Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings in Just 24 Minutes

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings in Just 24 Minutes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken wings; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika

Author: lia

Published: October 20, 2025

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When game day rolls around, or I’m just craving a quick snack, my go-to is always air fryer chicken wings. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and guilt-free because they’re made with just a drizzle of olive oil—what’s not to love? I remember the first time I made them for my friends during a football game. Everyone was shocked at how good they tasted without the deep fryer. Now, they’re a staple in my house, and I’m betting they’ll become one in yours too!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Wings

These wings are my absolute favorite for so many reasons. First off, they’re ridiculously easy—just toss them in oil and spices, pop them in the air fryer, and let the magic happen. No messy deep frying, no standing over a hot stove. Plus, they come out perfectly crispy every single time, just like the deep-fried version but with way less oil. It’s a win-win!

Quick and Easy

Seriously, the prep takes five minutes tops. Just pat the wings dry (trust me, this step is key!), mix them with a few pantry staples, and let the air fryer do the heavy lifting. It’s the ultimate hands-off recipe—perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.

Crispy Without Deep Frying

I used to think you needed a vat of oil to get that perfect crispy skin. Boy, was I wrong! The air fryer gives you all that crunch with just a tablespoon of oil. No greasy fingers, no heavy feeling afterwards—just crispy, juicy wings you can feel good about eating.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Wings

You only need a few simple ingredients to make these crispy wings—I always have everything on hand for last-minute cravings! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats – the butcher can do this for you if you ask!)
1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin works best for that perfect crisp)
1 tsp salt (I use kosher for even seasoning)
1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you’ve got it)
1 tsp garlic powder (the secret flavor booster)
1 tsp paprika (for that gorgeous golden color)

Ingredient Substitutions

No olive oil? No problem! Avocado oil works great too—it has a high smoke point. If you want extra smoky flavor, swap regular paprika for smoked paprika. And don’t worry—there’s no sugar in this dry rub, but if you like a touch of sweetness, a pinch of brown sugar won’t hurt. Just don’t tell my nutritionist I said that!

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Okay, let’s get these wings cooking! I promise it’s easier than you think, but there are a few key steps to make sure they come out perfectly crispy every time. Follow along, and you’ll be snacking on golden, juicy wings in no time.

Preparing the Wings

First things first—dry those wings! I can’t stress this enough. Grab some paper towels and pat them down really well. Any extra moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Once they’re dry, toss them in a bowl with the olive oil and all those yummy spices. Get in there with your hands and massage everything in—this is the fun part! Make sure every wing is evenly coated for maximum flavor.

Air Frying Process

Now, preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes. This little warm-up makes all the difference. Arrange the wings in a single layer—no overlapping! Crowding leads to steaming, and we want crispy, not soggy. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip each wing (I use tongs for this) and cook another 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is golden and crispy, and the internal temp hits 165°F. Oh, that smell is going to drive you crazy!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Wings

After making these wings more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks to guarantee crispy perfection every single time:

Dry those wings like your life depends on it! Moisture is the enemy of crispiness – take the extra minute to pat them thoroughly with paper towels.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. I know it’s tempting to cram them all in, but wings need breathing room. Cook in batches if needed.
Use a meat thermometer. 165°F is the magic number for juicy, safe-to-eat chicken. The skin should look crispy and golden too.
Let them rest a minute after cooking – that crunch gets even better as they cool slightly.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Chicken Wings

These wings are perfect on their own, but I love serving them with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing—classic combo! If you’re feeding a crowd, double the batch (trust me, they’ll go fast). Add a cold drink, and you’ve got the ultimate game day spread!

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Leftover wings? No problem! Just pop them in an airtight container—they’ll stay crispy for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. They’ll come out just as crispy as the first time, I promise! (Though let’s be real—they rarely last that long in my house.)

Air Fryer Chicken Wings FAQs

Can I use frozen wings?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely first—pat them extra dry since frozen wings tend to be more watery. Nobody likes soggy wings!

How do I make them spicier?
Oh, I love this question! Add cayenne pepper to your spice mix (start with 1/2 tsp if you’re sensitive). For serious heat lovers, toss the cooked wings in buffalo sauce or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.

Why aren’t my wings crispy?
Two likely culprits: either you didn’t dry them well enough before cooking (I’ve been there!), or you overcrowded the air fryer basket. Wings need space to crisp up properly!

Can I bake these instead?
You totally can—just spread them on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 400°F for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway. But trust me, the air fryer gives that perfect crunch!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates—your exact counts will vary depending on your ingredients. But per serving (about ½ pound of wings), you’re looking at roughly 320 calories, 22g fat, and a whopping 28g protein. Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent!

If you try these air fryer chicken wings—and I really think you should—let me know how they turn out! Drop a comment below or give this recipe a rating. There’s nothing better than hearing how much you all love these crispy wings as much as I do. Happy cooking!

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