Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Temperature
400°F
200°C
Time
20 min
1kg (approx 12 wings)
Safe internal
165°F
74°C
Wings are the thing my husband requests every single time there's a game on. We used to deep-fry them and the kitchen smelled of oil for days - now I just air-fry them and they come out every bit as crispy. A little baking powder in the rub is my secret for extra crunch.
How to air fry chicken wings
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Add the fresh chicken wings in a single layer. Basket can be full but not packed.
- Cook for about 20 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.
- Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Pro tip
Pat dry thoroughly before seasoning; moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
How to tell when it's done
They're safe at 165°F (74°C), but I take mine a bit further for that proper crackle, around 175-180°F. I only toss them in sauce once they're out of the basket, or you lose all that lovely crisp.
Safe internal temperature
Cook to 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point. An instant-read thermometer is the only reliable way to confirm it.
Converting from an oven recipe
If your recipe is written for a conventional oven, lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and reduce the time by roughly 20% to land near 400°F for 20 minutes. Need a different starting point? Use the conversion calculator.
Air fryer chicken wings: FAQ
How long does it take to air fry chicken wings?
Air fry chicken wings at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through. That's for 1kg (approx 12 wings) in a single layer; adjust slightly for a fuller basket or a different model.
What temperature do you air fry chicken wings at?
Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If you're converting an oven recipe, that's roughly 25°F (15°C) below the oven temperature, with the time cut by about 20%.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for chicken wings?
A 2-3 minute preheat gives the most accurate timing and the best browning, but it isn't essential - if you skip it, add a minute or two to the cook time.
What's the safe internal temperature for chicken wings?
Cook chicken wings to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), measured at the thickest point with an instant-read thermometer. Cooking time is a guide; internal temperature is what confirms it's safely done.