Make extra crispy air fryer chicken wings in just 16 minutes with this easy, no-fail recipe! Using minimal oil, these healthy, golden-brown wings are packed with flavor and perfect for game day, appetizers, or a quick dinner. Learn the best seasoning tips, cooking variations, and air fryer hacks to get perfectly crispy chicken wings every time. Whether you love them plain, spicy, or sauced, this is the best way to cook chicken wings in an air fryer!

Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings, split into flats and drummettes
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
Instructions:
- Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve extra crispy skin.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle garlic salt and lemon pepper over the wings, then toss again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded for proper airflow.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, then flip the wings and cook for another 8 minutes, totaling 16 minutes. Cook until the wings are golden brown and crispy. If needed, cook for an additional 2-4 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish.
Tips
- Dry the Wings Well: Removing excess moisture before seasoning ensures maximum crispiness.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange wings in a single layer to allow hot air to circulate evenly.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F for safe consumption.
- Extra Crispy Option: Air fry for an additional 2-4 minutes if you prefer extra crunch.

Variations and Substitutions
- Different Seasonings: Swap garlic salt and lemon pepper for BBQ seasoning, Cajun spice, or classic salt and pepper.
- Saucy Wings: Toss cooked wings in buffalo sauce, honey garlic glaze, or teriyaki sauce after air frying.
- Oil Alternatives: Use avocado oil or melted butter instead of olive oil for a different flavor.
- Boneless Option: Try the same method with boneless chicken bites, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes! Increase the cooking time by 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure to dry them as much as possible before seasoning.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps get a crispier result but isn’t necessary. If you skip preheating, you may need to add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard dipping sauce.
- Pair with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh side salad.
- Enjoy with fries, onion rings, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Crispy Texture: Achieve crispy wings without deep frying.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 16 minutes of cooking time.
- Healthier Alternative: Uses minimal oil compared to traditional fried wings.
- Customizable Flavors: Season or sauce them any way you like!
Enjoy these crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken wings for an easy and delicious appetizer or main course!
Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!)
4
servings4
minutes16
minutesIngredients
1 lb chicken wings, split into flats and drummettes
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic salt (adjust to taste)
1 tsp lemon pepper
Directions
- Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve extra crispy skin.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle garlic salt and lemon pepper over the wings, then toss again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded for proper airflow.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, then flip the wings and cook for another 8 minutes, totaling 16 minutes. Cook until the wings are golden brown and crispy. If needed, cook for an additional 2-4 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish.

Leave a Reply