Easy Chinese Air Fryer Chicken Wings

If you’ve got a kid heading to college or just need an easy wing recipe for yourself for the upcoming back-to-school or back-to-work grind, try these Chinese chicken wings.

In this air fryer chicken recipe, I use whole wings. This includes drumettes, flats, tips, and all. It’s cheaper and there’s no waste.

These wings are juicy, roasted, and packed with many layers of flavor using just a few pantry staples.

No deep frying, no greasy mess. Just crispy, savory Asian-style roasted chicken wings using an air fryer.

Tips for Success

Marinate Longer

Since these are whole wings, it takes time for the seasonings to soak in. Overnight marinating is recommended. But if you’re in a pinch, an hour is ok too.

Make a Large Batch for Meal Prepping

The longer marinating time is why it’s worth making a big batch ahead of time. Simply marinate, store, and cook when you’re ready.

This is perfect for parents sending off food with a college kid. Just hand them a container of marinated wings, an air fryer and be instantly adored.

Air Fryer

If your air fryer has a clear window, even better. I have an older model air fryer where you have to pull it out to check the doneness, but an air fryer with a window like this one will allow you see when the wings start to brown. Honey burns fast, so having that window helps.

I tested and dialed in the time and temp in the recipe below, but it’s still best to keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid burning.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings

• Chicken — Use whole wings that include all three parts: the wing tip (crispy and great for nibbling), the wingette (also called the flat), and the drummette (the meaty part that looks like a mini drumstick).
• Light soy sauce — Also known as shoyu sauce. Adds saltiness and umami Asian seasoning flavor to the chicken. There are many soy sauces available, shelves and shelves of different kinds of soy sauce and different brands. I’m just using Lee Kum Kee light soy sauce here.
• Oyster sauce — Adds a different level of flavor that complements the soy sauce for even better flavor.
• Shaoxing wine — A Chinese cooking wine that rids of any lingering and foul poultry smell. It also tenderizes the chicken. If unavailable, dry sherry is a good substitute. You can alternatively leave out completely if you don’t have it.
• Honey — Balances the saltiness and helps create a glossy, caramelized finish. You can use granulated sugar if you don’t have honey.
• Ground white pepper, ginger powder, garlic powder, onion powder —The pantry-stable aromatics. You can swap with fresh if preferred.
• Chinese black vinegar — Adds a light tang that cuts through the richness. You can sub with rice vinegar, cane vinegar, or distilled white vinegar.
• Aerosol cooking spray — The go-to oil to use with an air fryer to prevent sticking.

How to Make Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings

Step 1: Clean Chicken Wings

Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels, or give it a more thorough cleaning by scrubbing it down with an additional 2 teaspoons salt and rinse and drain dry.

Make sure to sanitize or clean the sink afterwards so no chicken juice spreads everywhere.

Step 2: Marinate the Wings

In a small bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients. Adjust to taste if needed.

Combine the marinade and chicken wings in a large bowl and toss until evenly coated. Marinate for at least one hour or overnight in the fridge for better results.

Step 3: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 340°F. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket with the flat sides down, tucking the wing tips underneath the thicker pieces so they don’t burn.

Spray lightly with cooking spray, then air fry for a total of 14 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Finish

Serve hot with rice, noodles, or enjoy on their own.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 340°F for 3–5 minutes or simply in the microwave until heated through.