• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
A Mind "Full" Mom
  • Recipe Index
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Main Courses
      • 30-Minute Meals
      • Easy Pork Recipes
      • Beef Recipes
      • Soup, Stew, and Chili Recipes
      • Sandwiches, Burgers, and Wraps
      • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Instant Pot
    • Appetizers
    • Beverage Recipes
    • Breads and Muffins
    • Allergy Friendly Recipes
      • Dairy Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Paleo
      • Vegan
      • Low Carb
    • Pasta
    • Snacks
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
  • Instant Pot
    • Start Here: Instant Pot 101
    • All Instant Pot Recipes
    • Healthy Instant Pot Recipes
    • Sign Up for Instant Pot Tips and Recipes
  • About Me
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Free Instant Pot Secrets
  • Free Meal Plans
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Instant Pot
  • About Me
  • Free Instant Pot Secrets
  • Free Meal Plans
  • Subscribe to Newsletters
  • Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Air Fryer Recipes » Air Fryer Chicken Wings

    Air Fryer Chicken Wings

    By Kristen Chidsey | 7 Comments | Published June 5, 2021 | Updated May 10, 2021 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Pin
    Share
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Air Fryer Chicken Wings are juicy, crispy, tender, and delicious, and much better for you than deep-fried wings! The homemade rub is a little spicy, a little sweet, and perfectly savory, and gives the chicken so much flavor, they don't need to even be tossed in a sauce. And the wings turn out perfectly crispy every time--just like they were fried!

    Air Fryer Chicken Wings are juicy, crispy, tender, and delicious, and much better for you than deep-fried wings!

    Pair Air Fried Chicken Wings with a side of Chip Dip and Jalapeno Poppers for the perfect game-day spread!

    Close up of dry rubbed air fryer wings in a silver basket.

    The Best Chicken Wings

    According to my husband and son, chicken wings are a must when watching football. And my boys watch A LOT of football. Therefore, they eat A LOT of wings--and have tried them just about every which way you can have them.

    They love smoked wings, deep-fried wings, and Instant Pot Chicken Wings, but their new obsession is Air Fryer Chicken Wings.

    The homemade rub is a little spicy, a little sweet, and perfectly savory, and gives the chicken so much flavor, they don't need to even be tossed in a sauce. And the wings turn out perfectly crispy every time--just like they were fried!

    And I have to be honest with you, making chicken wings in the air fryer is easier than using the Instant Pot AND much easier, and better for you, than deep-frying.

    Ingredients Needed

    Ingredients for chicken wings labeled on counter.
    • Chicken Wings: If you can, I highly recommend using organic, dry chilled chicken wings. They are less fatty and just taste better.
    • Oil: Only ½ teaspoon is needed! Use either canola, avocado, or olive oil, as they all have a high smoking point.
    • Dry Rub: Made with dried spices, salt, and a bit of brown sugar to balance out the sweetness, this rub truly adds spectacular flavor to the wings.

    How to Make Chicken Wings Using and Air Fryer

    • Prepare the dry rub by mixing together the salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and brown sugar together.
    Mixed dry rub in white bowl.
    • Lightly pat dry chicken wings with a paper towel and place the wings into a large mixing bowl.
    • Add about 1 teaspoon of oil and 2 tablespoons of the rub over the chicken. Toss to liberally coat well, adding more rub if needed.
    Chicken wings tossed with dry rub and oil in clear mixing bowl.
    • At this point, you can cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours OR you can air fry immediately.
    • To air fry the chicken wings spread the wings out onto the basket or tray of your air-fryer--be sure to not overlap the wings so that each side gets crispy! You can work in batches if needed.
    Dry rubbed chicken wings in air fryer.
    • Set to cook for 10 minutes at 400 degrees F.
    • After the time has passed, remove the basket, flip the wings, and air fry for another 8 minutes at 400 degrees F.
    Crispy chicken wings in air fryer basket.

    Serving Suggestions

    These dry-rubbed chicken wings are perfectly flavorful and delicious on served without any additional sauce. However, you can also toss the air-fried wings with ½ cup of Buffalo Sauce or Homemade BBQ Sauce if desired. And don't forget a side of Homemade Ranch Dressing.

    Basekt of Air Fryer Chicken Wings next to air fryer.

    FAQs

    What is the best air fryer to use for this recipe?

    This recipe will work with any air fryer you have. I personally have a basic GoWise Air Fryer that has worked well for me.

    Can this recipe be made with frozen wings?

    No. I do not recommend using frozen wings for this recipe. They do not cook evenly and the rub will not adhere to frozen wings.

    What is the best way to store leftovers?

    Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container for 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 400 degree F air fryer for 3-4 minutes just until warmed through.  

    Is the sugar necessary in the rub?

    No. Feel free to omit the brown sugar from the rub if you need a keto-friendly or low-carb recipe.

    Is it okay to overlap the wings in the air fryer?

    No. You really want to space your wings out in a single layer so that they evenly cook and crisp up. If needed, work in batches to air fry your wings.

    Can this recipe be doubled?

    Yes! Just keep in mind you will need to work in batches so as not to overcrowd the air fryer. Season the chicken as directed. Spead out the chicken wings in a single layer in the basket or tray of the air fryer and air fry as directed. While the first batch of chicken is cooking, keep the remaining wings in the refrigerator until ready to air-fry. Once the first batch is done cooking, keep it warm in a 200 degrees F while the other batch cooks up.

