Hey y'all! If you love chicken wings that are juicy inside and irresistibly crispy outside, you’re in for a real treat. These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a game-changer, delivering the satisfying crunch of deep-fried wings — without the mess or extra oil. Whether it’s game day, a family get-together, or a quick weeknight dinner, this foolproof recipe is perfect for any occasion. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
- No deep-frying: Enjoy a healthier version of your favorite wings with less oil and fewer calories.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, prep included.
- Super crispy: The air fryer guarantees golden, crunchy skin every time.
- Versatile flavors: Easily customize with your favorite sauces and seasonings.
- Minimal cleanup: Less mess compared to traditional frying methods.
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (aluminum-free, for extra crispiness)
- Optional: Wing sauce or hot sauce for tossing after cooking
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is crucial to achieve that irresistible crispy exterior.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and baking powder until evenly coated.
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
Place the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken Wings
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook for 24-26 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. For extra crunch, cook an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Toss (Optional)
If desired, toss your crispy air fryer chicken wings in your favorite wing sauce (like buffalo or BBQ) before serving.
Notes for Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Pat wings as dry as possible before seasoning to maximize crispiness.
- Baking powder (not baking soda!) is the secret for extra crunch. Read more about this technique on Serious Eats.
- Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed for best results.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Variations
- Buffalo Style: Toss cooked wings in buffalo sauce and a bit of melted butter.
- Garlic Parmesan: Toss in melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Asian-Inspired: Glaze with soy sauce, honey, ginger, and a dash of sesame oil.
Required Equipment for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air fryer (basket or oven style)
- Large mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Paper towels
How to Store Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Let the wings cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat and restore crispiness, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-6 minutes.
Serving Recommendations for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Serve with carrot sticks, celery, and your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.
- Pair with crisp coleslaw or sweet potato fries for a full meal.
- Perfect alongside chilled beer or sparkling water for parties or game day.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Space the wings out so air can circulate, ensuring even crisping (Food Network Air Fryer Tips).
- Flip the wings halfway through cooking for maximum crunch on all sides.
- For extra flavor, marinate the wings overnight in your favorite seasoning blend.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings FAQ
- Can I use frozen wings?
- Yes! Thaw the wings overnight and pat them dry before seasoning for best results.
- Is baking powder necessary?
- Baking powder helps achieve that super crispy skin, but you can omit it if you prefer—just be sure to dry the wings well.
- How do I know the wings are fully cooked?
- Use a meat thermometer—wings are safe when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Learn more about safe poultry temperatures at the USDA Food Safety Guidelines.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 24-26 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
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1Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
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2Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
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3Add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking powder to the wings. Toss until evenly coated.
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4Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
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5Air fry the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
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6Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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