Craving perfectly crispy, juicy chicken wings without the mess and unhealthy oil of deep frying? You’ve come to the right place! An air fryer is a game-changer for making delicious wings, transforming them into a healthier yet equally satisfying snack or meal. With so many models on the market, finding the best air fryers for chicken wings can feel like a daunting task. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide, testing and reviewing top air fryers to help you achieve restaurant-quality wings right in your kitchen.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Air Fryers For Chicken Wings Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt Air Fryer: 9-in-1 with Ceramic Coating for Even Results.
The Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt Air Fryer is an excellent choice for anyone serious about perfectly crispy chicken wings. Its innovative TurboBlaze Technology ensures rapid, even cooking, which is crucial for achieving that desirable crunch. With a generous 6-quart capacity and a premium ceramic-coated basket, it’s designed for both performance and easy cleanup, making it a standout for your kitchen.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ TurboBlaze Technology: Features a powerful 3600 rpm fan and temperatures up to 450°F for faster, crispier results.
✓ 5-Fan Speed System: Offers precise temperature control from 90°–450°F and tailored fan speeds for various dishes.
✓ Ceramic Coating: The nonstick basket and crisper tray are coated with durable, heat-resistant ceramic for easy cleaning.
✓ 9-in-1 Functionality: Beyond air frying, it can roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, and more, offering great versatility.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Cosori TurboBlaze for its superior ability to produce consistently crispy and juicy chicken wings. The combination of high fan speed and precise temperature control ensures even cooking and perfect browning every time. Its ceramic coating is a huge plus for effortless cleanup, which is always appreciated after cooking greasy foods like wings.
Best For
This air fryer is best for families or individuals who frequently cook for groups and prioritize speed, even cooking, and easy maintenance when making chicken wings and other air-fried delights.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Achieves extra crispy results quickly due to TurboBlaze technology.
- Generous 6-quart capacity handles a good batch of wings.
- Durable, nonstick ceramic coating makes cleanup a breeze.
- Quiet operation compared to many other air fryers.
Cons:
- May have a slight new appliance smell initially.
- Higher price point than some basic models.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: So far so good, working as advertised. Haven’t used it too much as yet, but like everything about it at this stage. The operation is easy, not very loud at all (we like that a lot!) and the interface is neat, clean, and easy to follow. Really like the touch screen that is easy to clean and so is the
Customer Review: I love this air fryer! I had very faint smell the first day I used it, then none after that. The control panel is clear and intuitive. It sits on my counter and I use it almost every day. We eat a lot of meat, and this gets used for most of it. Steaks, hamburgers, sausage patties and links, bac
2. Ninja Pro XL 6.5 Qt Air Fryer: Fits 9lbs of Wings with 6-in-1 Max Crisp.
The Ninja Pro XL 6.5 Qt Air Fryer is a powerhouse for anyone looking to master crispy chicken wings at home. With its impressive 6.5-quart capacity, you can cook up to 9 lbs of wings, perfect for gatherings. The exclusive Max Crisp Technology ensures superheated air for faster, hotter, and extra-crispy results, providing a guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite fried foods.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Max Crisp Technology: Delivers up to 450°F superheated air for quick, extra-crispy results with minimal oil.
✓ XL Capacity: The 6.5-quart nonstick basket can hold up to 9 lbs of chicken wings, ideal for family meals or entertaining.
✓ 6-in-1 Functionality: Air fry, air roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate, and Max Crisp all in one versatile appliance.
✓ Healthy Frying: Enjoy fried food with up to 75% less fat compared to traditional deep frying.
Why We Recommend It
For those who love to cook large batches of chicken wings, the Ninja Pro XL is an unbeatable choice. Its large capacity combined with the Max Crisp Technology means you can get perfectly crunchy wings in less time, and with less guilt. It’s also incredibly easy to use and clean, making it a fantastic addition to any kitchen.
Best For
This air fryer is best for large families, avid entertainers, or anyone who regularly cooks significant quantities of chicken wings and other fried foods.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional capacity for cooking large batches of wings.
- Max Crisp Technology ensures superior crispiness.
- Multiple cooking functions for versatility.
- Easy to clean nonstick basket and crisper plate.
Cons:
- Can be a bit bulky on smaller countertops.
- Higher energy consumption due to powerful heating.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This product has not only been a time saver but also a calorie saver. Easy to clean. Easy to use. Works amazing and doesn’t give off a plastic taste like some air fryers.
Customer Review: I have been using this Ninja air fryer regularly and it has made cooking much easier. The controls are simple to understand and the size is great for family meals. I also like that it is easy to clean after use. One downside is that it does take up some counter space, so you need room for it. Overal
3. CHEFMAN XL 10L Digital Air Fryer: Multifunctional with Rotisserie and Convection Oven.
If you’re looking for an air fryer that offers incredible versatility without breaking the bank, the CHEFMAN XL 10L Digital Air Fryer is an outstanding choice. This multifunctional appliance doesn’t just make crispy chicken wings; it doubles as a rotisserie and convection oven. Its generous 10-liter capacity allows for bigger batches, making it perfect for family meals and entertaining.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Versatile Cooking: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, or roast, offering a wide range of cooking options.
✓ Large 10-Liter Capacity: Spacious enough to handle a whole chicken or significant portions of chicken wings.
✓ Rapid Air Heating: Uses rapid air technology for fast, even, and crispy cooking, eliminating the need for preheating.
✓ Healthy Cooking: Prepares meals with up to 98% less oil than traditional frying methods.
✓ Interior Lighting: A convenient window and interior light allow you to monitor your food as it cooks without opening the door.
Why We Recommend It
The CHEFMAN XL is highly recommended for its exceptional value and multifunctional design. It’s not just an air fryer for chicken wings; it’s an entire cooking system. The rotisserie feature is a bonus, and its ability to cook quickly and healthily makes it a fantastic addition to any budget-conscious kitchen seeking versatility.
Best For
This appliance is best for budget-minded users who want a versatile, large-capacity air fryer that can perform multiple cooking tasks, including making delicious air fryer chicken wings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for its large capacity and multiple functions.
- Visible window and interior light for monitoring food.
- Rotisserie function adds culinary flexibility.
- Cooks food quickly without preheating.
Cons:
- Requires significant counter space due to its size.
- Accessories might require more effort to clean compared to a simple basket.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: It’s my first air fryer. Why have I deprived myself so long? This thing is easy to use, comes with three grates + a grease pan (or whatever you call it), quick to cook, and holds a lot of food. I use it every day, probably twice a day.I’ve only tried the air fry option – not bake or dehydration. I w
Customer Review: Where has this been all my life? So the window is great. The rotisserie worked well. Cleaning is of course a thing. It does have a tray that comes out. So far no issues. The way the settings are is a bit odd because they only show up when you push one of the main buttons, but that is pretty mi
4. Nutrichef 5.8 Qt Air Fryer: 8-in-1 with Transparent Bowl and Precise Temperature Control.
The Nutrichef 5.8 Qt Air Fryer offers a unique blend of visual cooking and precise control, making it a strong contender for the best air fryers for chicken wings. Its transparent bowl allows you to watch your wings crisp up to perfection without opening the basket, while the 8-in-1 functionality and precise temperature settings ensure optimal results for various dishes.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Transparent Cooking Bowl: Allows you to monitor your food’s progress without interrupting the cooking process.
✓ 8-in-1 Cooking Presets: Dedicated settings for popular dishes like chicken, fish, shrimp, fries, and steak, including defrost.
✓ Precise Temperature Control: Ensures exact cooking results with customizable temperature settings.
✓ Powerful 1200W Heating: Delivers fast heating and cooking, ideal for quick meals and perfectly cooked air fryer chicken wings.
✓ Easy Cleaning: Features a non-stick and dishwasher-safe tray for hassle-free cleanup.
Why We Recommend It
The Nutrichef air fryer is recommended for its innovative transparent design, which adds a fun and practical element to cooking. Being able to see your chicken wings brown and crisp without constant opening and closing helps maintain consistent cooking temperatures. Its straightforward controls and easy-to-clean components make it a user-friendly choice for everyday air frying.
Best For
This air fryer is best for home cooks who appreciate the ability to visually monitor their food and desire precise control and easy cleaning for consistently great results with their air fryer recipes for wings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Transparent bowl is great for monitoring cooking progress.
- Intuitive presets for common meals, simplifying operation.
- Non-stick and dishwasher-safe parts ensure easy cleaning.
- Strong 1200W heating element for efficient cooking.
Cons:
- The glass bowl can be heavy.
- 5.8-quart capacity might be limiting for very large batches.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Well I can say this is a great product!! Ease to use and clean!!! It defrost iced food!! The bowl is super heavy but it is amazing, food doesn’t stick anymore, and it healthier , the bowl size amazing you can cook a whole chicken on it, and food taste good! The cook tim
Customer Review: I originally got this because I wanted a more nontoxic option without a bunch of plastic heating up, so the glass bowl on this one really sold me! And honestly, it’s been great so far. It’s quiet, heats up quickly, and cooks food really evenly. I love being able to peek through the side without open
5. Ninja Air Fryer: Dual 5 Qt Baskets for 8lb Wings and Simultaneous Cooking.
The Ninja Air Fryer with Dual 5 Qt Baskets is a revolutionary appliance for anyone who loves variety and efficiency in their cooking, especially when making chicken wings. Its innovative DualZone Technology allows you to cook two different foods in two different ways simultaneously, or double your batch of wings. This means less waiting and more deliciousness!
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ DualZone Technology: Two independent 5-quart baskets for cooking two different foods or large quantities at once.
✓ Smart Finish Feature: Automatically synchronizes cooking times so both baskets finish simultaneously, perfect for wings and a side.
✓ Match Cook Button: Easily duplicates settings across both zones for cooking extra-large batches of chicken wings.
✓ IQ Boost: Optimally distributes power across baskets for faster, more efficient cooking.
✓ 8-lb Wing Capacity: Combined, the baskets can handle up to 8 lbs of wings, great for parties.
