Hey y'all! If you love chicken wings that are outrageously crispy, lip-smacking flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make, you're in for a treat. These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings bring all the fun of fried wings—without the mess or oil. They're the perfect go-to recipe for game day, family dinners, or whenever that craving for golden, crunchy wings hits. Get ready to elevate your wing game—let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Super crispy texture without deep frying or extra oil.
- Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or parties.
- Customizable seasoning for endless flavor possibilities.
- Minimal cleanup compared to traditional frying methods.
- Healthier than takeout and keto-friendly!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flats, separated)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking oil spray
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for maximum crispiness!
Step 2: Season Generously
In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3: Arrange for the Air Fryer
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange the wings in a single layer; work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the wings for 24 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 12-minute mark, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer wings to a serving platter. Toss with your favorite sauce (optional) and serve hot!
Notes
- Ensure wings are thoroughly dried before seasoning to maximize crispiness.
- Baking powder (not baking soda) draws moisture out of the skin for the crunchiest wings.
- If your wings are larger, you may need to add 2-3 minutes cooking time.
Variations
- Buffalo Style: Toss with melted butter and hot sauce after air frying.
- Garlic Parmesan: Mix with grated parmesan and minced garlic just before serving.
- Asian Glaze: Drizzle with a mix of soy sauce, honey, and sriracha.
Required Equipment
- Air fryer (basket style or oven style)
- Large mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Storage Instructions
Let leftover wings cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Suggested Pairings
- Classic: Toss with buffalo sauce and serve with celery and blue cheese dressing.
- Game Night: Pair with crispy fries, onion rings, or a fresh veggie platter.
- BBQ Vibes: Serve alongside corn on the cob and creamy coleslaw.
Pro Tips
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket—the hot air needs space to circulate for the crispest skin.
- Flip the wings halfway for even browning on all sides.
- For extra-crispy wings, let them rest for 5 minutes after air frying before saucing.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, just add 5 minutes to the initial cook time and ensure wings are separated. Pat dry after thawing in the air fryer before seasoning.
Why use baking powder?
Baking powder (not baking soda) helps raise the skin's pH and draws out moisture, yielding that coveted crispy texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just cook the wings in several batches so you don't overcrowd the basket.
Prep & Cook Times
- Prep time: 6 minutes
- Cook time: 24 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flats, separated)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
-
1Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for maximum crispiness!
-
2In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.
-
3Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange the wings in a single layer; work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
-
4Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the wings for 24 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 12-minute mark, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
-
5Transfer wings to a serving platter. Toss with your favorite sauce (optional) and serve hot!
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.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!
Leave a Reply