Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor—these Air Fried Chicken Wings are what weeknight cravings dream of. I started making them on game nights, and now they’ve become a Friday evening essential in our kitchen.
The magic? You get the irresistible crunch of deep-fried wings without the grease, thanks to the air fryer. And if you’re on a low-carb journey, here’s the best part: they’re totally keto-friendly!
Unlike traditional wings drenched in oil, these cook with just a tablespoon of olive oil and still turn out golden and crispy on the outside, tender inside. Sprinkle on some garlic salt and lemon pepper, and they’re bursting with zesty, savory goodness in every bite.
Pair them with this creamy Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese for a satisfying low-carb duo, or serve them with a fresh Cucumber Salad to balance the richness.
The air fryer trend is growing fast—and with good reason. In fact, air fryer usage rose by 76% in the past year alone, thanks to its healthier cooking method.
One bite of these wings and you’ll know why they’re always the first thing gone at my table.
Why This Is My Go-To Recipe?
- It Started as a Late-Night Fix: What began as a quick midnight craving turned into a staple in my weekly rotation. These wings are my guilt-free crispy fix, and they never disappoint.
- No Mess, No Stress: I seriously love how clean the whole process is. No hot oil splashing, no greasy pans—just a few minutes in the air fryer and I’m done. Cleanup is almost as satisfying as the first bite.
- Endless Flavor Twists: Lemon pepper is great, but I’ve played around with smoked paprika and even chili flakes for extra punch. It’s the kind of recipe you can tweak to match your mood.
- Keto Goals? Nailed It: Being low-carb doesn’t mean boring food. These wings fit perfectly into my keto plan—especially when I add Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese or a fresh Cucumber Salad on the side.
- Crowd-Pleaser Every Time: Even my non-keto, fried-food-loving friends devour these. They always come back for seconds—and yes, they ask for the recipe every time.
Air Fried Chicken Wings Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Tongs or Spatula
- Small bowl (for seasonings)
- Paper towels (for patting wings dry)
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken wings split into flats and drummettes
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic salt or add to taste*
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
Instructions
- Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels to get them extra crispy.
- In a bowl, toss wings with olive oil, garlic salt, and lemon pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 2-3 minutes.
- Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10 minutes, then flip wings with tongs.
- Continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove and let rest for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Nutrition
Try Some More Chicken Wings Recipe!
- Halloween Bat Wings (Soy Sauce Chicken Wings) Recipe
- Oven Chicken Wings Recipe
- Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe
Creative Variations For Air Fried Chicken Wings!
1. Thai Sticky Wings:
Toss crispy wings in a blend of fish sauce, honey, lime juice, and chili garlic paste. Finish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for a sweet-spicy Southeast Asian kick.
2. Cajun Butter Wings:
Melt butter and mix with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Brush over hot wings right out of the fryer for bold, peppery heat with a buttery finish.
3. Korean Gochujang Glaze:
Whisk gochujang, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of honey. Coat wings after frying for a sticky, umami-rich, and sweet-spicy glaze that clings beautifully.
4. Dry-Rub Ranch Wings:
Blend dry ranch seasoning with almond flour and cracked black pepper. Dust the wings before air frying for a crunchy crust and herby flavor—no sauce needed.
5. Honey Mustard Crunch:
Air fry until golden, then toss with a homemade honey mustard made with Dijon, garlic powder, and a splash of vinegar. It’s tangy, sweet, and totally addicting.
6. Garlic Parmesan Explosion:
In the last couple minutes of frying, toss wings with garlic butter and freshly grated Parmesan. Air fry again briefly to get that golden, crispy cheese crust.
7. Jamaican Jerk Wings:
Marinate in jerk paste overnight, then air fry. These wings are spicy, smoky, and bursting with island flavor. A squeeze of lime takes them to the next level.
8. Mango Habanero Glaze:
Blend ripe mango, habanero, and lime juice for a thick, spicy-sweet sauce. Add after frying. It’s fruity with serious heat, perfect for flavor chasers.
9. Middle Eastern Zaatar Wings:
Toss wings in olive oil, zaatar, and sumac before air frying. It’s earthy, tangy, and aromatic. Serve with a cool yogurt dip to balance it all out.
10. Balsamic Maple Wings:
Reduce balsamic vinegar with a touch of maple syrup and rosemary until syrupy. Drizzle over freshly fried wings for a sweet-savory combo that feels gourmet.