Why We Recommend It
This Ninja Dual Air Fryer is a game-changer for those who need to prepare multiple items at once. Imagine crisping up a large batch of chicken wings in one basket while air frying some fries or veggies in the other, all finishing at the same time! It significantly cuts down on cooking time and offers unmatched convenience, making it one of the best air fryers for wings when you need volume and variety.
Best For
Ideal for families, entertainers, or anyone who frequently cooks multiple dishes simultaneously and wants to maximize efficiency when preparing air fryer chicken wings and other meals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Cooks two different foods at once, saving time.
- Large combined capacity (10 quarts total) for big meals.
- Smart Finish ensures everything is ready together.
- IQ Boost provides faster and more efficient cooking.
Cons:
- Footprint is larger due to the dual basket design.
- Each individual basket is 5 quarts, which is smaller than some single-basket models.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Game changer. The two baskets let us cook a main and a side at the same time with different temperatures. Food comes out crispy and evenly cooked, and the 8-quart capacity is perfect. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and saves a lot of time. Highly recommend.
Customer Review: This Ninja Air Fryer is amazing! I tried frying hamburgers on the stove top and grease ended up all over the stove and me. However with this fryer, hamburger patties go in one basket and french fries go in the other basket. There is absolutely no mess in the kitchen after cooking and cleaning the ba
Complete Buying Guide for Best Air Fryers For Chicken Wings
Essential Factors We Consider
When searching for the best air fryers for chicken wings, there are several key factors that can make or break your wing-cooking experience. First, capacity is crucial. For individual servings or small households, a 4-6 quart air fryer might suffice. However, if you’re cooking for a family or hosting game nights, you’ll want an XL air fryer, possibly 6.5 quarts or more, or even a dual-basket model to handle larger batches of chicken wings. Next, consider the power and temperature range. Higher wattage and a wide temperature range (up to 400-450°F) ensure quicker preheating and more efficient cooking, leading to that perfect crispy skin. Features like pre-set cooking programs for poultry or specific “crisp” functions can also be incredibly helpful. Finally, don’t overlook ease of cleaning. Non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets and trays will save you a lot of time and effort after enjoying your delicious air fryer chicken wings. Also, consider the air fryer’s overall footprint to ensure it fits comfortably on your countertop.
Budget Planning
Air fryers come in a wide range of prices, and budgeting is an important part of your decision. Basic models suitable for smaller batches of chicken wings can be found for under $100. These often have fewer features but still perform well for fundamental air frying tasks. Mid-range air fryers, typically between $100-$200, offer increased capacity, more cooking functions (like dehydrate or bake), and potentially better build quality and digital controls. Premium models, often exceeding $200, feature larger capacities, innovative technologies like dual zones, smart connectivity, and more durable materials. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that investing a little more can significantly enhance performance, versatility, and durability, ultimately making it a better long-term choice for consistently great crispy chicken wings.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right air fryer for your chicken wings really boils down to your specific needs and priorities. Whether you prioritize a large capacity for entertaining, advanced technology for ultimate crispiness, or a versatile appliance that can do more than just air fry, there’s a perfect model out there. Consider how often you’ll be cooking wings, the size of your household, and your budget. By focusing on these essential factors, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying healthier, effortlessly crispy air fryer chicken wings whenever the craving strikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size air fryer is best for chicken wings?
A: For a single person or small family, a 4-quart air fryer can handle about 1 lb of wings. For families or entertaining, a 6-quart or larger air fryer is recommended, capable of cooking 2-3 lbs (or more with XL/dual models) of chicken wings at once for optimal crisping.
Q: How do I get my chicken wings crispy in an air fryer?
A: To achieve maximum crispiness, pat your chicken wings very dry with paper towels before seasoning. Cook them in a single layer without overcrowding the basket, and flip them halfway through cooking. A higher temperature (around 400°F) and a slightly longer cook time can also help achieve that desired crunch.
Q: Do I need to use oil when cooking chicken wings in an air fryer?
A: While air frying requires significantly less oil than deep frying, a light spray or toss with a small amount of oil (like olive or avocado oil) can help the seasoning stick and contribute to an even crispier skin for your air fryer chicken wings.
Q: Can I cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer. You’ll typically need to cook them at a slightly lower temperature initially (e.g., 350°F) for 10-15 minutes to thaw, then increase the temperature to 400°F and continue cooking until they are thoroughly cooked and crispy, usually another 15-25 minutes, shaking the basket frequently.
Q: What are the main benefits of using an air fryer for chicken wings compared to traditional methods?
A: The main benefits include significantly less fat and calories compared to deep frying, quicker cooking times than baking in a conventional oven, and easier cleanup. Air fryers also produce consistently crispy results with a juicy interior, making them perfect for healthier chicken wings.
There you have it – our expert breakdown of the best air fryers for chicken wings, designed to help you make an informed decision. From powerful TurboBlaze technology to versatile dual-basket designs, each model offers unique advantages for crafting perfectly crispy wings right in your home. Remember to consider capacity, features, and ease of cleaning to find the perfect fit for your kitchen and cooking habits. Now, go forth and enjoy the magic of homemade, perfectly crispy chicken wings!
Ready to get those wings cooking?
