How to make chicken wings in an air fryer – cook your favorite side dish to perfection

Use an air fryer to make this simple chicken wings recipe, and add the seasoning or sauce of your choice. They're perfect for a barbecue or celebration with friends

How to make chicken wings in an air fryer
(Image credit: Future)
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Jennifer Ebert
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published
in Advice

The breakout kitchen essential of the year, air fryers are the optimum hassle-free gadget. But that's not all, it is also a healthier option than deep and shallow fry cooking, making it a superb choice for anyone wanting to know how to make chicken wings in an air fryer – guilt-free.

Even if you own the best air fryer, or know all the important things to know about air fryers, air fryer mistakes when cooking chicken wings are inevitable. Here we break down step-by-step through how to make chicken wings in an air fryer with ease, and we (almost) promise you the most flavorful, and delicious chicken wings you've ever tasted.

How to make chicken wings in an air fryer

Fried chicken wings are a must-have when hosting a dinner, barbecue, or even a Super Bowl party. But, deep frying wings can be a little messy and involved, which is why more and more people are turning to the trusty air fryer for game day snacks. 

If you're short on time or want to avoid a messy kitchen or any hazardous oil spills, then this air-fried chicken wings recipe will be a godsend for you. Make French fries in an air fryer for an easy-to-prepare, and delicious accompaniment.

Ingredients

Chicken wings in white plate with chili sauce

(Image credit: Future)

1. Prep your wings

Separate each chicken wing in two at the joint, if that's how you like then, otherwise leave it intact. 

Season wings all over with salt and pepper (or seasoning of your choice), and coat the inside of the air fryer with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Pre-heat the air fryer

Set the air fryer to 380° and pre-heat for 4-5 minutes. 

3. Cook the chicken wings

Cook the chicken wings for 30 minutes and flip once to ensure you have an even cook. Increase heat to 400° and cook for a further 5 minutes.

Check the wings are tender and cooked through – they should be almost falling off the bone before you remove them. 

4. Remove and serve

Don’t leave the chicken wings in the fryer, or the steam will make the skin soft again. Immediately tip into a bowl, season, and serve with sauce for dipping.

Firecracker chicken wings in hot sauce

(Image credit: Future)

FAQs

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

The length of time it takes to cook chicken wings in an air fryer often depends on the size of your chicken wings. However, most recipes suggest cooking your chicken wings for 30-35 minutes on a temperate of 380° to 400°. 

Ensure your wings are crips and brown on the outside before removing and serving. 

Should I flour my chicken wings before air frying?

You don't need to flour your chicken wings before air frying, however, we recommend that you should for extra crispy skin. Our resident air fryer tester, Millie Fender, swears by this easy recipe hack for crispy skin.

Using a paper towel, dry the chicken wings. In a large bowl, evenly coat the wings with flour or cornflour, your chosen seasoning mix, and a heavy pinch of salt.

Millie Fender
Millie Fender

I've been writing for Homes & Gardens since the beginning of 2021, covering all things product-related. A lover of al fresco dining, I'm always on the hunt for the best air fryers, barbecues, and pizza ovens for entertaining friends and family.

Why are my wings not crispy in an air fryer?

If your chicken wings are not as crispy as desired, then you may want to consider coating your wings in flour and seasoning before cooking in an air fryer. The flour coating will give your chicken the crisp and crunch you desire. 

BBQ sauce coated chicken wings

(Image credit: Future)

This is one of the simplest recipes you will find that will give you perfectly-cooked chicken wings. If you are wondering what else can you cook in an air fryer, you'll be pleased that your air fryer can handle almost anything, from French fries to baked potatoes and salmon.

Jennifer Ebert
Jennifer Ebert
Editor

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

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