How Long to Cook Raw Chicken Wings in Air Fryer

Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Wings: How Long to Cook for Crispy, Juicy Results

Cooking raw chicken wings in an air fryer is a game-changer for anyone who loves that perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat without the hassle of deep frying. If you’ve ever wondered how long it takes to achieve those golden, crunchy wings in an air fryer, you’re in the right place. I’ve spent countless game nights and family dinners perfecting my wings, and I’m here to share everything you need to know to nail it every time. From prep tips to exact cooking times, let’s dive into making the best air fryer chicken wings you’ll ever taste.

Why Choose an Air Fryer for Chicken Wings?

Air fryers are a dream for wing lovers. They use hot air circulation to mimic the crispiness of deep frying but with way less oil, making your wings healthier and cleanup a breeze. The high heat creates a crunchy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Plus, air fryer wings cook faster than in a conventional oven, so you can satisfy those cravings in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a Super Bowl party, this method delivers.

Preparing Your Chicken Wings

Before we get to cooking times, let’s talk prep. The secret to crispy wings starts way before they hit the air fryer basket. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Pat Them Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Use paper towels to thoroughly pat your raw chicken wings dry. This step ensures the skin crisps up instead of steaming.
• Season Generously: A simple mix of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika works wonders. For extra crispiness, add a teaspoon of aluminum-free baking powder (like Rumford) to the mix. It raises the skin’s pH, creating that golden, crunchy texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket with a bit of space between them. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping. If you’re cooking a lot, work in batches.

If you’re starting with whole wings, separate them into drumettes and flats, and discard the wing tips (or save them for homemade stock). Most grocery stores sell pre-separated wings, which saves time.

How Long to Cook Raw Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer

Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of the wings, but after testing multiple recipes and air fryers, I’ve found a foolproof method. For raw, fresh (not frozen) chicken wings, follow this timeline:

• Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Preheating ensures the wings start cooking immediately, which helps with crispiness.
• Cooking Time: Cook for 20 minutes, flipping the wings every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. This frequent flipping helps the hot air circulate around all sides.
• Final Crisp: Increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for an additional 2-5 minutes. This final blast of heat gives the skin that extra crunch.
• Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the wings reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked and safe to eat.

Total cooking time is typically 22-25 minutes for fresh wings. Smaller wings might be done closer to 20 minutes, while larger ones may need the full check with a thermometer to be sure.

Cooking Frozen Chicken Wings

If you’re working with frozen wings, don’t worry—you can still get great results without thawing. The process is similar, but you’ll need to adjust the time:

• Temperature: Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
• Cooking Time: Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. If the wings have ice crystals, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes first to avoid a chewy texture.
• Check Doneness: Again, ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).

Frozen wings take a bit longer because the air fryer needs to thaw and cook them simultaneously. For tips on cooking frozen foods in an air fryer, check out The Big Man’s World for more details.

Seasoning and Saucing Your Wings

Once your wings are cooked, the fun part begins: flavoring them! You can keep it simple with just the dry seasoning or toss them in a sauce. Here are a few crowd-pleasing options:

• Classic Buffalo: Mix equal parts hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) and melted butter. Toss the wings in the sauce right after cooking for that tangy, spicy kick.
• Garlic Parmesan: Combine melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan, then sprinkle with parsley.
• Honey BBQ: Mix barbecue sauce with a touch of honey for a sweet and smoky flavor.

For the crispiest results, avoid tossing wings in sauce until they’re fully cooked. If you want the sauce to set, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 2-3 minutes after tossing. Serve with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Tips for the Crispiest Wings Every Time

I’ve made my fair share of soggy wings, so here are some hard-earned tips to ensure yours come out perfectly crispy:

• Use Baking Powder: As mentioned, aluminum-free baking powder is a game-changer for crispy skin. Don’t skip it!
• Don’t Skip Preheating: A preheated air fryer ensures the wings start crisping right away.
• Flip Frequently: Turning the wings every 5 minutes might feel like extra work, but it ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
• Clean Your Air Fryer: Any leftover grease or residue can cause smoking or uneven cooking. Keep the basket clean for the best results.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they’re so good, that’s rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave—it’ll make the skin soggy.

You can also freeze cooked wings for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating in the air fryer for the best texture.

Common Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Can I cook wings without oil? Yes, but a small amount of oil (1-2 tablespoons) helps the seasonings stick and boosts crispiness. Without it, the wings might be slightly less crunchy but still delicious.

Do I need to thaw frozen wings first? No, you can cook them straight from frozen, but they’ll take 5-10 minutes longer. Pat them dry if there’s excess ice to avoid steaming.

What if my air fryer is small? Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. If you must stack, add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time and shake the basket more frequently.

Final Thoughts

Making raw chicken wings in an air fryer is one of the easiest ways to get that restaurant-quality crispiness at home. With 20-25 minutes at 380°F, a final blast at 400°F, and a few simple prep steps, you’ll have wings that are crispy, juicy, and ready to be slathered in your favorite sauce. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving a quick snack, this method never disappoints. For more air fryer inspiration, explore Food Network’s wing recipes. Now, grab those wings and get cooking!