    More Appetizer Recipes

    • Boneless Buffalo Chicken Wings
    • Rotel Sausage Dip
    • Vegetable Egg Rolls
    • Stuffed Mushrooms

    If you enjoyed these Air Fried Chicken Wings, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.

    Close up of Air Fryer Chicken Wings.

    Air Fryer Chicken Wings

    Made with a sweet and savory dry rub, Air Fryer Chicken Wings are juicy, crispy, tender, and turn out perfectly crispy every time--just like they were fried!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 18 minutes
    Total Time: 23 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 156kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 1.5-2 pounds chicken wings
    • ½ teaspoon olive oil

    Dry Rub

    • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoons onion powder
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat to 400 degrees F.
    • In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and brown sugar together.
    • Trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken wings if needed. Lightly pat dry chicken wings with a paper towel and place the wings into a large mixing bowl.
    • In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken wings with the oil and 2 tablespoons of the rub. Toss to liberally coat well, adding more rub if needed.
    • Evenly spread the wings out onto the basket or tray of your air-fryer, being sure to not overlap the wings. Cook for 10 minutes at 400 degrees F. Remove the basket or tray, flip the chicken wings, and air fry for another 8 minutes at 400 degrees F.
    • Serve immediately or toss with sauce if desired before serving.

    Equipment Needed

    • Air Fryer

    Notes

    Chicken Wings: If you can, I highly recommend using organic, dry chilled chicken wings. They are less fatty and just taste better.
    Oil: Use either canola, avocado, or olive oil, as they all have a high smoking point.
    Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container for 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 400 degree F air fryer for 3-4 minutes just until warmed through.  
    Feel free to omit the brown sugar if you need this recipe to be low in sugar or keto-friendly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 822mg | Potassium: 150mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 701IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

    Pin
    Share
    « Air Fryer Bagel Pizzas
    Shrimp Tacos »

    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Beth

      June 10, 2021 at 1:35 pm

      5 stars
      So much to love about this recipe! Quick, easy and made with smoked paprika-delish!!

      Reply
      • Adrienne Foster

        June 20, 2021 at 12:54 am

        If you were to add approximately 1/2 tsp of baking powder to the dry rub the banking soda causes what's known as the Maillard reaction. The Ares guaranteed to be crispy. Only add sauces after they have finished cooking and crisping.

        Reply
        • Kristen Chidsey

          June 20, 2021 at 7:05 am

          Thank you for sharing your tips Adrienne.

          Reply
    2. Taryn

      June 10, 2021 at 11:19 am

      5 stars
      This recipe was easy to follow and our wings came out moist with crispy skin. Thanks so much!

      Reply
    3. Víctor

      June 08, 2021 at 8:59 pm

      5 stars
      I just got to do this Yummy 😋 chicken wings, it seems so easy...

      Reply
    4. Cor

      June 06, 2021 at 10:43 am

      5 stars
      Sounds like a great recipe, I was thinking of getting an air fryer. Which one do you suggest? Love the content, good job!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 06, 2021 at 8:51 pm

        Hi Cor! I link to the exact model I have in the recipe card. It is a GoWise 5.8 quart and pretty basic but has worked great for 2 years now.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Meet A Mind "Full" Mom

    welcomeHi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

    Instant Pot Favorites

    jar of plain yogurt next to instant pot

    Instant Pot Yogurt

    Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs Sliced Open on cutting board

    Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

    Shredded Pot Roast with carrots and Potatoes in white bowl next to Instant Pot.

    Instant Pot Pot Roast

    Whole Chicken on cutting board

    Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken

    Bowl of Cold Start Yogurt

    Instant Pot Cold Start Yogurt

    Inner pot of instant pot filled dried beans

    Instant Pot Beans

    4 chicken breasts cooked inside instant pot.

    Instant Pot Chicken Breast (Fresh or Frozen)

    How to use the instant pot as a slow cooker

    How to Use Your Instant Pot as a Slow Cooker

    Reader Favorites

    Bowl of Baked Meatballs.

    The Best Baked Meatballs

    slice of egg cheese overnight breakfast casserole with sausage

    Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

    Creamy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice in yellow casserole dish

    Creamy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice

    Baked Potato on White Plate

    Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

    Chili seasonings labled on wooden board

    DIY Chili Seasoning

    Plate of chicken and bok choy stir fry topped with cilantro.

    Stir-Fried Chicken and Bok Choy

    Platter of Instant Pot Wings next to ranch dressing

    Instant Pot Chicken Wings

    Bowl of slow cooker oatmeal topped with maple syrup and nuts

    Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

    Taco Meat in skillet with wooden spoon

    The Best Taco Meat Recipe

    Homemade Chicken Tenders on platter.

    Homemade Chicken Tenders

    FEATURED ON

    featured

    Footer

    Featured on:

    Websites AMind"Full"Mom has been featured on

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me

    DISCLAIMER: THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE AND IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR TREATMENT. AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I GENUINELY LOVE ARE OFTEN INCORPORATED IN MY POSTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

    Copyright © 2020 · A MIND "FULL" MOM