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These air fryer fried chicken wings are golden brown and crispy, and covered in some of my favorite seasonings. They’re every bit as good as deep-fried wings, and they only take about 30 minutes to make with far less oil and without flour or breading.
Chicken wings are one of my favorite foods, but I’ve never a fan of the deep fryer. Luckily, this air fryer chicken wings recipe proves that you don’t need inches of oil to get crispy, crunchy skin and moist meat. I rub the wings with simple but savory spices, including garlic, onion, paprika, and freshly cracked pepper. It takes minutes to prep and then the air fryer takes over!
Why Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings Will Be On Repeat
- Ready in 30 minutes. As much as I love oven-baked chicken wings, air frying is much faster. I’m always throwing wings into my Ninja Foodi during the week for fast, easy meals and snacks.
- Better homemade. Restaurant chicken wings are usually deep-fried, but this recipe achieves the same results with a fraction of the oil. All you need is chicken and seasonings.
- No mess. One of my favorite things about cooking in the air fryer is that it’s far less mess. There’s no splattering oil, and also no leftover oil to have to deal with afterward.
- Crispy. And good chicken wings need to be crispy. This recipe uses baking powder to increase the crunch, one of my best chicken wing secrets.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you need to make these flavorful air fryer fried chicken wings. Be sure to check out the recipe card at the bottom of the article to see the exact quantities for each ingredient.
- Chicken wings – You can use the whole wing or a mix of flats and drumettes.
- Seasoning – I use a simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, plus salt and freshly ground pepper. You could also season your wings with poultry seasoning.
- Baking powder – It’s important to note that you cannot substitute baking soda for baking powder. Speaking from experience, your wings will taste awful!
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How to Make Fried Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
Here’s how to make this easy and flavorful 30-minute air fryer fried chicken recipe.
- Dry the chicken. Remove the chicken from the fridge and pat the wings dry with a paper towel.
- Season the wings. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Sprinkle the spice rub on the chicken, and toss until it’s well coated.
- Add oil. Place the wings in the basket of your air fryer in a single layer and drizzle with olive oil.
- Cook. Turn your air fryer on to 400ºF, or to 390ºF if using the Ninja Foodi. Cook the wings for 12-15 minutes. Flip all of the wings over. Cook the wings for another 12-15 minutes, then serve hot.
Wing Sauce Options
As is, these fried chicken wings are mouthwatering with just their savory spice rub. That being said, I’ll sometimes toss them in the sauce from my garlic parmesan chicken wings or another wing sauce right as they come out of the air fryer. Here are some of my favorites:
- Buffalo sauce
- Homemade BBQ sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sugar-free teriyaki sauce
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Cajun garlic butter sauce
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Bring the chicken to room temperature. If you have the time, remove your chicken from the fridge about 30 minutes before making this recipe. If the wings are at room temperature when you cook them, they’ll stay juicier in the air fryer.
- Space them out. Make sure to not crowd the wings in the air fryer basket. There should be space between each wing, which will allow the wings to get crispy. If you have too many wings to cook without crowding, then cook the wings in batches.
- Dry the wings. This recipe tells you to dry the wings before seasoning them. Make sure to take that step seriously. The drier the wings, the crispier they’ll get in the air fryer.
- Adjust the seasonings. I love this spice rub, but feel free to mix it up based on your tastes. If you like a more intensely flavored piece of chicken, add a little extra garlic, onion, and paprika. If you’re a fan of spicy wings, you can add some chili powder.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Fried Wings
I’m a huge fan of serving crispy wings with homemade blue cheese dressing or Ranch to dip them in. This copycat Chick-fil-A sauce is another kid-friendly option. Then, it’s a matter of enjoying these wings alone or serving them as a meal. These are just a few of my favorite side dishes for chicken:
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate. These air fried wings will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.
- Reheat. You can reheat your chicken wings in the air fryer at 360ºF for 6-7 minutes, or in the oven at 350ºF for 15-20 minutes.
- Freeze. Store the wings in an airtight container and freeze them for up to 3 months. You can reheat them straight from the freezer, but you’ll need to add a few minutes of cooking time.
More Air Fryer Chicken Wing Recipes to Try
If you try this recipe, please stop back and leave it a star rating and/or a review in the comments. Stay connected & share photos of your creations with me & others on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings
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Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 1.5 pounds Chicken Wings, sectioned into flats and drums
- 1/4 teaspoon Natural Ancient Sea Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder, You cannot swap baking soda in this recipe – I promise that the wings will not taste good if you do
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
Instructions
- Remove the chicken wing parts from the refrigerator and pat dry (removing as much moisture as possible helps to have a crispy wing skin).
- Mix the sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and baking powder in a small dish or ramekin.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture on the wings and toss to coat.
- Place the wings on the cooking basket. In the Ninja Foodi, this is called the “Cook & Crisp” basket.
- Drizzle olive oil on the chicken wings.
- Use the Air Crisp setting on 390 degrees for the Ninja Foodi or 400 degrees on other fryers to cook the wings for 12-15 minutes per side.
- Enjoy the wings alone or add your favorite keto or low-carb dips and sauces.
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Recipe Notes
Nutrition Details
The nutrition facts come from entering the recipe ingredients into Spoonacular API, a database of food ingredients. They may vary for any recipe based on the exact product used.
Jennifer says
These chicken wings were better than any commercially fried wings.. used different spices and no oil . They key I believe to this recipe is the baking powder. The wings were so crispy on the outside and tender and moist on the inside.
Gilda says
The best wings! I won’t cook them any other way now! Must try!!
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
We’re so happy you liked it. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Jennifer Novak says
These are SO amazing!!! Thank you
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
You’re welcome! We’re glad you liked it.
Cassie says
This was my first time trying my air fryer with chicken wings. The seasoning was delicious they were perfectly crispy. I did two batches and realized they must be smaller than yours because they needed less time (26minutes) will definitely make again! Better than any pub for sure
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
We really appreciate you stopping back to write such a thoughtful review.
Latisse says
This is my go to recipe for wings in my air fryer! I follow Dr. Davinah on Instagram and her posts of all of her delicious creations prompted me to purchase the Ninja Foodi. Now, my food doesn’t always look at delectable as hers! But EVERYTHING I’ve made is delicious! These wings are quick, easy & flavorful. They are crispy and juicy and so good! (With or without one of her yummy sauces!)
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
We’re so happy that you enjoyed this recipe. We really appreciate you stopping back to write such a thoughtful review.
Gayle says
Delish! Took them to a card party and they disappeared!
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
We’re so happy that you enjoyed this recipe.
Kathy Light says
My husband and I made these tonight for my parents. First time making them from scratch, much less in the Foodi. I was skeptical, but, oh goodness!! They were so crispy and tender!! My dad even remarked that they were better than the wings you can get at popular wing places!! Everyone agreed!!
Dr. Davinah's Eats Team says
We’re so happy that you enjoyed this recipe.
Hayley says
Hello- what to do if you don’t have liquid olive oil?? I have spray olive oil or liquid canola oil!! Help!!
Davinah says
Hi Hayley,
Any liquid oil will work! I haven’t tried this with the spray on oil, but imagine that would work too.
Best,
Davinah
Rebecca says
Hi! This recipe looks awesome, but I do not have any baking powder. What effect does it have and will mine still come out well if I omit it?? Thanks!
Davinah says
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for asking. I was able to update the blog post to answer this question. Essentially, if you don’t use baking powder, the wings have more of a oven roasted/broiled texture similar to my spicy dry rub wings (I didn’t use baking powder in that recipe).
Hope that helps!
Another Joan says
Great tasting recipe! I followed all the tips and it worked great first time. I used the Ninja Food Grill with Air Crisp basket with the same time and temperature. Will be coming back for more recipes on this keto cooking website!
Davinah says
Thanks for stopping back to write this review, Joan! I’m really happy that you enjoyed these.
Best,
Davinah
Joan says
Thank you for a great recipe, and for making me look like a hero! Seasonings were spot on.
Davinah says
Joan,
I’m so happy that you enjoyed these and appreciate you for stopping back to write a review 🙂
Best,
Davinah
Ellen says
Just made these last night, and followed your directions, except… I increased the amount of salt, and sprayed one side of the wings with evoo,… They were SO crispy and delicious ! , my husband said…that’s all you made? Lol. I have a ninja foodie digital air fryer, and it was so easy. Thank you Dr. Davinah!
Davinah says
So welcome! Happy that you enjoyed these and was able to adjust the salt to your taste 🙂
Jaime says
Hi, I’m excited to try this recipe, but I don’t have smoked Paprika, only regular. Will this work ok?
Thank you!
Davinah says
Hi Jaime,
These two have a very different flavor so I’d just omit the smoked paprika if you’re in a pinch.
Thanks,
Davinah
Debbie says
I just got the Foodi XL 9 in 1 cooker for Christmas!😊
Super excited to start using all of its functions (pressure cooked a roast…yumm!] But I have a question….
