How Long to Cook Raw Chicken Wings in Air Fryer

These Air Fryer Chicken Wings have crisp, salty skin with plenty of garlic and lemon pepper flavor in every bite. These are seasoned to perfection and cook so fast with no marinating required! This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy. We love crispy chicken like my Chicken Schnitzel, Popcorn Chicken or General Tso’s Chicken, but the air fryer is our new best friend for chicken wings because it’s so much faster, requires less oil, and is memorably crispy! Cooking Chicken wings in the air fryer is brilliant and you will make chicken way more often if you try them in the air fryer. The forced circulating hot air makes the skin super crisp, which is difficult to achieve in a conventional oven, and the center is perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy. The cook time for air-fried chicken wings is just 16 minutes. It’s three times faster than our Baked Buffalo Wings or Lemon Pepper Wings when cooked in a traditional oven!

Air fryer chicken wings are a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, juicy wings without the hassle of deep frying. Whether you’re prepping for a game-day party or just craving a quick weeknight snack, this method delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into how to make perfect air fryer chicken wings, including tips for crispy skin, seasoning ideas, and serving suggestions.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Chicken Wings?

The air fryer’s high-speed, circulating hot air creates a crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy, all without drowning the wings in oil. Unlike traditional oven-baking, which can take up to an hour, or deep frying, which requires a lot of cleanup, air fryers cut down on both time and mess. Plus, they’re healthier, using minimal oil while still achieving that coveted crunch. According to Food Network, the air fryer’s fan and heating mechanism create a “frenzy of forceful hot air” that crisps the skin to golden perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make air fryer chicken wings, keep it simple with these essentials:

• Chicken Wings: About 2 pounds of fresh or thawed wings, ideally split into drumettes and flats with tips removed. Pre-split “party wings” save time.
• Olive Oil: A tablespoon or two helps the seasonings stick and promotes crispiness.
• Baking Powder: Aluminum-free baking powder (like Rumford) is the secret to extra-crispy skin. It raises the skin’s pH, creating tiny air bubbles for that perfect crunch.
• Seasonings: A basic mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika works wonders. For extra flavor, try smoked paprika, cayenne for heat, or lemon pepper for zest.
• Optional Sauce: Buffalo, BBQ, or honey garlic sauce for tossing or dipping. Keep sauces on the side to maintain crispiness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to cook raw chicken wings in an air fryer for the best results:

1. Prep the Wings: Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this is critical for crispy skin. Wet wings steam instead of crisp. For extra dryness, let them sit uncovered in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
2. Season: In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, then sprinkle with a mix of 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, and 1 tbsp aluminum-free baking powder. Ensure even coating.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F and preheat for 2-3 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispier results.
4. Arrange the Wings: Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents crisping. Cook in batches if needed.
5. Cook: Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes, flip the wings, then cook for another 12 minutes. Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes to maximize crispiness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F, per FDA guidelines. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
6. Serve: Let the wings rest for 2-3 minutes before tossing in sauce or serving with dipping options like ranch, blue cheese, or buffalo sauce.

How Long to Cook Raw Chicken Wings?

For raw, fresh chicken wings, the total cooking time is typically 24-30 minutes at 380°F, with an additional 5-6 minutes at 400°F for extra crispiness. Cooking times vary slightly depending on wing size and air fryer model. Smaller wings may take closer to 24 minutes, while larger ones could need up to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you’re cooking frozen wings, add 5-10 minutes to the total time, shaking the basket to separate them after the first few minutes.

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Wings

• Don’t Skip the Baking Powder: It’s a game-changer for crispy skin. Avoid baking soda, which can leave a bitter taste.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Air needs to circulate around each wing. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches.
• Flip for Even Cooking: Flipping halfway through ensures both sides crisp up evenly.
• Sauce After Cooking: Tossing wings in sauce before serving keeps the skin crisp. Alternatively, serve sauce on the side for dipping.
• Clean the Air Fryer: After cooking, soak the basket in hot, soapy water for 15 minutes to remove grease, making cleanup easier.

Seasoning and Sauce Variations

Switch up the flavors to keep things exciting:

• Buffalo: Mix ¼ cup Frank’s RedHot with 2 tbsp melted butter and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
• Honey Garlic: Combine ¼ cup honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp minced garlic for a sweet-savory glaze.
• Lemon Pepper: Use a store-bought lemon pepper seasoning or make your own with lemon zest and black pepper.
• BBQ: Toss with Sweet Baby Ray’s or a homemade BBQ sauce for smoky sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your wings with classic sides like celery and carrot sticks, or go all out with air fryer fries, coleslaw, or a wedge salad. For dipping, ranch or blue cheese are crowd favorites, but you can also try honey mustard or sriracha mayo for a twist. These wings are perfect for game days, parties, or even a quick dinner when paired with a fresh salad.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwaving works but may soften the skin.

Common Questions Answered

Can I cook frozen wings in an air fryer? Yes, but add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time and shake the basket early to separate them. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Do I need oil? A small amount (1-2 tbsp) helps with crispiness, but you can skip it for a lighter option. The wings’ natural fat still delivers great results.

Why aren’t my wings crispy? Overcrowding or excess moisture are common culprits. Pat wings dry, use baking powder, and cook in a single layer.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They are made with a simple homemade seasoning and are ready in about 30 minutes! If you’re in love with your air fryer like I am, you should probably try all of our air fryer recipes, starting with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders and Air Fryer Chicken Breast. Air Fryer Egg Rolls are one of my favorite recipes ever!