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My air fryer chicken wings are truly crispy and cook up in just 9 minutes. These are fabulous for an appetizer, game day, or anytime you are craving wings.
If you love chicken air fryer recipes like we do, try my air fryer chicken breast, air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer chicken drumsticks, and air fryer chicken tenderloins next.
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As someone who is obsessed fried chicken wings, my air fryer chicken wings recipe is an absolute game-changer!
You get crispy and juicy wings that cook up in a fraction of the time, and you skip out on using all the excessive oil WITHOUT sacrificing flavor or texture. My family requests I make these ALL the time.
Why I love this recipe
- Works with fresh or frozen wings. While fresh wings are preferred, frozen wings can work!
- Ready in 10 minutes. With no need to marinate the chicken, these wings take less than 10 minutes to cook! Pair them with air fryer French fries for the ultimate takeout fakeout meal!
- Crispy outside, tender inside. The texture is everything you’d want with chicken wings. The addition of baking powder guarantees this!
- Easy to customize. While delicious on their own, you can toss them through your favorite dipping or marinade sauces for the ultimate flavor explosion!
★★★★★ REVIEW
“I am always hesitant to make wings because they often don’t get crisp enough, and the skin stays too flabby for my liking. These are delicious and turn out nice and crisp with tender, juicy meat. So great for a game day!” – Adrienne
Key Ingredients
- Chicken wings. I like to use a mix of wings and drumettes. While frozen chicken wings will work, fresh is always better and guarantees a crispy exterior. If you do opt for frozen ones, add 3 minutes to the overall air frying time (12 minutes).
- Olive oil. Enhances the crispy skin and keeps the juices intact.
- Brown sugar. A touch of brown sugar caramelizes the exterior and gives the skin an even crispier texture.
- Smoked paprika. I find paprika gives the wings a very subtle smokiness that makes them taste even more delicious.
- Kosher salt and black pepper. To taste.
- Baking powder. The secret ingredient to guarantee crispy chicken wings, but don’t fret- you won’t taste anything metallic or acidic whatsoever! Baking soda can be used, but add a teaspoon of vinegar to activate it.
How to make air fryer chicken wings
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Season the chicken wings. Pat dry the chicken wings. Toss the wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large bowl.
Step 2- Air fry the wings. Add a single layer of chicken wings to the air fryer basket and cook for 9 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 3- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, carrot sticks, and celery sticks (I love blue cheese dressing, hot sauce, and ranch dressing).
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use a meat thermometer. This is my #1 tip for checking when chicken (or any meat) is ready to eat. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F, it is ready to eat!
- Cook in batches. Arrange in a single layer and make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket so the hot air can cook the skin to ultimate crispiness.
- Bring the chicken to room temperature, as it will help the wings cook evenly.
- Pat dry the chicken with a paper towel to soak up excess moisture before adding the seasonings; otherwise, the wings may not cook properly.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can! If they are fresh wings, simply cook them as instructed. If they are frozen, increase the air frying time by 3 minutes total (1 1/2 minutes per side).
More chicken wing recipes
- Smoked chicken wings
- Lemon pepper wings
- Garlic parmesan wings
- Korean chicken wings
- Hot wings
- Boneless chicken wings
9-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Video
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken wings drumettes and wingettes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
Instructions
- Lightly grease an air fryer basket, Preheat the air fryer to 190C/375F.
- Pat dry the chicken wings ensuring there is no moisture.
- Toss the wings in a bowl with olive oil. Add the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder and mix well.
- Add the wings to the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 9 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F, flipping halfway through.
- Remove the wings from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published April 2022, updated and republished January 2025
These are the best air fryer chicken wings and SO fast. I can’t believe I had wings cooked in under 10 minutes.
Chicken is my favourite this recipe is so delicious 😋 thank you ☺️ Arman 🥰
Cooking time was perfect.
Make these chicken wings every time the game is on and it’s a winner.
LOVE this!
For that is baking powder here? Just curious what it is making in recipe in air fryers.
Thank you. Making these tonight.
Been following you. Your Recipes are wonderful and so helpful. Plan to get your cookbook. Thank you!