Can you use the air crisper/fryer rack in the crisper basket (the smaller of the two racks) for a double layer of wings? This product advetized as being large enough for a family (and even says “small crowd”!) I can not feed my family on 12 wings as you show fitting here.
If I do it in batches, keeping first batch in oven to stay hot, I am increasing the time back to what it takes in the oven, and dirtying a second sheet pan (liked the idea of one pot dirty!😊
Davinah says
Hi Debbie,
Congrats on getting a new Foodi. It’s one of my favorite appliances. I haven’t tried to use the rack. Since air flow is important to getting these wings as crispy as pictured, I’ll say that you could try to do a double layer with the rack, but you will likely need to adjust the cooking time. I’d start with 15 minutes, flip the wings, check at 10 minutes, and then check in on them in 5 minute intervals until they are crisp enough for you.
Hope that helps. Please let me know how it turns out.
Best,
Davinah
Ann says
Yummy! Is it possible to do 2 layers of chicken wings in the Ninja Foodi?
Davinah says
Hi Ann,
I haven’t tried to do this. I also wouldn’t recommend it since air flow is really important for getting these crispy. When I’m making a lot of wings, I simply cook them in the oven with my baked chicken wings recipe.
Kimberly says
So easy and delicious! I highly recommend this recipe.
Davinah says
Glad you enjoyed it, Kim! Thanks for taking the time to write a review 🙂
Jen C says
I just made wings for the first time yesterday in my new Ninja Foodi using your recipe and they turned out amazing, better than any I’ve ever had from a restaurant. Thank you!
Davinah says
Yay! So glad this worked out in your kitchen too! Appreciate you stopping back to write a review.
Teena says
Just new to the the foodi can you layer the wings or single layer only? Thanks
Davinah says
Hi Teena,
I only use a single layer. This allows the wings to have enough air fryer to get crispy. Enjoy your new Foodi. It’s one of my favorite appliances.
Joan H. says
Just made these and they were very good. Loved the seasonings and crispness of the wings. Looks like take out is a distant memory…. Thank you for a wonderful dinner!
Davinah says
Thanks so much for taking the time to review this, Joan! It really helps others decide whether to make the recipe. Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Andrea says
Are you kidding me! WOW, I will never cook my wings any other way!!!!! Fantastic! Thank you for such a great recipe.
Karens says
I started making this recipe about 6 months ago and he became interested and has made your recipe the last 4 or 5 times and we both love it. Only thing I change is I do not add salt. Thanks for the recipe.
Catharine says
Delicious! Did this recipe in my Ninja Foodi XL Grill on the AirFry Mode~ Super Easy & Yummy 🙂
Davinah says
I’m happy these worked well for you in the Foodi Grill. I don’t have one so it’s nice that you sort of tested it out 🙂 Appreciate you for stopping back to write a review.
Kelly says
My wings were perfect! Thank you.
So great for the first time.
Davinah says
Awesome, Kelly! Happy that you enjoyed these 🙂
Sheila says
Wonderful wings will use this method more!! Question… can i use the same recipe for chicken thighs?
Davinah says
Glad that you enjoyed them Sheila. I haven’t tried to use these for chicken thighs. But, please let me know if you give it a try.
Mimi Ocdamia says
Just happened to see your website and excited to try out these recipes on my new air fryer! Problem is I cant find where the video is…Is this just me? Please help… Thanks
Davinah says
Hi Mimi,
The videos are in the recipe card right above the instructions.
Best,
Davinah
Jen says
These are really tasty and so crispy! My boyfriend now requests these regularly! We like to set up a few different dipping sauces for them,too.
Thank you for this recipe 🙂
Davinah says
This sounds like my kind of plan Jen. I tend to do the same with the dipping sauces to add some variety! Glad you enjoyed these.
Regina says
Thanks for the assist. Everything was great except for the cooking time. I went with 12 minutes (I have a Ninja Foodie) and they looked pretty done so I did 8 minutes for the second rotation. My wings were still over done. For my 2nd batch I did 10 minutes and then 8 minutes – wings were still a little harder than I would like. Perhaps because I used wingettes? Next time I will go with 8 & maybe 6 to 8 the 2nd rotation.
Davinah says
Hi Regina,
Yes – the cook time will vary based on how large your wings are. I’m using whole chicken wings and cut them into parts or whole wings. In the future (and as you mention), you can just pop open the air fryer and take a look at them to get them as crisp as you like.
Thanks so much for stopping back to provide feedback and a review.
Best,
Davinah
Beryl says
Great dry rub for wings! These are one the menu every week! The family just loves them and they are so easy to make!
