Welcome to the ultimate guide for making the crispiest, most delicious fried chicken wings right in your air fryer! Whether you prefer fresh or frozen wings, this recipe delivers an unbelievably crunchy texture and savory flavor with minimal effort. Forget the deep fryer and excessive oil – with just a simple dry rub and a touch of baking powder, you’re on your way to perfectly golden, guilt-free indulgence.

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Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings: Your Ultimate Guide to Flavor and Crunch

The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook, especially when it comes to achieving that coveted crispy texture without the mess and unhealthy aspects of traditional deep frying. As someone who absolutely loves fried chicken, discovering the magic of air frying has been a game-changer. This recipe is dedicated to creating the most delectable air fryer fried chicken wings, offering a fantastic low-carb and keto-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste or crunch.

You might be surprised to learn that you can achieve incredibly crispy, “breaded” chicken wings without relying on all-purpose flour or even almond flour. Many early attempts at making keto-friendly fried chicken in the air fryer often resulted in a texture that just wasn’t quite right, leading to countless discarded recipes. This recipe, however, delivers on its promise of a truly satisfying, crispy outcome. If you’ve been searching for that perfect crunch while maintaining a low-carb lifestyle, your quest ends here!

If you’re a fan of diverse chicken dishes, be sure to explore some of my other popular air fryer recipes. For a taste of classic comfort with a modern twist, my Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken offers a healthier spin on a beloved Southern staple. For those days when you prefer chicken without any breading at all, my Keto Low Carb Buffalo Chicken Wings are perfect for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any event. And for a guaranteed family favorite, the Breaded and Fried Chicken Tenders are loved by both kids and adults alike. Even roasting a whole chicken becomes incredibly simple and delicious with my Air Fryer Whole Chicken recipe, perfect for holidays or an effortless weeknight meal.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings

Achieving perfectly crispy air fryer chicken wings is a simple process, but a few key steps make all the difference. The secret lies in proper seasoning, the right coating, and mindful cooking techniques.

1. Prepare Your Wings: Begin by thoroughly patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This crucial step removes excess moisture, which is essential for developing a truly crispy skin. Any lingering moisture will steam the chicken rather than fry it, preventing that desired crunch.
2. Season and Coat: For an incredible depth of flavor, generously season your chicken. I love using McCormick’s Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning, along with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Once seasoned, the magic ingredient comes in: baking powder. Toss the seasoned chicken vigorously with baking powder until each piece is evenly coated. The baking powder reacts with the heat, creating tiny bubbles that contribute to an incredibly light and crispy exterior.
3. Arrange in Air Fryer: Carefully place the seasoned wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket. It’s vital not to overcrowd the basket, as this restricts air circulation, leading to steamed rather than crispy chicken. If necessary, cook your wings in batches to ensure optimal crispness. Lining the basket with air fryer parchment paper can also aid in easy cleanup and prevent sticking. Lightly spray the top of the chicken with cooking oil (I prefer olive oil spray) to encourage browning.
4. Initial Air Frying: Air fry the wings for 15 minutes at a lower temperature, around 320°F (160°C). This initial phase allows the chicken to cook through evenly without burning the exterior.
5. Flip and Finish: After 15 minutes, open the air fryer, flip each chicken wing, and spray the other side with cooking oil. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue to air fry for an additional 8-10 minutes. This higher temperature is key to achieving that perfectly golden-brown, extra-crispy skin we all crave.
6. Check for Doneness: Always ensure your chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the wings from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps to lock in juices and maintain the crispy texture.

Optimal Cooking Time for Air Fryer Wings

The cooking time for air fryer chicken wings can vary slightly depending on your specific air fryer model and the size of your wings. However, a general guideline helps achieve perfectly crisp exteriors and juicy interiors. For most air fryers, including popular models like the Power Air Fryer XL, a two-stage cooking process yields the best results. This method involves starting at a lower temperature to cook the chicken through, followed by a higher temperature to achieve maximum crispness.

My method involves cooking the wings for an initial 15 minutes at a lower temperature, then increasing the temperature for an additional 8-10 minutes. The initial lower temperature (320°F / 160°C) allows the chicken meat to cook thoroughly and evenly without drying out or burning the coating. After flipping and raising the temperature to 400°F (200°C), the intense heat works quickly to render out any remaining fat, creating that irresistible golden-brown, super-crispy skin. Always monitor your wings during the final minutes, as air fryers can vary, and you want to achieve your desired level of crispness without overcooking.

