I love eating wings, but I HATE frying things. So I welcomed my air fryer with open arms and enthusiasm when I got it. This post will show you how to make air fryer wings two different ways. And as an added bonus, I’m sharing some saucy recipes to go along with them.

For reference, I have a Ninja Foodi. I love it SO much. It is not only an air fryer, but pressure cooks, roasts, & more. If you want more recipes to make in this bad boy (or some other similar gadget), let me know in the comments!

This is going to be a casual recipe for you all – just me describing how I make the deliciousness happen. If you have any questions about specifics, let me know & I’ll be happy to answer them.

Air Fryer Wings: Way 1

This is how I make them MOST of the time. There is no real prep involved & is probably the easiest way to make some delicious, crispy wings. So, if you are on short notice or have no idea what to make, this may become a staple in your house, too.

Take frozen wing sections, however many you want, and place in basket. Pour a cup of water in. Lock the pressure cooker lid on the base, making sure the vent is closed. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.

When finished, open vent until all the steam releases. Unlock & remove lid. Using oven mitts to protect your hands, remove the basket of chicken and place to the side – I put mine in the sink so any excess water can drip off easily.

Still using oven mitts, take out the main bowl & pour out water. Wipe dry with a paper towel. Optional: dry wings off, too.

Next, put the basket of wings back into the bowl. Spray a layer of oil on wings, then stir or shake up, & coat again with oil. You want them evenly coated all over.

Close the normal lid. Set air fryer to 390 degrees with a timer of 18 minutes. Shake or stir wings at least once during the time.

Once done, you can enjoy the wings with whatever sauces or rubs you like!

Air Fryer Wings: Way 2

This way involves some preparation, but if you want a crispy, light breading on your wings, this is the way to go!

Place frozen wings in a large bowl of water & a tablespoon-ish of salt. Cover & let thaw. If you are going for a long thaw (all day), place in refrigerator until ready to use. If you are going for a short thaw (a couple of hours), leaving on the counter will be fine.

When thawed, drain wings in a colander & set in the sink while making the breading.

For the breading, take 1/2 cup of corn starch, 1/4 cup flour, a dash of salt & black pepper, & mix together in a bowl, gallon-sized zipper bag, or try this nifty tool. If you want to take the breading seasoning up a notch, add some garlic, onion, or paprika powder. Add more corn starch & flour if making a big batch of wings.

Put the wings in the breading mixture and shake well until all wings evenly coated.

I like to pre-heat the air fryer for about 5 minutes when doing wings this way – but it works even if you don’t!

Set air fryer to 390 degrees for 18 minutes. Place wings into basket & coat in spray oil. Be gentle for this part so you don’t lose all your breading!

Rotate or shake up wings at least once. Cook until crispy and browned. Finally, enjoy with your favorite sauces!

Extra: Sauces

Go-To Hot Sauce

Mix the following in a small pot on the stove until it thickens.

1/2 cup sweet Thai chili sauce

1 Tbsp soy sauce

Juice from 1/2 a lime

1 Tbsp honey (or 2 tsp sugar will do)

Sriracha – to your taste! The more you add, the spicier it is.

Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In a small pot on the stove melt a 1/2 stick of butter. Use more if for a big batch.

Once melted & slightly cooled, mix in 2 teaspoons garlic powder, a pinch of salt & black pepper, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

Let me know in the comments what your favorite sauces or rubs are. I always enjoy trying new flavors with my chicken wings!