Air fryer chicken wings cook up crisp, juicy, and ready to serve in under 30 minutes. This guide gives you the exact times and temps for fresh and frozen wings — with tips for saucing and crispiness.
For crispy, juicy wings, air fry at 400 °F for a total of 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway. Here’s your timing chart:
| Stage | Time | Notes |
| First cooking | 10 minutes | Ensure internal temp is ~ 165 °F |
| Flip and crisp | +8-12 min | Adjusted based on skin crispiness |
🔸 Always follow food safety guidelines when handling raw chicken. For official guidance on safe storage, thawing, and cooking, check the USDA’s tips on handling poultry.
Pro Tips:
• Preheat for 3–5 minutes at 400 °F—crispier skin starts from the get-go.
• Pat wings dry and coat lightly with oil + baking powder for extra crunch.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket — the wings need space for hot air to circulate. This rule applies to other proteins too, like fish. If you’re making seafood, see our guide for air fryer salmon for tips on timing and crisping skin-on fillets.
- Common Missteps:
- Skipping the flip leads to uneven cooking.
- Overcrowding causes soggy wings.
- Adding sauce too early can burn sugars — wait until the last minute.
Summary:
Air fry wings at 400 °F for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway for evenly crisp results.
Bonus Tip:
Use an oil spray to avoid excessive grease and aid crisping.
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