Air Fryer Temperature Settings for Perfect Crunch

The precise control over temperature is one of the air fryer’s greatest assets, especially when aiming for crispy perfection. For these fried chicken wings, I employ a specific two-stage temperature approach to ensure they are cooked perfectly both inside and out. I begin by air frying at 320°F (160°C). This moderate temperature is crucial for allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly without burning the seasoned exterior. It ensures that the meat becomes tender and juicy before the final crisping stage.

After the initial cooking period and flipping the wings, I then increase the temperature significantly to 400°F (200°C). This higher heat setting is where the magic happens for crispiness. The intense hot air rapidly crisps up the baking powder coating and the chicken skin, rendering out any last bits of fat and creating a beautifully golden-brown, irresistible crust. This two-stage method prevents the chicken from being undercooked internally while still delivering that sought-after fried texture. Always remember that each air fryer can behave slightly differently, so keeping an eye on your wings, especially during the final high-temperature phase, is always recommended.

Can You Stack Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer?

For the absolute crispiest results, it is strongly recommended that you do not stack chicken wings in your air fryer basket. While it might be tempting to maximize space and reduce cooking time, stacking can significantly hinder the air frying process and compromise the texture of your wings.

When chicken wings are stacked, the hot air circulation, which is vital for crisping, is severely limited. Instead of being evenly exposed to the circulating hot air, the stacked wings end up steaming rather than frying. This leads to a soggy, less crispy texture, especially on the surfaces that are touching other wings or the basket. In my early days with an air fryer, I tried stacking and shaking the basket every few minutes, and while it worked to some extent, it often resulted in uneven cooking and a loss of precious breading. The most important part of these wings is their crunchy exterior, and you definitely don’t want to lose that!

To achieve the best possible results – uniformly crispy, golden-brown wings with all their delicious coating intact – cook the chicken in a single layer. This may require cooking in multiple batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. While it adds a few extra minutes to the total preparation time, the superior texture and flavor of perfectly cooked, un-stacked wings are well worth the effort. Your patience will be rewarded with every perfectly crunchy bite.

By cooking in a single layer, each chicken wing receives direct exposure to the hot circulating air, ensuring it cooks evenly and develops that desired **crunchy breading** all over.

Cooking Frozen Wings in the Air Fryer

One of the great conveniences of air frying is its ability to cook food directly from frozen, and chicken wings are no exception. You absolutely do not need to thaw your frozen wings beforehand, which saves a significant amount of time and planning. This recipe works beautifully with both fresh and frozen wings, with only a minor adjustment needed for the latter.

When cooking frozen chicken wings, simply add an additional 5 minutes to the total cook time. Follow the same seasoning and baking powder coating steps as you would for fresh wings. It’s often easier to season frozen wings once they’ve been air fried for about 10-15 minutes, as the surface will be less icy and the seasoning will adhere better. If your frozen wings are clumped together, try to separate them as much as possible before placing them in the air fryer to ensure more even cooking. Always arrange them in a single layer to allow for proper air circulation and crisping. Remember to use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

How to Reheat Air Fryer Chicken Wings for Best Results

Leftover fried chicken wings can be just as delicious as when they were first made, especially when reheated correctly. The air fryer is undoubtedly the best tool for bringing back that irresistible crispness to your cooked wings, far surpassing what a microwave or conventional oven can achieve. Reheating in the air fryer helps to reactivate that crunchy exterior without making the chicken greasy or rubbery.

To reheat these crispy air fryer chicken wings, simply place them in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 4-5 minutes. The exact time may vary slightly based on your air fryer model and the size of the wings, so it’s always a good idea to check them periodically. The goal is to heat them through until they are warm and the skin has regained its crisp texture. You can gently shake the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating. Once reheated, they’ll be almost as good as fresh, making leftovers something to look forward to!

Is Air Fried Chicken Healthy? Discover the Benefits

In today’s health-conscious world, many are looking for ways to enjoy their favorite comfort foods without the guilt. Air-fried chicken is a fantastic option that significantly reduces the fat content compared to traditional deep frying, making it a much healthier alternative. Deep-fried recipes typically call for 2 to 3 cups of oil, submerging the food in fat. With an air fryer, you often need just a tablespoon or two of oil, or sometimes even just a light spray, to achieve comparable crispiness.

