The Complete Guide to Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Wings
Few things match the satisfaction of biting into a crispy, golden breaded chicken wing, especially when it’s cooked to perfection in an air fryer. These air fryer breaded chicken wings are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and healthier than deep-fried alternatives—without sacrificing any of the satisfying texture or flavor.
Whether you’re hosting game day, prepping appetizers for a party, or just feeding a hungry household, this recipe delivers maximum crisp with minimal cleanup. No hot oil. No grease splatter. Just delicious, juicy wings coated in a seasoned, crispy shell.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Breaded Wings?
Air frying combines convenience and efficiency with a perfect result: crispy food made with little to no oil. Traditional deep frying soaks wings in oil, but the air fryer circulates hot air around them, crisping up the coating and locking in moisture without the mess or calories of oil frying.
Plus, the air fryer preheats quickly, cooks evenly, and requires only a light spray of oil on the breading for that deep-fried texture.
What Makes Breaded Wings Different?
Unlike naked wings, which are seasoned but not coated, breaded chicken wings are dredged in flour or breadcrumbs, adding an extra layer of crunch. The coating traps juices and adds a satisfying texture contrast to the tender meat.
This version uses a seasoned flour-based coating, enhanced with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a touch of salt and pepper. For added texture, you can mix in breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Choosing the Right Wings
For best results, use split wings—meaning the drums and flats are separated, and the wing tips are removed. This ensures they cook evenly and are easier to bread and eat.
Make sure the wings are fully thawed and patted dry before coating them. Moisture will cause the breading to fall off and prevent the skin from crisping properly.
How to Bread Chicken Wings for Air Frying
Here’s the breading process for maximum adhesion and crunch:
- Dry the wings thoroughly.
- Dip in beaten egg or buttermilk to act as glue.
- Coat in seasoned flour or breadcrumb mix.
- Spray lightly with oil to promote browning in the air fryer.
For a thicker crust, you can double-dip: egg → flour → egg → flour.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook wings for 24–26 minutes, flipping halfway through. Finish at 400°F (200°C) for the last 3–4 minutes if you want an extra-crisp outer shell.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serving Ideas
These breaded wings pair well with:
- Ranch or blue cheese dip
- Buffalo, BBQ, or honey mustard sauce
- Celery and carrot sticks
- Coleslaw or potato salad
- Fries, mac & cheese, or cornbread
They’re also great served plain with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat wings in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes to restore their crunch—skip the microwave if you want to keep the coating crispy.
Tips & Tricks for Best Results
- Pat dry for crispiness: Excess moisture ruins breading and prevents browning.
- Spray with oil: A light spritz over the coated wings ensures they turn golden and crunchy.
- Don’t overcrowd: Give wings space in the air fryer for air to circulate and cook evenly.
- Use seasoned flour or breadcrumbs: This builds flavor into every bite.
- Flip gently: Use tongs and turn carefully to avoid pulling off the breading.
- Optional crunch boost: Add crushed panko or cornflakes to the flour mixture for extra texture.
Quick Recipe Summary
Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Wings
Description:
Crispy, juicy chicken wings coated in a seasoned breading and cooked in the air fryer until golden brown—healthier than deep-fried but just as satisfying.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 24–26 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings (split into drums and flats)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray (oil-based)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Pat dry chicken wings using paper towels.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs. In another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each wing into the egg, then coat in the flour mixture. Press lightly so the coating sticks.
- Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil.
- Cook for 12–13 minutes, then flip wings, spray again, and cook for another 12–13 minutes.
- Optional: Increase heat to 400°F for an additional 3–4 minutes to crisp up.
- Check internal temp (165°F minimum), then serve hot with your favorite dip or sauce.