I’ll be honest—there’s something magical about the combination of crispy chicken wings and that glossy, sweet-savory teriyaki glaze. It’s the kind of snack (or dinner, let’s be real) that I can whip up when friends are on their way over, or when I just want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? My air fryer takes all the heavy lifting out of the process, giving me crispy perfection without gallons of oil or a messy kitchen.
What I love most about this recipe is the speed. In just about 22 minutes, I can go from craving to feasting, and the results are always mouthwatering. The wings come out tender inside, crispy outside, and coated in a teriyaki glaze that clings to every golden bite. If you’re ready for a no-fuss, flavor-packed recipe that delivers every time, this one’s about to be your new go-to.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken wings: I prefer using fresh wings for maximum juiciness, but frozen ones work if you thaw them completely first. The skin is where the magic happens—it crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, making that satisfying crunch when you bite into it.
Teriyaki sauce: This is the heart of the recipe. I go for a high-quality teriyaki sauce that’s rich, slightly sweet, and perfectly savory. It coats the wings like a dream and gives them that irresistible, glossy finish.
Garlic powder: Just a touch enhances the savory notes of the wings without overpowering the teriyaki glaze. It’s like a quiet background singer that makes the lead performer sound even better.
Salt and pepper: These might be basic, but they’re essential for bringing out the best in the chicken. Even with teriyaki glaze, seasoning the wings before cooking ensures every bite is flavorful.
Cooking spray: A light mist helps the wings crisp up evenly in the air fryer. It also prevents them from sticking to the basket, which means less cleanup for you.
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
How to Make 22-Minute Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep the wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispiness—removing excess moisture helps the skin turn golden and crunchy in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season the wings
Place the wings in a large bowl and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss them well to ensure every piece gets coated evenly.
Step 3: Arrange in the air fryer
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the wings in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded so hot air can circulate for even cooking.
Step 4: Air fry to crispy perfection
Cook the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then flip them and cook for another 10–12 minutes. They should be golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Step 5: Toss in teriyaki sauce
While the wings are still hot, transfer them to a clean bowl. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and toss until every wing is coated in that glossy, delicious glaze.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Dry wings = crispier results. Moisture is the enemy of crisp skin, so don’t skip the pat-dry step.
- Don’t overcrowd your air fryer. Cook in batches if needed to keep the wings from steaming instead of crisping.
- Flip halfway through cooking. This ensures even browning and perfect crunch.
- Warm the teriyaki sauce. Slightly heating it before tossing helps it cling better to the wings.
- Try homemade teriyaki sauce. If you have extra time, a fresh sauce can really make the dish shine.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Boneless chicken pieces will work—just reduce the cook time to avoid drying them out.
Do I need to marinate the wings first?
Not necessarily. The teriyaki glaze adds plenty of flavor after cooking, but a short marinade can deepen the taste if you have time.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can air fry the wings and store them in the fridge, but they’re best when served fresh. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Bake the wings in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through.