I just got an air fryer and YEAH it’s being put to great use already. Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer yields incredible results thanks to the chicken’s crispy exterior. The texture is really only possible to achieve deep frying or air frying. Of course, air frying is much healthier than deep-frying, a lot less cleanup, and much quicker to pull off.
That said, this healthy alternative to frying is not a sacrifice in flavor.
How to Air Fry Chicken Wings
My wings are coated in a simple dry rub consisting of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. The wings are tossed in a little olive oil and then coated in the dry rub. I love this rub because it’s so simple and adds so much flavor that lends itself to that perfect crispy skin.
The wings are placed in a non-preheated air fryer at 375°F and cooked for about 20-25 minutes until crispy on the outside and fully cooked through in the center (165°F internal temp for chicken). Also, see my garlic and parmesan air fryer wings!
How Many Wings Can I Cook at Once?
I was able to easily fry 1 1/2 pounds of wings in about 20 minutes in a 4-quart air fryer. You can fit up to 2-3 pounds of wings, however, it may take closer to 30 minutes to fully cook.
The secret is to flip/toss the wings a few times throughout frying to ensure an evenly cooked exterior. If you’re cooking multiple layers of wings, this is especially important.
What About Buffalo Wings?
Yes…you can still cook your buffalo wings in an air fryer. If using sauces such as buffalo sauce, I recommend prepping the wings by tossing in olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. Air fry the wings first, then toss in buffalo sauce/whatever sauce you’re using just before serving. This prevents a mess and makes for better tasting wings. This is perfect for honey buffalo, teriyaki, or bbq wings.
More Chicken Wings
Dry Rub Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously crispy air fried wings tossed in a simple dry rub consisting of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2–2 pounds chicken party wings (wingette and drummette separated)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sliced carrots, celery, and ranch dressing for serving
Instructions
- Season wings generously with salt and pepper. Toss in a bowl with olive oil until evenly coated. Add all spices and toss until fully coated in the dry rub.
- Transfer wings to a 4-5 quart air fryer arranging as evenly as possible in the basket. Air fry at 375°F for 22-26 minutes, or until wings are fully cooked through (I did not preheat air fryer but check instructions with your air fryer for best results). Toss the wings 2-3 times throughout the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Serve immediately with optional carrots, celery, and ranch dressing.
Notes
If cooking closer to 3 pounds of wings, it may take closer to 30 minutes to fully cook the wings, depending on the size of your air fryer. Do not overfill.
This method works for any wing recipe honestly. If using sauces such as buffalo sauce, I recommend prepping the wings by tossing in olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. Air fry the wings first, then toss in buffalo sauce/whatever sauce you’re using just before serving. This prevents a mess and makes for better tasting wings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 wings
- Calories: 558
- Sugar: 3.6g
- Sodium: 287mg
- Fat: 40.1g
- Saturated Fat: 10.5g
- Carbohydrates: 4.4g
- Fiber: .03g
- Protein: 45.9g
- Cholesterol: 162mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken wings
Awesome!!! This was soooooo good!!