Quick answer: Pat 2 lb of wings very dry, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika, and air fry in a single layer at 380°F for 18 minutes (flip halfway), then 400°F for 4 minutes. No oil is needed; the skin renders and crisps on its own.
27 min (5 prep + 22 cook) 380°F then 400°F Serves 3-4
What Ingredients Do You Need?
2 lb chicken wings (flats and drumettes)
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Optional: 1/3 cup buffalo, BBQ or honey garlic sauce for tossing
How Do You Make Crispy Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer?
Dry the wings: Pat the wings very dry with paper towels. Dry skin is the secret to crispy wings.
Season: Toss the wings with the salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. No oil is needed.
Arrange in a single layer: Place the wings in the basket in a single layer without overlapping. In a dual basket air fryer, split them between both baskets.
Air fry: Air fry at 380°F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Crisp: Raise the heat to 400°F and cook 4 more minutes until the skin is deep golden and crisp. Wings should reach at least 165°F inside.
Sauce and serve: Toss in your favorite sauce right away, or serve plain with sauce on the side.
Dual basket tip: Cook wings in basket 1. Put frozen fries in basket 2 at 400°F for about 16 minutes and use Sync/Smart Finish so both are done together.
Best for this recipe: Ninja DZ401 10-Qt5-Qt baskets fit 2 lb of wings without crowding. Smart Finish syncs wings and fries.
How Many Calories Are in Chicken Wings? (Estimated)
Per serving (1/4 of recipe (about 1/2 lb raw wings), without sauce): about 320 calories, 22 g fat (6 g saturated), 1 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 29 g protein, and 600 mg sodium. These are estimates, not lab values. Estimated from standard USDA values for roasted chicken wings with skin plus the salt listed, without sauce. Sauces add calories and sodium.
What Flavor Variations Can You Try?
Buffalo: toss in 1/3 cup hot sauce mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter
Lemon pepper: swap the paprika for 1 tsp lemon pepper and finish with lemon zest
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature do you air fry chicken wings?
Air fry wings at 380°F for about 18 minutes, flipping halfway, then 400°F for 4 to 5 minutes for extra crispiness. Pat them dry first for the best skin.
Do you need oil for air fryer wings?
No. Chicken wing skin has enough fat to crisp on its own. Patting the wings dry matters more than oil.
Can you cook frozen wings in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook frozen wings at 380°F for about 10 minutes to thaw, pat off any water, season, then continue as above. Expect 5 to 10 extra minutes, and check that they reach 165°F.
When should I add sauce to air fryer wings?
Add sauce after cooking. Sugary sauces burn in the air fryer, so toss the hot wings in sauce right before serving.
