 17 min
Ingredients: 1 lb mix of chicken wings and drumettes; 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1/2 tablespoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; wing sauce (optional)

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Crispy Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer - The best recipe for crispy chicken wings in the air fryer. Easy to make with a dry rub, keto-friendly, delicious and lower in calories.

crispy chicken wings in the air fryer sprinkled with parsley and a ranch drizzle

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Ingredients you'll need for crispy chicken wings in the air fryer

mix of chicken wings and drumettes
smoked paprika
onion powder
garlic powder
kosher salt
black pepper
wing sauce (optional)

ingredients to make crispy chicken wings in the air fryer

How to make crispy chicken wings in the air fryer

Detailed instructions and measurements are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

Add your wings and drumettes to a large mixing bowl.
In separate bowl, combine the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour the spice mixture over your wings and drumettes and then rub in and mix to combine. You want the wings and drumettes completely coated in the mix on all sides.
Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes on 400°F (this step helps them get crispy!)
Once it is preheated, spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray (I use avocado oil)
Place the wings and drumettes in the basket making sure they do not overlap. You may need to do it in two batches. Place the basket back in the air fryer and cook them at 360°F for 12 minutes.
Open the air fryer basket and flip your wings and drumettes over. Put the basket back in the air fryer and cook them for 5 minutes at 380°F.
Once done, remove them from the air fryer basket and place them in a mixing bowl.
Serve them as is or with your favorite wing sauce!

raw chicken wings with seasoning on them

tips & tricks

Try to find the package at your store that has both wings and drumettes combined if you like both.
Don't let them overlap in the air fryer. This will prevent them from getting extra crispy.
The increase in temperature is key! Don't skip it.
Having a dry rub for the air fryer chicken wings help that skin crisp up without extra moisture. Don't add any sauce until they are fully cooked.
This recipe can also be used for whole chicken wings! You may need to cook it just a couple of minutes longer depending on the size of the wings.

How long does it take to cook wings in the air fryer?

Using this method, they need a total of 17 minutes in the air fryer.

Are air fryers good for chicken wings?

Absolutely! I actually prefer my wings made in the air fryer. They get extra crispy without being deep fried.

What is the best air fryer for chicken wings?

Any air fryer that comes with a basket will work great. I personally have this one and it works perfectly!

Does an air fryer make things crispy?

Yes! I actually find that the air fryer makes things crispier than I can achieve in the conventional oven.

alterations for picky eaters

Use their favorite dipping sauce - if they get to dip in something they love, all the better!
Remove the meat from the bone for them. Some picky eaters have a hesitation to meat still on the bone.
Serve it with ranch. A lot of picky eaters love to dip in ranch and it goes perfectly with this recipe.

Alterations to lower calories or ww points

Use a point friendly wing sauce, ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce