Ever wondered how long to air fry chicken wings at 400 degrees for that perfect, crispy finish? You’re not alone.

Air frying has become a go-to method for many home cooks craving that fried crunch without the guilt. It provides a healthier alternative to traditional frying, especially when it comes to favorites like chicken wings. This guide will answer all your queries about air frying chicken wings, both fresh and frozen, at 400 degrees.
Get ready to explore the world of air frying and bring restaurant-quality wings to your dining table.
What is Air Frying?
Air frying is a revolutionary cooking method that uses hot air to fry food without submerging it in oil. This modern kitchen appliance has become increasingly popular due to its unique ability to create delicious fried meals with fewer calories and less fat than traditional deep-frying methods.
Air frying utilizes a rapid circulation of hot air, which browns the outside of the food while locking in the natural moisture. Food cooked in an air fryer is usually crispy and golden brown on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside.
Why Choose Air Frying?
Air frying is a safe and healthy way to enjoy fried food without the guilt. Here are some reasons why air frying is preferable for cooking chicken wings:
- Air fryers use up to 80% less oil than traditional deep-fat fryers, resulting in fewer calories and fat per serving.
- The air circulation within the appliance ensures that the food is cooked evenly and thoroughly.
- Air fryers lock in more flavor than traditional methods, producing delicious wings with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Cleanup is quick and easy since air frying uses less oil than deep-fat frying.
- Cooking times are much shorter than conventional ovens or stovetop cooking of chicken wings.
- Air fryers are economical and require much less energy than other cooking methods.
- There’s no need to constantly monitor food during the cooking process, as air frying is entirely automated.
- You can cook frozen foods straight from the freezer in an air fryer, allowing for quick and effortless meals.
These are just a few of the reasons why air frying is a great choice for cooking perfect chicken wings.
Why Frying Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer?
Frying chicken wings in an air fryer has a host of benefits. Here’s why air frying is the way to go for perfect wings every time:
- Air-fried chicken wings have a crispy, golden crust, yet remain juicy on the inside.
- Air fryers are designed to cook food quickly and evenly without any extra oil.
- Air fryers are easy to use and require minimal cleanup.
- Air fryer chicken wings have a fraction of the calories and fat compared to traditionally fried wings.
- Air frying can be done with fresh or frozen chicken wings, so you can enjoy tasty wings any time!
- You don’t need to monitor the food while air frying, as the appliance is automated.
- Air fryers are available in a range of sizes to suit your individual needs.
So if you’re looking for a healthier way to enjoy chicken wings without sacrificing taste, air frying is the way to go!
>>> See more: How long to bake Chicken Wings at 400°F?
Preparing Chicken Wings for Air Frying
Before knowing how long to air fry wings at 400 degrees, you first need to know how to prepare them.
Here’s a simple guide on prepping chicken wings for air frying:
Fresh vs. Frozen Wings
Before you start air frying your chicken wings, it’s important to prepare them properly. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen wings, here are some tips to ensure that they turn out perfectly crispy and delicious:
- Fresh Wings: If using fresh chicken wings, make sure they are dry and free of any moisture before adding them to the air fryer. To prevent sticking, lightly coat the wings in oil and seasonings of your choice before placing them in the fryer basket.
- Frozen Wings: When air frying frozen chicken wings, make sure that they are thawed out completely before cooking. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Then brush on some oil and add your desired seasonings before air frying.
It’s important to note that, while frozen wings can take slightly longer to cook than fresh ones, the quality and taste should not suffer.
So no matter what type of wings you’re using, following these simple tips will ensure that your air-fried wings turn out perfectly crispy and delicious!
Seasoning Your Wings
When it comes to seasoning your chicken wings, the possibilities are endless!
Here are some tips to help you create the perfect blend of flavors:
- Create a marinade before air frying by combining oil and spices such as garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and your favorite herbs.
- For a spicy kick, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the mix.
- If you prefer sweet flavors, try adding brown sugar or honey for a delicious glaze.
- If you like tangy flavors, add some fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some of your favorite hot sauces or BBQ sauces to the wings before air frying for an extra kick!
The key is to experiment and find the flavors that suit your taste buds best. And once you’ve found your perfect mixture, there’s no stopping you from creating delicious chicken wing recipes in your air fryer!
