Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up a batch of crispy, mouth-watering chicken wings in the air fryer – it’s like a personal victory dance for my taste buds.

Creating recipes for the air fryer is a passion of mine. Whole chicken wings are among my favorites to make.

These wings are seasoned with a few ingredients, and while those spices do work and make the wings taste pretty darn good, the real magic happens when the wings are well coated in olive oil and baked in the air fryer until crispy. They pack a wallop of flavor—thanks to a perfectly proportioned blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder—with just the right amount of salt, pepper, and heat from a hint of cayenne.

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings Recipe Ingredients

• Whole Chicken Wings: Rich in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats; enhances moisture and flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Contains allicin, known for anti-inflammatory properties.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth; full of antioxidants like Vitamin E.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional heat, boosts metabolism with capsaicin.

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 pounds whole chicken wings
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

How to Make this Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings Recipe

1. Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. Let it heat up.

2. Use paper towels to dry the chicken wings, patting them to remove any excess moisture. This ensures the wings get nice and crispy.

3. In a big bowl, mix together the extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

4. Toss the chicken wings in the bowl to coat them evenly with the spice mixture.

5. Arrange the chicken wings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they stay in a single layer and do not overlap. If you need to, cook them in batches.

6. Cook the chicken wings in an air fryer at 380 degrees Fahrenheit (193 degrees Celsius) for 25 to 30 minutes, turning them midway for an even cook.

7. Verify the doneness of the wings by checking that their internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

8. Should additional crispiness be required, raise the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for 2-3 more minutes.

9. Remove the wings from the air fryer with care and allow them to sit for a few minutes.

10. Serve the wings very hot, with your choice of fresh herbs and/or dipping sauce, if you like. Enjoy!

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Paper towels
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Measuring spoons
5. Cooking thermometer
6. Tongs or a spatula

FAQ

• Can I use frozen wings?You can use wings from the freezer, but you should add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and make sure they reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F.
• Do I need to preheat the air fryer?It is advisable to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before putting in the wings. This is for two reasons: to ensure that the wings cook evenly throughout and to maximize their chances of emerging from the fryer with a crisp exterior. In fact, for some recipes, the air fryer must be preheated to an even higher temperature.
• Can I adjust the spice level?If you don’t want too much heat, feel free to leave out the cayenne pepper, or if you want your wings even spicier, go ahead and add more.
• How do I ensure the wings are crispy?Before seasoning, pat the wings dry. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Turn the wings halfway through cooking.

  These three simple steps are your guarantee to achieving the most crispy wing texture possible when using an air fryer.

• What dipping sauces go well with these wings?Ranch, blue cheese, or a straightforward hot sauce for an extra punch are classic options. Sweet chili sauce also makes a good pairing if you’re in the mood for a sweet and spicy combination.
• Can I make these ahead of time?Although they are most enjoyable when fresh, you can reheat the wings in the air fryer and regain some of their crispiness.

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil: This can be replaced with avocado oil or melted coconut oil, which gives a completely different flavor profile.
Garlic powder: For a more intense flavor, utilize granulated garlic or minced garlic that is fresh.
Onion powder. Substitute with 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh onion.
Smoked paprika: if you don’t have any smoked paprika, use regular paprika or chili powder.
Cayenne pepper: If you’re looking for a milder option, you might use red pepper flakes.

Pro Tips

1. Dry Thoroughly For maximum crispiness, ensure the chicken wings are completely dry before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness in the air fryer.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer Always preheat your air fryer to ensure the wings start cooking immediately, which helps in achieving a crisp outer layer.

3. Single Layer Cooking To ensure even cooking and crispiness, arrange the wings in a single layer without overlapping. If necessary, cook them in batches.

4. Shake or Turn For an even cook and to crisp all sides, turn or shake the wings at least once halfway through the cooking process.

5. Finish with High Heat For extra crispy skin, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.