Dinner

Air Fryer Peri-Peri Chicken Wings Recipe

ByLila Prescott October 14, 2025October 14, 2025

Introduction

These Air Fryer Peri-Peri Chicken Wings are spicy, crispy, and packed with bold flavor, making them perfect for game days, parties, or any time you crave a fiery bite. The air fryer creates an irresistible crispiness without the need for deep frying, while the peri-peri marinade delivers a smoky, tangy heat that intensifies with every bite.

A white plate holds a pile of bright orange-red buffalo chicken wings coated in a thick, glossy sauce with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. The wings are stacked in multiple layers, showing some crispy skin and charred spots on the meat. To the side, a wedge of yellow lemon and some fresh green parsley add color contrast. A small white ramekin of creamy white dipping sauce is partially visible in the background, all set on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp peri-peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley or lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, peri-peri sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the wings in the marinade until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Arrange the marinated wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overlapping. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 3: Cook the wings for 24 to 28 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked inside. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Step 4: Remove the wings from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the amount of peri-peri sauce to suit your preferred heat level.
For extra crispy skin, lightly spray the wings with oil before cooking.

Serve with a cooling dip like ranch or garlic mayo to balance the spice.

Storage

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

How to Serve

A round white plate holds a pile of golden-brown grilled chicken wings, each wing showing a slightly crispy texture with small charred spots. The wings are sprinkled generously with finely chopped green herbs. On the right side of the plate, there are two lemon wedges with their bright yellow rind and juicy, pale yellow inside facing up. Behind the wings, a small white ramekin contains a bright red dipping sauce with visible bits of herbs floating on top. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.

What if I don’t have peri-peri sauce?

You can substitute with a mix of hot sauce, smoked paprika, and a splash of lemon juice to mimic the flavor, or look for a similar chili-based sauce you enjoy.