How Long to Air Fry Chicken Wings

The short answer

For fresh chicken wings, air fry at 380°F for about 24–28 minutes, or at 400°F for about 20–24 minutes. Arrange the wings in a single layer with space around them, then shake the basket or turn the wings midway. They are ready when the thickest pieces reach at least 165°F / 74°C and the skin is browned and crisp.

How to air fry fresh wings

Pat the wings dry before seasoning; surface moisture can slow browning. Preheat the air fryer if your model recommends it, then place the wings skin-side down or in a single even layer. Cook at 380°F, shaking or turning after 12–14 minutes. Continue until the wings are cooked through and the skin has the color and crispness you want.

• Avoid stacking or crowding the basket.
• Use a thermometer in the thickest part, away from the bone.
• Add a few minutes if the wings are especially large.

For extra-crisp skin

If the wings are cooked but need more color, raise the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 2–4 minutes. Check frequently because the final stage can darken quickly. A crowded basket may need to be cooked in batches; airflow and the exact appliance affect the air fryer chicken wings time more than a recipe timer can.

Frozen wings and doneness checks

Frozen wings generally take about 28–35 minutes at 380°F. Start cooking them in a single layer, then separate pieces once they loosen and shake or turn them halfway. Timing varies with whether the wings are raw or precooked, their size, and the appliance. For raw poultry, confirm at least 165°F / 74°C before serving.

When to add sauce

Cook the wings until crisp before saucing them. Toss with buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, or another coating immediately after cooking, or return sauced wings to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes at 380°F to set the coating. Saucing too early can make the skin soft or cause sugary sauces to burn.