These air fryer whole chicken wings are crispy, succulent, and downright addicting! With just 8 ingredients and the convenience of the air fryer, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results that are impossible to resist. Serve them for game days, potlucks, and backyard get-togethers!
Whether you’re hosting friends and family or just craving a savory snack, these air fryer whole chicken wings are always a hit! Like my air fryer buffalo wings, they turn out perfectly crispy without the mess of a deep fryer.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a recipe that’s easy to make yet delivers crowd-pleasing flavors, and these air fryer whole chicken wings do just that.
Simply toss the chicken wings with a few pantry spices and oil, then let the air fryer work its magic. The result is a plate of wings with crispy skin, juicy meat, and big, bold flavors that the whole family will love.
If you love a good dipping sauce, try this lemon pepper wing sauce! So tangy and delicious!
Ingredient Notes
Besides the chicken, all of the ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples. Here is a breakdown:
- Chicken Wings: For air fryer chicken wings, it’s best to use fresh or fully thawed whole chicken wings that you can split into flats and drumettes yourself, or you can buy them already separated.
- Olive Oil: Ensures the wings cook up crispy and helps the spices adhere.
- Garlic Powder: Brings a rich, aromatic, and ultra-savory flavor.
- Onion Powder: Adds depth and a slight sweetness to the spice blend.
- Smoked Paprika: Imparts a smoky, slightly spicy undertone but doesn’t overpower the other spices.
Substitutions
- Oil: Avocado oil is another option with its high smoke point and neutral taste.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: You can also use garlic and onion granules. Substitute them in a 1:1 ratio for a similar seasoning taste.
- Smoked Paprika: Chipotle powder or ancho chile powder can offer a similar smokiness, but use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
How to Make Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
These air fryer chicken wings are incredibly easy to make, especially with my step-by-step instructions and tips! Here’s everything you need to know.
Preparation
Split the chicken wings and remove the tips by locating the joint that connects the tip to the rest of the wing. Use a sharp knife to cut through the joint, separating the tip from the wing.
To remove the tips completely, simply cut at the joint between the tip and the flat, discarding the tip or saving it for making stock. Meanwhile, set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cooking
Step 1
Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. Thoroughly drying the wings is essential to achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until they’re evenly coated. Make sure each wing is well-coated for the best flavor and texture.
Tip: Use my homemade classic chicken wing rub.
Step 3
Grease the air fryer basket and arrange the wings in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent air from circulating freely and result in soggy wings.
Step 4
Bake the wings for 20-22 minutes, flipping them after 10 minutes. Use tongs for easy flipping and to keep the coating intact.
Step 5
Once the wings are done, remove them from the air fryer. If you’d like, you can toss them with your favorite sauce for extra flavor.
Expert Tip
To make the crispiest air fryer whole chicken wings, the real game-changer is making sure your wings are as dry as possible before tossing them with seasonings.
This simple step ensures the skin crisps up perfectly without being steamed inside the air fryer. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, and taking the time to pat each wing dry with paper towels makes all the difference.
Cooking Tips
Preheat the Air Fryer: While not completely necessary, a preheated air fryer starts cooking the wings immediately, reducing sticking and giving them a crispier texture.
Grease the Basket: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step is necessary even if your basket is non-stick.
Check the Temperature: Check the wings with a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked. They’re safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Let the Wings Rest: Give your chicken wings a few minutes to sit after they finish cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your air fryer whole chicken wings on game day with other finger foods, like air fryer frozen meatballs, ham and cheese sliders, loaded nachos with pulled pork, and pigs in a blanket.
I also love mine with air fryer frozen sweet potato fries or regular air fryer frozen fries for a crispy, comforting pairing. And don’t forget some blue cheese dressing, Alabama white BBQ sauce, ranch, or a spicy aioli to dip the wings into!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the chicken wings are fully cooked?
Chicken wings are safe to eat when their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the wing without touching the bone.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but for best results, thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps achieve the crispy texture you’re after.
Why are my chicken wings not crispy?
This could be due to excess moisture on the wings or overcrowding in the air fryer basket. Ensure the wings are dry and cook them in batches if necessary.
Storing & Reheating
Air fryer whole chicken wings are best enjoyed fresh, but storing and reheating properly can help you make meals all week long! Let them cool completely before storing them.
Fridge
Cooked chicken wings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for up to 3 days this way.
Freezer
Freezing is an option for longer storage. Arrange the cooked wings on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat the wings in the air fryer at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until they’re heated through and crispy. This method helps maintain the texture and flavor better than microwaving.
More Chicken Recipes
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Air Fryer Quesadillas
- Air Fryer Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Crustless Chicken Pot Pie
- How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Pat the wings dry with a paper towel.
- In a medium bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, pepper and seasonings.
- Place the wings in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket.
- Bake wings 20-22 minutes until skin is crisp, flipping the wings after 10 minutes.
- Remove wings from the air fryer and toss with sauce as desired.
Lemon Pepper Sauce for Wings - Southern Cravings
Thursday 11th of April 2024
[…] this lemon pepper sauce for wings is my go-to when I want to up my chicken game. Pair it with my air fryer whole chicken wings for the ultimate flavor combination that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or […]