Davinah says
Wow! I’m so excited that you enjoy these and took the time to stop back and share. Thanks!
Tisha says
This was my first attempt at Ninja Foodi wings and I was not disappointed! Such simple ingredients come together for a truly delicious wing! My husband loved them! So crispy and delicious!
Davinah says
Hi Tisha!
I’m so happy that my recipe was the first batch of Foodi wings for you! Glad that you enjoyed them and appreciate you for taking the time to write a review.
Best,
Davinah
woofie says
I realize I’m a little late to this recipe, but oh my, just made them tonight and they were wonderful! Coated the finished wings with one of the Asian BBQ sauces I’ve been playing with and they were absolutely wonderful! Thanks so much for the cooking recipe. Nice and crispy and yummy!
Davinah says
Woofie!
I’m so glad you found it and took the time to stop back to rate and review this!
Karen says
Stay tuned there in the oven now and my mouth is watering will let you know
Ty karen
Davinah says
Ha! Sounds great! Looking forward to hearing what you think.
Jada says
What do you do differently if your wings are frozen…like mentioned up in the article.
Davinah says
Hi Jada,
I just changed the section header so that the directions with frozen wings stand out more. When my wings are frozen, I use the cold water method to thaw them out quickly. It takes about 30 minutes. The Foodi manual recommends using the pressure cooker and 1/2 cup of water for 5 minutes, but I don’t use that one because you can accidentally start to cook the wings. After the wings are thawed, you can follow the rest of the directions.
Hope that helps!
Best,
Davinah
Aiyana says
Your recipe is amazing!! Every piece of advice was spot on! These were the best tasting wings I’ve ever had the mix of spices was perfect! My family devoured them before I even had a chance to have seconds. Definitely a new favorite!
Davinah says
Hi Aiyana,
Thanks a lot for taking the time to stop back and review this recipe. I really appreciate it and am so happy that you found the tips useful & the food delicious! Stay safe.
Best,
Davinah
Mel says
Excellent flavor and tricks to getting the crunchiest wings! I covered all the chicken with the seasoning but worried it was too much — it wasn’t! Husband gave a silent munching thumbs up and asked if there were more. Winner winner air fried chicken dinner!
Davinah says
Ha! Happy that you trusted the process, Mel. Really appreciate you for stopping back and writing a review.
Karen says
The Ninja Foodie does not have temperatures above 210. What function are you using and how do you select 400 degrees? Thank you.
Davinah says
Hi Karen – it seems like you are measuring in Celsius. All of the temperatures across the site are in Fahrenheit. In your case, you can set your Foodi to about 205 degrees. Thanks!
Tia says
In the nutrition facts, how many wings are considered a serving?
Davinah says
Hi Tia,
It’s 1/2 lb of wings per person. For me, that’s usually 4-5 wings.
Thanks,
Davinah
Della says
This is the first time I made wings in my Ninja Foodi and lucky me chose this great recipe. Crispy lightly seasoned and tender and juicy inside. They were perfect and so easy to make. My husband and I will always make them this way and forget about the restaurant wings. Thank you Dr. Davinah
Davinah says
Oh wow! That’s a great compliment. I’m so happy that you too enjoyed them!
Kristi says
My husband was convinced these would not turn out good b/c they are “air fried.” But honeyyyyyyyyyyy your recipe and directions are the bomb! He is having me make these again today for the superbowl. Thank you again for the recipe!
Davinah says
Yay! So happy you & your husband enjoyed this one! Really appreciate you for always stopping back to let me & others know how it went! 🙂
Juli Westgate says
My question is about the 12-15 minutes ‘per side.’
Since the wings are on racks and circulating air is what is cooking them, what is the need of turning them?
Davinah says
Hi Juli!
You can absolutely test this out for yourself, but after owning several brands of air fryers, I find that you still need to flip the food over to ensure even cooking and browning. Plus, even though the air circulates, the heating element is still on top.
Thanks,
Davinah
Terri says
Sooo Yummy ? I put your seasonings in a Ziploc baggie and shook my fresh chicken drummettes in it and then into my Ninja Foodi. Came out great and then mixed them into different flavors for the family. Plain, Salt-n-Vinegar, BBQ, Buffalo. I’ve been trying different basic wing seasonings and yours is the winner.
Davinah says
Hi Terri!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed these and mixed them in some different flavors! I’ll have to use your Ziploc idea since that’s a guaranteed way of getting all the wings evenly tossed! Appreciate that you took the time to stop back and comment.
Best,
Davinah
Jody Bee says
Yummy 😋