Cooking wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make delicious crispy wings at home. The air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in wings that are perfectly crisped on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. The exact cook time will depend on the size and amount of wings, but most wings take between 15-30 minutes to cook through in an air fryer.
Factors That Affect Air Fryer Wing Cook Time
There are a few key factors that impact the total cook time for wings in an air fryer:
- Size of wings – Smaller wings like chicken wingettes will cook faster than larger wings like chicken drummettes. Small wings may only need 15-18 minutes while larger wings may need 25-30 minutes.
- Amount of wings – The more wings you cook, the longer the cook time since it takes longer for the heat to circulate properly. Cook time often increases 5-10 minutes when doubling a recipe.
- Air fryer wattage – More powerful air fryers with higher watts will cook wings faster than less powerful models. A 1500W air fryer may cook wings 5 minutes faster than a 1000W model.
- Bone-in vs bone-out – Wings with bones and cartilage will take longer to cook through than boneless wings. Boneless wings may cook 5-10 minutes faster.
- Temperature – Air fryers recommendations vary from 350°F to 400°F. Higher temps will decrease cook time slightly.
- Doneness – Cook times are for fully cooked wings. Reduce time if you prefer them less crispy or slightly undercooked.
Guidelines for Air Fryer Wing Cook Times
Here are some general guidelines for how long to cook wings in an air fryer based on size and amount:
| Wing Type and Amount | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 6-12 small wings or wingettes | 15-18 minutes |
| 6-12 medium wings | 18-22 minutes |
| 6-12 large wings or drummettes | 22-28 minutes |
| 24-30 small wings | 18-24 minutes |
| 24-30 medium or mixed wings | 24-28 minutes |
| 24-30 large wings or drummettes | 28-32 minutes |
These times are based on a standard 1400W air fryer cooking at 400°F. For a lower wattage air fryer, add 5 minutes. For extremely large jumbo wings, add 2-5 minutes. Check internal temperature and crispiness a few minutes early and adjust cook time as needed.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Wings
Follow these tips for extra crispy, flavorful air fryer chicken wings every time:
- Pat wings dry before seasoning – Dry wings will get crisper than wet wings.
- Use baking powder – Baking powder helps wings get extra crispy. Toss dry wings in 1 teaspoon baking powder per pound of wings.
- Use oil-based rubs or sauces – Oil-based seasoning helps wings get crisp. Avoid wet marinades.
- Coat evenly in seasoning – So all sides get maximum flavor.
- Cook at 400°F – Higher heat means crispier wings.
- Cook in a single layer – Avoid overcrowding for even crisping.
- Turn wings halfway – Ensures all sides get evenly crisped.
- Toss with sauce after – Tossing cooked wings in sauce prevents sogginess.
Recipe Recommendations
Here are some delicious air fryer wing recipes to try:
Basic Air Fryer Wings
This straightforward recipe is perfect when you want simple, tasty wings. Just coat them in oil and seasoning and air fry until crispy.
- 2 pounds chicken wings, patted dry
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon seasoning blend (like poultry seasoning or Cajun seasoning)
- Toss wings with oil in a bowl until evenly coated. Sprinkle with seasoning blend and toss again until wings are evenly coated.
- Place wings in a single layer in air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 18 minutes.
- Turn wings and cook for another 8-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Buffalo Air Fryer Wings
Make your favorite Buffalo wings at home with this easy air fryer method.
- 2 pounds chicken wings, patted dry
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
- Air fry wings at 400°F for 18 minutes. Turn and cook 10 more minutes.
- Mix melted butter, hot sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Toss cooked wings in sauce until fully coated.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Honey Sriracha Air Fryer Wings
Sweet and spicy wings made easy in the air fryer.
- 3 pounds chicken wings, patted dry
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Sesame seeds, chopped scallions, and lime wedges, for serving
- Air fry wings at 400°F for 20 minutes. Turn and cook for 10 more minutes.
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic, and cornstarch in a small bowl.
- Toss cooked wings in sauce to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Serve garnished with scallions and lime wedges.
Conclusion
Cooking wings in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to get crispy, juicy wings at home. Most wings take 15-30 minutes to fully cook through, with exact time depending on the size and amount you are cooking. Smaller wings may need only 15 minutes while larger drummettes may need up to 30 minutes to become tender and browned. Monitor wings closely and adjust cook time to ensure desired crispiness. Use baking powder, oil-based seasonings, and a high heat of 400°F for best results. Refer to the guidelines and recipes provided to make perfect air fryer wings every time.