There’s nothing more disappointing than soggy chicken wings — especially when you’re craving that crispy, golden bite. The good news? It’s surprisingly easy to master air fryer chicken wings at home, as long as you steer clear of one major pitfall: overcrowding your air fryer.
When you pile wings on top of each other, the hot air can’t circulate properly. The result? Uneven cooking and a sad, limp texture. To get that irresistible crunch, always arrange your wings in a single, even layer, giving each piece enough space to crisp up. If you’re cooking a big batch, simply do it in multiple rounds. Trust us, the extra few minutes are worth it.
Once you’ve nailed the cooking method, you can play around with endless spice blends and sauces, from classic buffalo to garlic parmesan or sweet chili. As long as you follow these steps, your wings will come out so good you might never order takeout again.
📝 Ingredients for Flavor-Packed Buffalo Wings
1 pack of chicken wings (about 15 pieces)
½ cup Frank’s RedHot hot sauce (or your favorite)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
🔥 How to Cook Air Fryer Chicken Wings in 25 Minutes
Pat the wings dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil.
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper. Sprinkle over the wings and toss until they’re fully coated.
Arrange the wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10 minutes. (Do not overcrowd — cook in batches if needed.)
While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the hot sauce and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F, transfer them to a clean bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over them, and toss until well coated.
Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing, along with fresh carrot and celery sticks for crunch.
❓ Quick FAQs
How long does it take?
About 20 minutes at 400°F, or until the wings hit 165°F internally.Should I coat my wings before air frying?
Yes — coat them lightly with oil and your seasonings. But don’t add sauce until after they’re cooked, or you’ll lose that crispy skin.
If you loved these wings, why not turn it into a complete game day spread? Serve them up with crispy air fryer potatoes or some air-fried brussels sprouts for a balanced crunch. And if you want to truly level up your air fryer skills, check out our guide on 8 Easy Ways to Get the Best Results From Your Air Fryer — you’ll unlock even more crispy, golden perfection with every recipe.