Air Frying Chicken Wings at 400
Now that you know the basics of air frying chicken wings, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s how long to cook wings in air fryer at 400:

>>> Read more: How Long to Boil Chicken Wings before Grilling?
How Long to Air Fry Chicken Wings at 400?
It’s easy to achieve the perfect combination of crispy and juicy chicken wings with an air fryer. When it comes to cooking time, the amount of time you’ll need to air fry chicken wings at 400°F depends on several factors such as size and freshness.
Here are some guidelines for how long to air fry your wings:
- For fresh chicken wings, cook them for 15 minutes, flipping the wings over halfway through cooking.
- If you’re air frying wings at higher temperatures, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent burning.
- To make sure that your wings are cooked all the way through, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat – it should reach 165°F before serving.
It’s also important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your air fryer, as well as how full the basket is.
It’s best to err on the side of caution and check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested cooking time has expired.
If the wings are not done yet, just return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes until they reach the desired temperature.
>>> See more video: The Crispiest Air Fryer Chicken Wings <<
Texture and Taste Expectations
Once you’ve cooked your chicken wings in the air fryer, it’s time to enjoy!
Here’s what you can expect from this delicious dish:
- Crispy and golden on the outside.
- Juicy and tender on the inside.
- Flavorful and full of taste.
- A healthier alternative to deep frying.
- Perfectly cooked wings every time!
Don’t forget to experiment with different flavors and seasonings, so you can find the perfect combination of taste and texture for your air-fried wings.
Now you know how long to air fry chicken wings at 400°F, as well as how to prepare them for the best results. We will move to the next part frozen chicken wings.
Air Frying Frozen Chicken Wings at 400
If you’re using frozen chicken wings, the cooking time may be slightly longer than that of fresh wings.
Here are some tips for how long to air fry frozen chicken wings at 400:
How Long to Air Fry Frozen Chicken Wings at 400?
If you’re looking to enjoy delicious, crispy chicken wings with minimal effort, air-frying frozen wings is the way to go!
Here’s how long to cook them at 400°F:
- Air fry frozen chicken wings for 25 minutes, flipping them over halfway through.
- For extra crispiness, increase the cooking time by a few minutes – just make sure to monitor them closely so they don’t burn.
- Once done, remove the wings from the air fryer and check the internal temperature of the meat with an instant-read thermometer – it should be 165°F or higher before serving.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly cooked frozen chicken wings in no time!
>>> Other Recipes: How Long to Cook Chicken Wings in Oven at 375 Degrees F?
Considerations for Frozen Wings
When it comes to air-frying frozen chicken wings, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Make sure that your wings are thawed out completely before cooking.
- Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Brush on some oil and add your desired seasonings before air frying.
- Monitor the wings closely to make sure they don’t burn or overcook.
- Always check the internal temperature of the meat before serving.
With these considerations in mind, you can be sure that your frozen wings will turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time.
Key Things to Remember When Air Frying
When using an air fryer, in addition to knowing how long to air fry chicken wings at 400, there are a few other key things to remember:
Importance of Preheating the Air Fryer
One of the most important things to remember when air frying your chicken wings is preheating your air fryer!
Here are some tips to help you get it just right:
- Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and allow it to preheat for at least 5 minutes before adding your wings.
- This will help the air fryer reach the optimal temperature for cooking, resulting in more evenly cooked wings.
- It also helps create a crispy exterior without burning or overcooking the inside of your chicken wings.
- Preheating ensures that you get juicy, tender wings with plenty of flavor in every bite!
- If you’re air frying frozen wings, allow the air fryer to preheat for an extra minute or two.
By following these simple preheating tips, you can ensure that your air fryer is always ready to deliver perfectly cooked chicken wings!
The Role of Spacing Out the Wings
When it comes to air frying, it’s important to ensure that your chicken wings have enough room in the basket so they can cook evenly and achieve that perfect crunch:
- Spread out the wings as much as possible – don’t overcrowd the air fryer!
- If you find that your wings are sticking together, use a pair of tongs to separate them before flipping.
- For extra crispy wings, spritz on some oil before cooking.
- If you’re using frozen wings, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel first so they’ll crisp up better.
- To achieve the best results, you may need to cook your wings in batches.
By spacing out the wings and following all of these tips, you can be sure that your air fryer will deliver perfectly cooked chicken wings every time!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Air frying chicken wings is relatively easy, but sometimes things can go wrong.
