Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Crispy in 25 Minutes

Chicken wings cook in about 25 minutes in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C), and they come out with skin so crisp you’ll skip the deep fryer for good.

This recipe keeps things simple. You toss the wings in a dry rub, pile them into the air fryer basket, and let the machine do the work. No oil bath, no thermometers to watch until the end. It is the kind of dinner that goes from fridge to plate while you make a salad.

About the Ingredients

2 pounds (900g) chicken wings, tips removed and split into drumettes and flats

If you buy whole wings, cut them yourself. You can also use wings already separated. Pat them dry before seasoning.

1 teaspoon baking powder

Baking powder helps pull moisture from the skin so it crisps. It won’t taste metallic if it’s aluminum-free. Cornstarch can work, but the skin will be less crackly.

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Use kosher salt for even coverage. Table salt is finer, so use only 3/4 teaspoon.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Garlic powder, not garlic salt, since we already control the salt. You can substitute onion powder.

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Regular or smoked paprika adds color and a light smoky note. Skip it if you don’t have it.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground is best, but pre-ground works too.

Cooking spray or neutral oil, for the basket

You can spray the basket lightly with neutral oil. It helps the skin release, but wings have enough fat to crisp without it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer