Crispy air fryer chicken wings with easier cleanup? Yes, please… I’m obsessed. This simple foil trick helps keep the basket cleaner while still giving you juicy wings with golden, crispy skin.
Watch my video below to see how I use aluminum foil in the air fryer for crispy, juicy chicken wings with easy cleanup. If you love air fryer chicken wings, please like the video and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more easy air fryer recipes!
Why you’ll love these air fryer chicken wings
These wings are simple, savory, and so satisfying. You only need a few seasonings, a little oil spray, and your air fryer does most of the work.
Let’s be honest… chicken wings are super delicious, but the cleanup can be a lot. Using aluminum foil in the air fryer the right way makes this recipe feel so much easier.
Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer?
Yes, you can put aluminum foil in an air fryer, but you need to use it carefully. The foil should sit inside the basket where the food goes, and it should not block all the airflow or touch the heating element.
Note: Always check your air fryer manual first, because brands can have different recommendations. Also, never preheat with loose foil inside, since it can blow around.
Texture + flavor
These air fryer chicken wings come out golden, crisp on the outside, and juicy inside. The seasoning is simple: salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
I love keeping the base flavor classic because then you can dip them in barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, ranch, ketchup, or honestly… whatever makes you happy.
Air fryer chicken wings ingredients
- 9 chicken wings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cooking oil spray, about 1 tablespoon
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce, for serving
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Aluminum foil
- Tongs
- Small brush or cooking oil spray
- Meat thermometer
How to put aluminum foil in an air fryer
Step 1: Take a sheet of aluminum foil and fold it with your fingers into a wave shape with raised ridges.
Step 2: Place the foil inside the air fryer basket and press it down so it fits nicely. Keep the edges tucked in and secure.
Top Tip: Do not cover every single opening in the basket if you can avoid it. Air fryers need hot air to circulate, and better airflow means crispier wings.
Step 3: Lightly spray or brush the foil with cooking oil. You only need a light coating.
Instructions for these chicken wings
Step 1: Lay the chicken wings out on a plate or tray. Season one side with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Step 2: Flip the wings over and season the other side. Make sure each wing gets a nice even coating.
Step 3: Place the wings on top of the foil in a single layer. Do not pile them up.
Top Tip: If the wings feel crowded, cook them in 2 batches. Crowding traps steam, and steam is not your crispy-wing friend.
Step 4: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes.
Step 5: Open the basket and flip each wing with tongs.
Step 6: Cook for another 12 minutes, or until the wings are golden, crispy, and cooked through.
Note: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check.
Step 7: Serve warm with barbecue sauce or ketchup on the side. How can you not?!
Related Recipe: If you enjoyed these wings, you should also check out this homemade 3-ingredient chicken nuggets recipe too. It is one of my favorite easy ways to turn leftover chicken into something crispy, tender, and so delicious, with just three simple ingredients.
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Foil
I love making chicken wings in the air fryer, but I really do not love dealing with the cleanup after… so this is how I use aluminum foil to make things a lot easier. It keeps the mess down, and the wings always come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and so delicious every single time.
3
servings10
minutes24
minutes350
kcal1
hour10
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
9 pieces (about 900 g) chicken wings
1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
1 teaspoon (3 g) garlic powder
½ teaspoon (1 g) ground black pepper
1 tablespoon (15 ml) cooking oil spray
2 tablespoons (30 ml) barbecue sauce
Directions
- Fold a sheet of aluminum foil into a wave shape with raised ridges, as I am doing in the video.
- Place foil in the air fryer basket, edges resting against the sides.
- Lightly brush foil with cooking oil spray.
- Arrange chicken wings in a single layer and season with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Flip wings and season the other side.
- Place seasoned wings on foil in a single layer.
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 12 minutes.
- Flip wings over and cook for another 12 minutes.
- Check for doneness and adjust cooking time if necessary.
Equipment
Ninja Air FryerCheck it out on Amazon here
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use a rack effect with foil: Shape the foil with small ridges or waves so the wings sit slightly raised instead of flat. This helps hot air move under the wings and keeps the bottoms from getting soggy.
- Dry wings really well: If the wings have moisture on them, they will steam instead of being crispy. Pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning, because dry skin is what helps them turn golden and crispy in the air fryer.
- Flip halfway through: Turn the wings after the first 12 minutes. This helps both sides cook evenly and get crispy.
- Do not skip the preheat: Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes helps the wings start cooking right away. This can make a noticeable difference in how crispy they turn out.
- Check doneness: Look for a deep golden color and crispy edges, and use a thermometer if you can. The wings should reach 165°F inside to be fully cooked.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 3
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 31g
Optional seasoning swaps
You can absolutely make these your own. Try:
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Buffalo seasoning
- Barbecue rub
- All-purpose chicken seasoning
- Smoked paprika with garlic powder
In my opinion, lemon pepper is sooo good on wings if you want something bright and savory.
Storage and reheating
Store leftover chicken wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4 to 6 minutes, or until hot and crispy again. Start checking at 4 minutes, so they do not dry out.
What to serve with air fryer chicken wings
These wings are perfect with barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, ranch, blue cheese dressing, ketchup, celery sticks, carrot sticks, fries, or a simple salad.
They are also amazing for parties, movie nights, football snacks, or anytime you want something crispy and fun without a huge mess.
More air fryer recipes
If you loved these air fryer chicken wings, check out more easy air fryer recipes below.
- Crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly (Crispiest Crackling Ever!) – This pork belly comes out incredibly crispy on top with juicy, tender meat underneath—perfect if you love that crunchy crackling texture.
- How To Cook Ribs in Air Fryer (Easy Recipe) – These air fryer ribs are tender, flavorful, and coated in a sticky glaze, making them a quick and easy alternative to oven or grill cooking.
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Strips – Golden and crunchy on the outside, these chicken strips are simple to make and great for dipping, snacks, or an easy family meal.
And please leave a comment or ask any questions about this recipe in the comment section below or in the YouTube video comments… I try to respond to all of them!