Crispy Chicken Air Fryer

Featured in Juicy chicken done your way.

Get crispy, tender chicken wings using minimal oil in the air fryer. Flavored with garlic powder and smoked paprika, they’re ready in 23 minutes flat.

alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Wed, 07 May 2025 10:46:32 GMT
A plate of golden, crispy chicken wings sprinkled with parsley, served next to a cup of dipping sauce. Pin it
A plate of golden, crispy chicken wings sprinkled with parsley, served next to a cup of dipping sauce. | tasteofsavor.com

Say goodbye to greasy takeout with these crunchy wings minus the guilt trip. My air fryer completely changed my wing game, giving them that fantastic crunch while keeping everything inside moist and tender. They're done in just 25 minutes, making them my favorite when I want something fast, tasty, and sure to please everyone.

Why These Wings Stand Out

We stopped calling for delivery once I nailed this method. The air fryer gives you this amazingly crisp skin that regular oven cooking just can't match. They cook super fast and there's hardly any mess to deal with afterward. And the best thing? You can dress them up however you want.

Your Ingredients

  • Cooking Spray: Just a thin layer helps them turn golden brown.
  • Chicken Wings: Get them already cut for quicker cooking and easier eating.
  • Seasoning Mix: My go-to combo of olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  • For Garnish: Some chopped parsley and cold ranch dressing really finish them off nicely.

Wing Cooking Steps

Prep Your Wings
Combine your wings with seasonings and oil, then let them marinate for about 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Fire Up The Air Fryer
Arrange them with gaps between each piece, cook at 380°F for 10 minutes, then turn up the temperature for those last crispy moments.
Add The Final Touches
Mix with your sauce of choice, add some parsley on top and serve alongside cool ranch dressing.

Pro Tips From My Kitchen

Don't skip drying your wings before adding seasonings. If you're tight on space, try leaning them against the sides of the basket. For extra crispiness, crank the heat up during the last couple minutes. And always leave room between pieces or they won't get crispy.

Storage Advice

Store what's left in an airtight container and they'll stay good for up to 3 days in your fridge. When you want to eat them again, warm them in your air fryer at 360°F for about 4 minutes. Don't use your microwave unless you're okay with soft wings.

Common Questions

  • Don't have an air fryer? You can use your oven at 425°F for roughly 40 minutes though they won't get quite as crunchy.
  • Want to prepare early? Freeze them separately on a sheet then pack them together. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before heating.
  • Need timing info? Plan for around 18 minutes total cooking time with a bit more if you want them super crispy.

The Wonder of Air Fried Wings

Ever since I bought my air fryer, these wings have become what everyone expects me to bring. They come out fantastic every single time with that unbeatable crispy outside and juicy meat inside. Everyone always wants to know how I make them.

Customize Your Flavors

Go with what you enjoy most. Want something spicy? Throw some hot sauce into your mixture. Looking for something different? Try my cajun seasoning or go with a sweet teriyaki coating. You've got tons of options to play with.

Great Side Dishes

Nothing beats serving these wings with some fresh celery sticks, carrot slices and dipping sauces. For a bigger meal, add some crunchy potato wedges or my tangy slaw on the side. They're always the first thing gone during movie nights at our place.

Tips For Perfect Results

Make sure your air fryer is preheated before you start. Give those wings plenty of room in the basket. Always check they reach 165°F inside and don't forget to turn them halfway through for even cooking all around.

The Ultimate Wing Experience

These wings totally transformed how I handle weeknight meals. Fast, simple and consistently tasty, they're what I turn to when friends drop by unexpectedly or when we're just hanging out at home. Once you cook them this way, you'll wonder why you ever did it differently.

A platter of crispy chicken wings garnished with chopped parsley, accompanied by a small bowl of creamy dipping sauce. Pin it
A platter of crispy chicken wings garnished with chopped parsley, accompanied by a small bowl of creamy dipping sauce. | tasteofsavor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I store leftover wings?

Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer at 360°F for 4 minutes or use the microwave until warm.

→ Can I freeze these wings?

Absolutely, freeze cooked wings for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat.

→ Why should wings be patted dry?

Drying the wings removes moisture, which helps them turn out crispier when cooking in the air fryer.

→ Why adjust the temperature during cooking?

Starting at 380°F cooks them evenly, and the higher 400°F finish adds extra crispiness.

→ Can different seasonings be used?

Definitely, while smoked paprika and garlic powder are suggested, feel free to swap them with your preferred spices while keeping the same method.

Crispy Chicken Air Fryer

Golden and juicy chicken wings cooked fast in an air fryer. A lighter, quicker pick compared to deep frying.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
18 Minutes
Total Time
23 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (1 pound wings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon olive oil.
02 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
03 1 pound chicken wings, separated into drummettes and flats.
04 Salt and black pepper, as much as you like.
05 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
06 Nonstick spray for your air fryer basket.
07 Fresh parsley, chopped, for topping.
08 Ranch sauce for dipping.

Instructions

Step 01

Start by heating the air fryer to 380°F. Mist the basket lightly with nonstick spray.

Step 02

Dry the wings with paper towels. Mix them with oil, seasonings, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

Step 03

Arrange wings in the air fryer, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes.

Step 04

Bump the heat up to 400°F and cook another 6–8 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.

Step 05

Sprinkle parsley over the wings before serving. Enjoy with ranch dressing on the side, if you’d like.

Notes

  1. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  2. Freeze for as long as a month.
  3. To warm them up, reheat at 360°F in the air fryer for 4 minutes.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer.
  • Large bowl.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 433
  • Total Fat: 36 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 23 g