Chicken wings are one of my favorite things to cook on the pellet grill, and lately I’ve been leaning on a combo of low-and-slow smoke followed by a blast in the air fryer to get seriously crispy skin without deep frying. These Smoked Air Fryer Chicken Wings are now officially at the top of my list—smoky flavor from the grill and a crunchy finish from the air fryer.
Smoked Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
We recently started using a Blackstone Air Fryer Combo and these smoked-then-air-fried wings were one of the first recipes we tried. The method delivers the best of both worlds: authentic smoke flavor and a crisp exterior that rivals traditional frying but with far less oil.
If you enjoy saucy wings, toss them in a buffalo-style glaze, a Korean-inspired sauce, or a smoky mango-chipotle for a flavor twist. Keep the wings unsauced until serving to preserve that crispy skin.
Recipe Shopping List
Here are the basic items you’ll need to make this recipe. See the recipe card below for exact amounts and full instructions.
- Chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- Avocado oil (or a neutral oil with a high smoke point)
- All-purpose seasoning or an everything-style rub
How To Make This Recipe
This technique is straightforward, but it does involve a few distinct steps. Follow them in order for the best texture and flavor.
- Dry the wings – Pat wings completely dry with paper towels. For even better results, leave them uncovered on a rack in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to dry the skin further.
- Toss with oil – Lightly coat the wings with avocado oil so the rub adheres and the skin crisps evenly.
- Season generously – Use an everything-style rub or your favorite seasoning blend and coat all sides of the wings.
- Smoke – Preheat your smoker or pellet grill to 220°F. Arrange the wings in a single layer and smoke for about 2 hours, turning them every 30–45 minutes to ensure even smoke and color.
- Air fry – Preheat the air fryer to 425°F (or the highest setting if it doesn’t reach 425°F). Place the smoked wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and golden.
Serve This With
These wings pair well with classic sides to make a satisfying meal. A few favorite options:
- Creamy mac and cheese for comfort-food balance
- A crisp Greek salad or simple slaw for freshness
- Ice-cold beverages such as margaritas or tall beers
- Bacon-wrapped brats or other grilled sausages for a heartier spread
Recipe FAQ
Only sauce the wings you plan to eat right away; sauced wings will lose crispness when stored. Keep unsauced wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.
Reheating in the air fryer works best. Start at a moderate temperature to ensure the meat heats through, then increase the heat briefly to re-crisp the skin.
More Recipes
- Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
- Ground Beef Tacos
- Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Ravioli
- Barbecue Chicken Wings
Smoked Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Combine a gentle smoke with a high-heat air fryer finish to get wings with deep flavor and a crunchy, satisfying skin. This method is perfect when you want the smoke aroma without excess oil.
10 minutes
2 hours 15 minutes
2 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken wings
- 1/3 cup avocado oil
- 1/2 cup everything-style rub (or your favorite seasoning)
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker or pellet grill to 220°F.
- Dry the wings thoroughly with paper towels and toss with the oil until evenly coated.
- Rub the seasoning liberally over all sides of the wings.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the smoker and smoke for about 2 hours, turning every 30–45 minutes for even color and smoke penetration.
- Remove the wings and place them in a preheated 425°F air fryer. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and golden. Serve immediately or toss with your favorite sauce just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving (estimate):
Calories: 849
Total Fat: 67g
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 891mg
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.