Here are some common issues that might arise and how to fix them:
- If your wings come out soggy or not crispy enough, try increasing the cooking time or temperature slightly. You can also brush on a bit more oil before air frying for added crispiness.
- If your wings come out dry or overcooked, reduce the cooking time or temperature slightly. You can also add a few tablespoons of water to the air fryer basket before you start cooking.
- If your wings are burning before they’re done, try lowering the temperature slightly and flipping them over more frequently.
- If you find that the spices and seasonings are not sticking, try tossing the wings in a bit of oil before air frying to help the flavors adhere.
- If the wings are not cooked all the way through, you can increase the cooking time slightly or use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness.
Now that you know some of the common issues that might arise and how to troubleshoot them, you can be sure to enjoy delicious air-fried chicken wings every time.
Dipping Sauces and Side Dishes for Air Fried Wings
Besides knowing how long to air fryer chicken wings at 400°F, it’s important to think about what delicious sauces and side dishes you can serve with them.
Dipping Sauces
When it comes to creating the perfect air-fried chicken wings, there’s nothing like a delicious dipping sauce.
Here are some popular sauces you can use:
- BBQ Sauce – A classic favorite that adds sweet and smoky flavor.
- Honey Mustard – Sweet and tangy with a hint of spice.
- Ranch – Creamy and full of flavor.
- Hot Sauce – For those who like a bit of kick.
- Teriyaki – Sweet, savory, and delicious.
- Blue Cheese – Cool and creamy with a sharp bite.
Mix and match your favorite sauces to find the perfect combination for your air-fried chicken wings!
Side Dishes
When it comes to enjoying air-fried chicken wings, side dishes are a must!
Here are some delicious options:
- Coleslaw – Cool and creamy with a hint of crunch.
- Potato Salad – Perfectly seasoned potatoes with a tangy mayo dressing.
- Baked Beans – Sweet and spicy with a smoky flavor.
- Corn on the Cob – Delicious grilled or boiled with butter and salt.
- Roasted Vegetables – Roast your favorite veggies in the air fryer to add some extra flavor.
- French Fries – Air fry up some crispy, golden fries for the perfect accompaniment.
- Macaroni and Cheese – Rich, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness.
- Fruit Salad – Refreshing and sweet with a hint of tartness.
No matter what side dishes you choose, they are sure to pair perfectly with your air-fried chicken wings!
How to Store Your Air-fried Chicken Wings
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious air-fried chicken wings, you’ll need to store them properly so they stay fresh and tasty.
Here’s how:
- Let the wings cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- When reheating, make sure to place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 8 minutes.
- If you’re reheating from frozen, increase the cooking time to 10-15 minutes.
- Always check the internal temperature of the meat before serving – it should be 165°F or higher.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your air-fried chicken wings for days or even months after cooking!
FAQs about How Long to Air Fry Chicken Wings at 400
Q: Can I double the cooking time if I’m air-frying more wings?
A: Yes, you can certainly double the cooking time. Just make sure to monitor them closely so they don’t burn.
Q: Is it possible to air fry frozen chicken wings without thawing first?
A: No, it is not recommended to air fry frozen chicken wings without thawing first. The extra moisture from the frozen wings can cause them to become soggy or even overcooked. For best results, always thaw your wings before air frying.
Q: Is it safe to store and reheat cooked chicken wings?
A: Yes, it is safe to store and reheat cooked chicken wings as long as they are stored properly and reheated to the recommended temperature. Always check the internal temperature of the meat before serving – it should be 165°F or higher.
Q: What is the best way to give my air-fried wings an extra crispy texture?
A: The key to getting extra crispiness is adding a bit of oil to the wings before air frying. You can also brush on some additional oil during cooking for even more crispiness. Just be sure to monitor them closely so they don’t burn or become overcooked.
Q: Can I use other seasonings and sauces besides the ones listed?
A: Absolutely! You can experiment with different seasonings, sauces, and marinades to create unique flavor profiles. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time or temperature as needed for best results. Happy air frying!
Conclusion
How long to air fry chicken wings at 400 can depend on several factors, such as the size and type of wings you are using. With the right tips and tricks, however, you can enjoy perfectly cooked air-fried wings every time. Be sure to select the best dipping sauces and side dishes for your meal, store your wings properly after cooking, and don’t forget to check the internal temperature before serving!