These Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings can be made using fresh or frozen wings! This dish is seasoned with a dry rub and tossed in baking powder to get them nice and crunchy!
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I absolutely love to fry chicken in my air fryer. If you love chicken as much as I do, then you will also have to check out my Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken. This recipe puts a spin on classic southern fried chicken.
This recipe focuses on crisp and crunchy fried chicken that is low in carbs and also keto-friendly. WHAT?! You can have breaded chicken, that is crispy without using all-purpose flour or almond flour!
When I first got my air fryer I tried to fry chicken with almond and coconut flour. The wings were ok, but there was a reason those recipes never made the site. They weren't good enough. Keep scrolling and check out these babies.
If you are looking for chicken with no breading, then definitely whip up my Keto Low Carb Buffalo Chicken Wings. These are great for dinner or events.
My Breaded and Fried Chicken Tenders are a family favorite! Kids and adults will love them.
For holidays, special occasions, or even a normal dinner, I recommend my Air Fryer Whole Chicken. You won't believe how easy it is to roast your own!
Table of Contents
How to Make Fried Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
- Tasty chicken will need good seasoning. I like to use McCormick's Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning, salt, and pepper. Season the chicken and toss it in baking powder.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket. Do not stack. Cook in batches.
- Air fry for 15 minutes and flip.
- Air fry an additional 10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Cool before serving.
How Long to Cook
There are some basics to follow in order to make chicken that is perfectly crisp on the outside, done on the inside, and isn't burnt. Overall, cook time will vary depending on your air fryer brand. I use the Power Air Fryer XL.
I cooked the wings for 15 minutes at a lower temperature, then I increased the temperature for another 10 minutes. The lower temperature allows the chicken to cook at the appropriate rate on the inside. When you turn up the temperature, the chicken will become crisper on the outside.
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Air Fryer Temperature
I start out with 320 degrees and then move up to 400 degrees.
Can You Stack the Chicken?
I do not recommend you stack chicken wings in the air fryer. When I first got an air fryer, I would stack the chicken in the air fryer and shake the basket every 5 minutes while it cooked. This was effective, but it is not optimal.
When you shake the chicken, you may lose some of the breading. That's the most important part, you don't want that! I've found the best results come when you cook the chicken in batches if needed. This will vary based on the size of your air fryer.
The chicken wings will cook more evenly and you won't lose any of the crunchy breading.
How Long to Cook Using Frozen
Add an additional 5 minutes of cook time for frozen wings. Do you have to thaw the wings first? No, you can add them frozen.
How to Reheat
I reheated these chicken wings over the next couple of days in the air fryer for 4 minutes on 400 degrees. Test to see that the chicken is warm in order to determine the optimal time that will work for you.
Is Air Fried Chicken Healthy?
Air frying cuts up to 80% of the fat of traditional frying, making it a much healthier alternative. Most deep-fried recipes require 2 to 3 cups of oil. With the air fryer, you need only a tablespoon. Because air-fried meals are so much lighter, you will feel less bogged down after eating them.
This recipe also provides a healthy option because it excludes all-purpose flour, which is loaded in carbs and can sometimes leave you feeling bloated.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Keto Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Air Fryer Parmesan Fried Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
Keto Low Carb Chicken Wings (Maple BBQ)
Fried Chicken Salad
Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Crispy Ranch Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
This recipe works great with my Homemade BBQ Seasoning and Rub and check out How to Grill Chicken Wings.
Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings drumettes (flats and drums) I like to use free-range, hormone free chicken.
- McCormick's Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- cooking oil spray (I use olive)
Instructions
- Dry the chicken completely with paper towels.
- Place the chicken wings in a large bowl or in a sealable plastic bag.
- Season the chicken with chicken seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Next, sprinkle the baking powder throughout and ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- I like to use air fryer parchment paper to line the air fryer basket. Place the chicken wings on the parchment paper. Spray the top of the chicken with cooking oil.
- Air fry for 15 minutes on 320 degrees.
- Open the air fryer and flip the chicken. Spray this side of the chicken with cooking oil.
- Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees or until the chicken has reached your desired level of crisp. Test the inside of the chicken with a meat thermometer. Ensure the chicken has an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
- Cool before serving.
Joyce Thedford says
Can the air fryer recipes be baked in the oven if you do not have an air fryer. I do not own one but the recipes sound delicious!
staysnatched says
Yes you can use your oven for some recipes. The air fryer is faster and produces crispier food.