This dramatic reduction in oil translates to cutting up to 80% of the fat. This means you can enjoy the satisfying crunch and flavor of “fried” chicken with considerably fewer calories and unhealthy fats. The benefits extend beyond just fat reduction; air-fried meals are much lighter, leaving you feeling satisfied and energetic, rather than bogged down and sluggish, a common side effect of greasy, deep-fried foods.

Furthermore, this specific recipe offers an even healthier option because it completely excludes all-purpose flour. Traditional flour is loaded with carbohydrates, which can lead to blood sugar spikes and a bloated feeling for many. By using baking powder instead, this recipe becomes not only low-carb and keto-friendly but also a lighter option that is easier on your digestive system. It’s a win-win for both your taste buds and your well-being!

More Must-Try Air Fryer Recipes from Our Kitchen

Unlock the full potential of your air fryer with these other fantastic recipes:

• Keto Air Fryer Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful thighs perfect for a low-carb meal.
• Air Fryer Grilled Cheese: The ultimate crispy grilled cheese sandwich, made effortlessly.
• Air Fryer Parmesan Fried Chicken Wings: A cheesy, garlicky twist on crispy wings.
• Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich: Recreate your favorite fast-food sandwich at home.
• Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings: Quick and easy wings directly from the freezer.
• Keto Low Carb Chicken Wings (Maple BBQ): Sweet and savory, guilt-free BBQ wings.
• Fried Chicken Salad: A delicious salad featuring crispy chicken.
• Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings: Zesty and flavorful, a crowd-pleaser.
• Crispy Ranch Chicken Wings: Packed with savory ranch flavor and a satisfying crunch.
• Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: A lighter version of the Italian classic.
• Sweet Chili Chicken Wings: A perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

This recipe also pairs wonderfully with my Homemade BBQ Seasoning and Rub. For those who love outdoor cooking, be sure to check out How to Grill Chicken Wings.

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Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings

These Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings can be made using fresh or frozen wings! This dish is seasoned with a dry rub and tossed in baking powder to get them nice and crunchy!

Save this recipe here.

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Keywords: air fryer chicken wings, air fryer fried chicken, air fryer keto chicken wings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 470kcal

Author: Brandi Crawford

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes, flats, and drums) – I like to use free-range, hormone-free chicken.
• McCormick’s Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning (to taste) (Shop on Amazon)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (Shop on Amazon)
• Cooking oil spray (I use olive oil)

Instructions

1. Dry the chicken completely with paper towels. This step is crucial for ultimate crispiness.
2. Place the chicken wings in a large bowl or a sealable plastic bag.
3. Season the chicken generously with chicken seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Then, sprinkle the baking powder evenly throughout and toss to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.
4. Line the air fryer basket with air fryer parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on the parchment paper, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray the top of the chicken with cooking oil.
5. Air fry for 15 minutes at 320 degrees F (160°C).
6. Open the air fryer, flip each chicken wing, and spray the other side with cooking oil to help achieve an even crisp.
7. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches your desired level of crispness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74°C).
8. Allow the wings to cool for a few minutes before serving to maintain their crisp texture.

Video Guide

A video tutorial demonstrating how to prepare these crispy air fryer fried chicken wings is available below:

[Video content here]

Chef’s Notes & Tips

Baking powder is a fantastic alternative to traditional flour, especially for keto and low-carb diets. It creates a wonderfully crispy texture and integrates into the chicken much easier than flour, preventing any chalky or white spots. If you don’t require a low-carb version, all-purpose flour can be used instead, though the results may differ slightly.

For reheating leftovers, place the wings back in the air fryer at 400 degrees F (200°C) for 4-5 minutes. This method perfectly restores their crispness.

Remember that every air fryer brand cooks a little differently. It’s always a good idea to monitor your chicken closely, especially during the first few times you make this recipe, to gauge the optimal cook time for your specific appliance.

Recipe Tools Used in this Recipe: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Cosori Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Parchment Paper
• Air Fryer Oil Spray Bottle

Nutrition Information (displayed with net carbs)

Serving: 1g | Calories: 470kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 33g

Nutrition Data Disclaimer: Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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