Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Something about homemade air fryer chicken wings transports me right back to family gatherings and Friday nights at home. The sweet smell of spices mingling with the warm smell of crisping skin … it’s that familiar aroma in the kitchen.

I think nothing beats the joy of sitting with family and sharing a plate of perfectly cooked wings however you make them: with or without the air fryer and all that flavor, without that fuss!

Chicken wings in the air fryer is a family favorite sit-down to eat, but also a comfort food I can always rely on. And they’re so easy to make, they’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and satisfy the craving anytime you want them.

There’s plus an air fryer gives you the classic wing texture minus the deep frying mayhem.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Wings

If you’re searching for a recipe that’s quick and easy yet packed with flavor — this is it! Magic air fryer flavor: crispy outside, juicy tender meat inside. This is the kind of meal you’d love to eat any day of the week, whether it’s a game day or a weeknight craving.

Another great thing? These wings are incredibly versatile. Serve them plain, with your favorite sauces, or add a dash of extra seasoning to match your mood. A win all around!

Loved these easy homemade air fryer chicken wings? You won’t want to miss our cozy Easy Chicken Soup Recipe and hearty Slow Cooker Beef Pot Roast! Perfect for bringing the family together around the table.

Ingredients for This Delicious Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of delicious homemade air fryer chicken wings:

• Chicken wings (2 pounds): I usually go for fresh wings from the butcher for that extra freshness. If you’re using frozen, just make sure they’re thawed completely before cooking.
• Olive oil (1-2 tablespoons): Just enough to coat the wings and help them crisp up nicely. Avocado oil works great too if you prefer.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple and essential for flavor. Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper give the best results.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a wonderful depth without overpowering. Fresh garlic is lovely too, but garlic powder gives a more even flavor.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): This brings a little smoky flavor, which pairs beautifully with the wings. Smoked paprika can also be a great choice if you like a bit more depth.
• Cayenne pepper (optional, ¼ teaspoon): For a touch of heat! Add more or less depending on your family’s spice preference.

These ingredients keep things simple but flavorful, so the wings shine on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.

How to Make These Air Fryer Chicken Wings

This recipe is all about getting those air fryer chicken wings perfectly crispy and delicious without any of the deep-frying fuss. Here’s the easy step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and give it a few minutes to heat up. Preheating helps the wings start cooking evenly right from the start. You’ll be enjoying crispy wings in no time!

Step 2: Prep the Wings
Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels—this is key for getting that nice crisp. Toss the wings in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a dash of cayenne if you like a bit of heat. Make sure each wing is well coated in all that tasty seasoning.

Step 3: Arrange and Cook
Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t crowded. Cook for about 10 minutes, then flip the wings over. Continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy on the outside. If you want them extra crispy, add another 2-3 minutes at the end!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re done, carefully remove the wings from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy the crunch! I love pairing them with a side of celery and blue cheese dressing for that classic feel.

And there you have it, a batch of delicious, crispy homemade air fryer chicken wings that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Loved this recipe? Click on the next tab to grab the full, easy-to-print version just below then keep it handy for next time!

Some Important Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get that perfect crunch on your homemade air fryer chicken wings every time.

First, pat the wings completely dry before seasoning; removing excess moisture helps them get extra crispy. Preheating the air fryer to 400°F makes a big difference, so don’t skip it! Cooking in a single layer also allows each wing to crisp up nicely—avoid overcrowding for best results.

Finally, if you like them extra crispy, just add an extra 2-3 minutes at the end. These simple steps make all the difference!

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Can I use frozen chicken wings in this air fryer chicken wings recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen wings! Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, and remember that they may not get as crispy as fresh wings.

If you have the time, thawing the wings first will give the best texture, but frozen works well when you’re in a pinch.

What sauces go well with air fryer chicken wings?

Oh, the options are endless! Always popular are classic choices such as buffalo, barbecue, and honey garlic.

So if you’re feeling adventurous, toss them in teriyaki or even mix soy sauce with honey.

Ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping – perfect for that game day or cozy night!