BC Marks says
Made these last Saturday while watching the Penn State game. They were sooooo delicious. Crisp and juicy and healthy. My husband and I are making them again for tomorrows game. Love your blog, Brandi!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them and my recipes!
Deb says
So simple!
Thank you!!!
staysnatched says
Very simple! You're welcome.
PattiAnn says
Have you ever used corn starch instead of baking powder?
Thank you for your reply.
staysnatched says
This recipe is intended to be low carb, so no. I have used flour, so cornstarch may work.
Kim says
I made this tonight and my husband said “two thumbs up”! The chicken was juicy with a crust on the outside and the best part was I didn’t have to babysit it on top of the stove. Thanks for another great recipe!
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad you liked it, that's what I love about it too.
Erin L Garcia says
Used lemon pepper seasoning instead of the Grill Mates seasonings and they were delicious. And so easy!! Brandi never misses!
staysnatched says
Lemon pepper is such a great flavor!
Regina says
Never made wings and this was my first time and they were delicious!! So easy and baking powder, who knew!! Thank you Brandi!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Jordan says
This was my first try at using an air fryer. I seasoned the chicken overnight and made this for everyone using the air fryer at work. I work at 911 center and it’s a tough crowd...different ages, backgrounds, personalities, and a lot of different opinions. But everyone wanted a copy of this recipe. It was so good.
staysnatched says
Oh wow! So glad you shared it!
SFranks says
I’ve done wings in air fryer multiple times, but they never came out this crispy!! I think the baking powder is secret ingredient to get that deep fried crispy taste, Great recipe. Thanks! ?
staysnatched says
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed them!
Lindsay I says
I have made and shared this recipe more times than I can even remember! This was my first recipe to try of Brandi’s and listen - just follow the steps, don’t vary from what you’re told (no matter what you think!) and READ THE WHOLE RECIPE! I promise you and anyone else who eats them will not be disappointed!
staysnatched says
Thanks for those tips!
Plampton says
I absolutely love theses wings, I have eaten them every night this week. Love how crispy and flavorful they are. Thanks for sharing.
staysnatched says
You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoy them.
Amber B. says
I gifted my boyfriend an air fryer and sent him straight here. When I tell you he’s been making these wings NONSTOP!!! The first day he used flour since (of course lol) he didn’t have any baking powder, and they turned out great! Even better once he got his hands on baking powder!! I can absolutely vouch for the easiness and tastiness. A new staple. 🙂
staysnatched says
haha! I love that he's discovering the air fryer.
Brooke says
Finally got my air fryer this week and was struggling to decide what first?! Well, this chicken wing recipe made the cut and they were absolutely delicious!!! I used “slap yo mama” Cajun seasoning mix and oh my gosh....so good. This recipe will be used A LOT. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe!
staysnatched says
I love that seasoning idea!
Tameka says
These are the bomb! I’ve made them at least ten times. I couldn’t make them, yet again, and not leave a review! These are perfect!
staysnatched says
ha ha thanks for the review!
Suzana Shaw says
Soooo crispy, easy, and flavorful! Will make this again and again.
staysnatched says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Brooke says
My first recipe made in my Cosori Max XL air fryer (thanks for the recommendation, I love it!) I didn't have the Montreal seasoning so I used a Cajun blend instead and these were fantastic. I have since been to the grocery store and now have the Montreal seasoning so i'll be using that this weekend for more wings!! The possibilities for flavors are endless with this recipe--but most importantly, i think the instruction of drying the chicken wings and adding the baking powder is the key to non-breading wings becoming so crispy! These were supposed to be an appetizer but my boyfriend and I ended up eating the entire platter for dinner-he hasn't stopped talking about them! Thanks for sharing!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Lacey says
I made these the other day. I make some pretty boring things usually! But, my husband and I loved these. We ate them standing over the air fryer - they didn’t make it to our plates. We go out to get wings a lot so it’s nice to have an option to make crispy wings at home. Paired with a nice side salad. Took only a bit longer to get to desired crispy-ness, but so worth it. I also have a different air fryer than was listed in the post. I will be making these again!
staysnatched says
Can't wait for you to make them again.
