Air fryers are great for cooking a lot of different foods, and now you can add BBQ chicken wings to the list!
The air fryer is fast and easy-you don't have to turn on the oven or step outside; you get delicious and perfectly cooked wings every time! You can season with only the dry rub (recipe provided) or also add your favorite barbecue sauce.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to cook chicken wings in an Instant Pot Air Fryer without any hassle.
It's quick, simple, and tastes amazing!
Why I love this recipe
Ever since I got my Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, I keep finding more reasons to love it. It's super easy to use and doesn't require any oil! It really helps when you're in a hurry and just want to have some food ready quickly. Using chicken wings as an example, they cook evenly and the skin is a lot more crispy than it would be in the oven, so it's a great alternative to traditional baking or frying.
I have been making these wings all summer long. It's just too hot to turn on the oven and TBH, sometimes I don't even want to step outside to cook on the grill. That's HOT! That's when my air fryer comes to the rescue!
Ingredients
In addition to the wings, you only need five ingredients for the simple dry rub: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (smoked) and salt + pepper. It keeps it very easy yet adds the perfect punch of flavor to the wings.
How to make (Instant Pot) Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
First, make the dry rub. Mine is a simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Many dry rubs also include brown sugar, which you can add if you wish. But I have found I enjoy these wings just as much without the added sugar, making them keto-friendly - win-win!
Then, pat the wings dry and season with the rub. If desired, you can brush with a little BBQ sauce here but I usually hold off on that until after cooking.
I use the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, which requires no pre-heating. Simply add the seasoned chicken wings to the basket of your air fryer. Cook in the air fryer for 18 minutes at 400°F, tossing about halfway (or when the air fryer tells you to turn the food).
When the cycle is done, the wings are ready to serve.
If you like extra-crispy skin, split the cooked wings into 2 equal batches and air fry each batch for an additional 3-4 minutes. By separating into smaller groups, you create more air circulation around the wings, which will facilitate crisping of the skin.
Brush, toss and/or serve with barbecue sauce as desired.
FAQs
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses circulating hot air to cook food. This method of cooking is similar to how people use the oven or a grill, but unlike those methods it doesn't require oil or butter because the food is cooked by the hot air.
It can take anywhere from 15-20 minutes to cook chicken wings depending on the size and the thickness of the cut, as well as the specific air fryer used. I use the Instant Pot air fryer lid, and the timing I use works perfectly with that air fryer. Watch time carefully as it will vary between brands and models.
These wings are crispy enough to satisfy those who love fried food, but not too hard that you can't bite through them. If you like crispy skin, I recommend cooking as described, then cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, half the wings at a time. By reducing the number of wings in the basket, you will be increasing the air circulation around them, helping to crisp up that skin.
Expert Tips
These wings are best enjoyed right after cooking, but if you want to keep them warm and crispy longer, I recommend placing the cooked wings in a basket or container with an open top then popping that into the oven at 200F.
Related recipes - even more reasons to love your air fryer!
- Air fryer broccoli
- Air fryer taquitos
- Chicken thighs in the air fryer
- French fries
- Waffles Fries
- Onion rings
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 1 – 1 ½ pounds chicken wings
- 1 teaspoon paprika smoked
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- optional 1-2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Mix seasonings in a small cup to make dry rub.
- Pat chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Sprinkle chicken with half the dry rub. Turn and sprinkle the rest on the other side of the chicken. If desired, brush a little BBQ sauce on each wing.
- Place chicken wings in air fryer basket. Air fry 18 minutes at 400F. Turn wings about halfway through the cycle (or when air fryer signals you to do so).
- Toss or brush with BBQ sauce if desired, or have sauce on the side. Ready to serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Crystal
These wings look fantastic, and I love how easy the recipe is! Thanks so much!
Sula
I love easy ways to make something delicious!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady
These wings were so good and I love that they came out so crispy without deep frying them!
Sula
Yes, I would never make them if deep frying were the only way!
Emily Flint
These wings were so good! I can't believe how good they came out in the air fryer!
Sula
It really is surprising how easy and good they are!
nancy
wow i didn't know the IP can make wings so crispy!
Sula
With the air fryer lid, yes it can!
Gina Abernathy
Delicious! Love some wings.
Sula
You can never go wrong with wings!
Giangi Townsend
Super easy and super delicious. Thank you for sharing another fantastic recipe.
Sula
Enjoy!
Toni
This was so good! I love that it is so easy to make! And my kids enjoyed the tasty flavor!!
Sula
I'm so glad! Any time the kids are happy, it's a win!
Kayla DiMaggio
These air- fryer BBQ chicken wings are delicious! I love my air fryer and it makes it so easy!
Sula
Me too - the air fryer makes it so easy!
Mallory
Such a great air fryer recipe. So easy! Thanks for sharing!
Sula
You're welcome!
Natalie
My son will love this. Looks fantastic and super easy to make. I just saved the recipe. Can't wait to surprise my family with this for dinner.
Sula
Definitely easy and delicious! Enjoy!