Air Fryer Peri-Peri Chicken Wings

There’s something magical about a platter of spicy, crispy chicken wings—especially when they’re cooked to perfection in the air fryer. These Air Fryer Peri-Peri Chicken Wings are one of those recipes that hit every single craving note: bold heat, juicy meat, and that irresistible crispy skin… all without turning on the oven or dealing with messy oil splatters.

I’ve always been a sucker for wings, and when I discovered how well the air fryer handles them, I honestly never looked back. No greasy pans, no long baking times—just a quick marinate, pop them in the air fryer, and boom! You’ve got restaurant-quality wings that are spicy, flavorful, and perfectly crisp on the outside.

And let’s talk about that peri-peri sauce for a second. If you’ve never tried it, get ready to fall in love. It’s tangy, spicy, and has just enough zing to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them. Plus, it pairs so well with juicy chicken. This is the kind of appetizer that disappears fast at game night, BBQs, or even just a weeknight dinner when you want something exciting without a ton of fuss.

Whether you’re a spice lover or just curious about trying something new, this recipe is super approachable and incredibly satisfying.

this recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the wings:

• 2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the peri-peri marinade:

• 3 tablespoons peri-peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on your heat preference)

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

STEP 1: PREP THE WINGS

Start by patting the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is important—dry wings mean crispier skin in the air fryer. Once dry, season the wings lightly with salt and pepper and place them in a large mixing bowl.

If you’ve ever tried to get that perfect, crunchy skin at home and ended up with soggy wings, chances are moisture was the culprit. So trust me—don’t skip this part.

STEP 2: MAKE THE PERI-PERI MARINADE

In a separate bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: peri-peri sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and onion powder.

This mixture should be thick enough to cling to the wings but still smooth. You can absolutely use store-bought peri-peri sauce here—I love the Nando’s brand—but if you have a homemade version you love, even better.

Give the marinade a quick taste before adding it to the chicken. If you like it spicier, add an extra pinch of cayenne. If you want a little more tang, squeeze in a bit more lemon juice. This is your moment to customize.

STEP 3: MARINATE THE WINGS

Pour the marinade over the wings and toss them well to coat every piece evenly. Cover the bowl and let the wings marinate in the fridge for at least one hour.

If you have the time (and the patience), marinating overnight takes the flavor to a whole new level. The peri-peri spices really get a chance to seep into the chicken, and the results are chef’s kiss.

Alright, now that our wings are marinated and packed with that bold, zesty peri-peri flavor, it’s time to cook them up! This is where the air fryer really shines. It gives you that crisp, golden skin you’d expect from deep frying—but without the mess or added oil. Plus, the cook time is faster than traditional oven-baked wings, so you can have a crowd-pleasing dish on the table in under 30 minutes.

And just in case you’re wondering: yes, these wings taste every bit as amazing as they smell while cooking. Let’s get into it.

STEP 4: PREHEAT YOUR AIR FRYER

Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes. Preheating helps the wings start crisping right away and ensures more even cooking.

Not all air fryers require preheating, but if yours does, don’t skip it—it really does make a difference in texture. If you’re new to using an air fryer, this is one of those little tips that levels up your results.

STEP 5: PREP THE BASKET AND ARRANGE THE WINGS

Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil or a non-stick spray. This helps keep the wings from sticking and makes clean-up easier.

Arrange the wings in a single layer inside the basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them—you want a bit of space between each piece so that the air can circulate properly. If you’re making a full batch (2 pounds), you’ll likely need to cook them in two batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Overcrowding = soggy wings. Space = crispiness. It’s that simple.

STEP 6: AIR FRY TO GOLDEN PERFECTION

Cook the wings at 380°F (193°C) for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cook time. At the 20-minute mark, bump up the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the last 3-5 minutes. This final burst of high heat helps the skin get extra crispy without drying out the meat.

Once they’re done, remove the wings from the basket and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This little rest period lets the juices redistribute so each bite stays tender and flavorful.

If you want to take the flavor up another notch, brush a little extra peri-peri sauce on the wings right after cooking. That heat hits in all the right ways, especially if you’re a fan of spicy foods.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Want to make sure your wings turn out perfect every time? Here are a few quick tips that make a big difference:

• Dry the wings really well before marinating. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin, so get those wings as dry as possible with paper towels before you season them.

• Marinate longer if you can. Even an hour will give great flavor, but overnight is where the magic really happens.

• Don’t skip flipping. Turning the wings halfway through helps them cook evenly and get crisp on both sides.

• Use a meat thermometer if unsure. The internal temperature should hit at least 165°F, but you’ll often find wings at their best around 175°F when the meat is tender and the skin is crisp.

Serving Suggestions

These wings are so good on their own, but if you want to round out the plate, here are a few pairing ideas:

• Dipping sauces: Cool things down with a creamy ranch, garlic yogurt dip, or even a citrusy aioli.

• Sides: Serve them alongside some crispy air fryer fries, coleslaw, or a cucumber-tomato salad for a fresh contrast.

• On a platter: Make a game day snack board with wings, veggies, dips, and chips.

And if you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry. These wings also do great in the oven at 425°F for 40-45 minutes (flip halfway through), or on the grill over medium heat until crispy and cooked through.