Jennifer Robertson says
Crispy! Delicious! Awesome! Brandi makes it so simple to fry wings in the air-fryer. So I found her site on Instagram because I wanted to start 'cooking out of box' when it came to my air-fryer. These wings are now a requested meal at least once a week, as a snack or as a meal. Very crispy...I like to hear the sound of the crunch when I am biting into one....TMI!
staysnatched says
I love that sound, too!
Jill says
These turned out so crispy! My boyfriend devoured half of them at dinner. Extra win... they are so easy to prepare and fry.
staysnatched says
Crispy is important! Glad you enjoyed them!
Shannon E says
Instant hit in my household! I was looking for an air fryer chicken wings recipe & this one did not disappoint! The wings came out perfect...so crispy just how I like it. Next time I will double the recipe because these wings went fast.
staysnatched says
These are tough to keep in sight!
Jess says
These came out PERFECT! Juicy inside and crispy outside. Will continue to use this method with other seasonings!
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad you liked them.
Nic says
Soo good. I didn’t end up spraying it with oil since I only had PAM. And it still turned out delicious and crispy! My new go-to wings recipe! Thank you!
staysnatched says
I'm glad it's your go-to!
Breanna says
This recipe is literally what I bought an air fryer for. And it’s perfect! Sooo good and simple. Thank you!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed them!
Stacie B. says
Found this recipe via Fit Slow Cooker Queen on IG! So, so glad! These were AMAZING! My 17 year old son said he was just going to try one. Five wings later... - LOL!
staysnatched says
ha ha I can eat them all!
Hannah says
I’ve never made wings at home, and I’ve never used an air fryer... so you just changed my life with this recipe. This was so simple and so, so good. Will be making these again immediately!
staysnatched says
Glad your first time turned out well!
marcella says
These were amazing! Normally I fuss with recipes but I followed the instructions exactly and they came out perfect. Crispy, juicy,wing deliciousness. Will definitely be making these again
staysnatched says
So glad you enjoyed them!
Lindsay says
These wings were amazing! Baking powder - what an amazing ingredient!
My family went nuts for these! I just received your cookbook and can’t wait to some of the variations!
staysnatched says
Yes! Great way to make wings!
Bronda Reed says
These came out really good with the baking powder!! They will definitely be in my rotation.
Thank you!!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Ashli says
Amazing! Probably the best wings I’ve ever had and made. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Dominique says
Heyyyy Brandi!
Another killer recipe. I tried this recipe, but didn’t have any wings on hand. So I used boneless chicken breasts (they were big so I cut them in half). I had to slightly adjust the cooking time to cook longer due to the thickness (crap I should have pounded them out…LOL, maybe next time). I was so excited that the breasts had the same color as your wings. As always thanks for another great recipe. We appreciate you ?
#Delicious #EasyRecipe #Thankful #ChefBrandiRocks
staysnatched says
haha love it! I"m glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Erin L Garcia says
I love this wing recipe! I make it weekly. My favorite seasoning is lemon pepper. Thank you for this!
staysnatched says
I'm with you on making it weekly!
B. Barton says
Wings are absolutely amazing!! Crispy seasoning on point, easy and fast. These are a must try especially if you are trying to “stay snatched”!!!!
staysnatched says
Wonderful. I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Tiffani says
Finally got to try another recipe tonight. I keep passing up the chicken-less seasoning at Trader Joe's so I did as someone else suggested and used Creole Seasoning. Mine were a little blonde, and they were a little powdery, but they were DARN good!!! I will be making these often!!!
staysnatched says
If you spritz those areas with oil it will go away.
Rosemary Wiggins says
Love these wings! I’ve made them 3 times now and they just keep getting better and better! Super easy to make and flavorful.
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Jovan says
These are amazing!! They make the most crispy and juicy wings. I always love how Brandi's recipes are accessible (with simple ingredients and detailed instructions) and maximum flavor. She is an air fryer genius!
staysnatched says
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed them.
Edith says
Best chicken wings ever! So crispy and delicious! My kids devoured them and asked for more. But I made one huge mistake...not buying enough chicken Hahaha. Thank you again for another delicious and easy recipe.
staysnatched says
haha I never feel like I make enough of these!
Natalie Caraway says
I have been patiently waiting for an air fryer and got one as a Christmas present. I knew exactly what I wanted to make for the first time, chicken wings. This recipe does NOT disappoint. We love chicken wings in our family and this is THE best crispy fried chicken wings we have ever had. Thank you, Brandi! Love your recipe!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the wings!
Elinor says
This was great! Love how easy it was, the whole fam enjoyed, and it was whole 30 compliant to boot. Another staysnatched winner!
staysnatched says
Yay! Love to hear that these worked for you.
Alanna says
Made these for NYE and they were soo good! My fiancé loved them and thought they were breaded. I usually do a more “sauced up” wing but these were perfect and so simple. Can’t wait to make again.
staysnatched says
Yay! These are great when you don't want sauce.
Allison says
I don't know why people are leaving their house to get wings when this recipe exists!! Since I knew I would be cooking in two batches, I seasoned half with the seasoning recommended in the recipe and used Cajun seasoning on the other half of the wings. They were so crispy and juicy that we did not miss restaurant wings at all. If you follow the detailed instructions, you cannot go wrong. The air fryer parchment is such a great recommendation, so follow the link and buy that! Thank you Brandi for another great one
staysnatched says
haha love it! So glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Kendyl says
Made these tonight and they were delicious!!! Crispy and flavorful. My first batch (multiple batches bc I cooked the wings in a single layer per the recipe notes which is key!) I followed the cooking times exactly and they were delicious but I knew for my second batch with my particular air fryer I could go shorter on the cooking time so I lessened it. I used a thermometer to confirm as suggested. I will definitely be making these wings again! My husband and I loved how crispy and delicious they came out. I’ve made air fryer wings before but without baking powder and they were never so crispy! Game changer!! Thanks Brandi!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed these.
Tessa says
I love wings, this recipe is so simple and GOOD. This was my first time trying the McCormick's Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning - what a flavor. Great recipe. Thank you for sharing.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Ingrid says
Easy and quick. Served up the perfect wings.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed the wings!
Nicki says
Honey honey!! When I tell you this recipe was amazing! I’ve never been able to master fried chicken let alone air fryer chicken. They came out beautiful and the flavor amazing. I did add some garlic powder, onion powder, and curry powder to the chicken as well (they’re my go too seasonings). I can’t wait to try more things! Thanks Brandi
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Teri says
I would have never thought using baking powder on wings would make them so crispy. My original plan was just arrowroot powder. But this combo turned out perfect. I used half with the mix of the two powders and half with just baking powder. The baking powder wings are crispy!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Lydia says
The frying times and use of baking powder make for perfectly crispy wings. I love the idea of using the lower temp in the beginning to ensure even cooking and then cranking it up at the end for the perfect crispy bite.
staysnatched says
Yes! The perfect way to cook these.
Tanisha says
I want to make this recipe using chicken thighs (bone-in, skin). What temp and cook time do you recommend? I'm so excited to try but don't want to mess it up. Lol
staysnatched says
Check out my air fryer chicken thighs recipe. You can type word thighs into the search bar.
Dia says
This is such an easy recipe that produces delicious, crunchy chicken! Thanks Brandi!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed these.
Jeanette B. from Minnesota says
This recipe made me a wing addict. It's simple, so I've essentially memorized it, and figured out how to adjust timing to the air fryer I own. I'm looking forward to playing around with some different spice blends now, too!
staysnatched says
Yes! Once you've mastered it, it's time to adjust the spice blends!
Cassie B says
Wow. Thank you for the secret to put my wings over the top.. baking soda, who knew?! Super easy and delicious!
staysnatched says
Baking powder, and yes!
Patti says
@staysnatched, is it baking soda or powder????
staysnatched says
baking powder
Carrie says
I have historically not been the biggest fan of wings, but got an air fryer recently and my husband wanted wings for the game. I followed this recipe almost to the letter - only change was I used a roasted garlic seasoning blend instead of the seasoning listed in the recipe card (since I didn't have that one). Instructions were super clear, recipe was easy, and literally these wings were the best I've ever had! A total hit. I might have to revise my stance on wings now! Thank you!
staysnatched says
So glad I could get ya to switch!
Naisha says
This was my first time trying fried wings in the air fryer. It was a success thanks to you!! I didn't tell my family it was air fried at first and they were in shock! So delicious and easy to follow recipe.
staysnatched says
haha I love to hear that!
Abby says
Thanks Brandi! These are amazing!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them!