Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Crispy, Juicy & Perfect Every Time!
If you love restaurant-style chicken wings, but don’t want the hassle (or extra calories) of deep frying, these Air Fryer Chicken Wings are the perfect solution! They come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and cook in a fraction of the time compared to the oven. Whether you love them classic, spicy, or extra saucy, this air fryer method is quick, easy, and foolproof!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Crispy without Deep Frying – All the crunch, none of the excess oil.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Cooks in just 25 minutes, with minimal prep.
✔️ Endless Flavor Possibilities – Toss them in buffalo sauce, BBQ, garlic parmesan, or lemon pepper.
✔️ Perfect for Game Day or Snacks – A crowd-pleaser every time!
✔️ Keto & Low-Carb Friendly – No breading needed for that crispy texture.
How to Make the Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp baking powder (secret to crispiness!)
Instructions:
- Preheat Air Fryer – Set to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat Wings Dry – Use paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up.
- Season the Wings – Toss wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and baking powder.
- Arrange in Air Fryer – Place wings in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
- Cook – Air fry for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Sauce & Serve – Toss wings in your favorite sauce or serve them as-is with dipping sauces!
Best Wing Sauces & Seasonings
Once your wings are perfectly crispy, coat them in one of these delicious sauces:
- Classic Buffalo – Toss in melted butter and Frank’s RedHot sauce.
- Garlic Parmesan – Mix melted butter with garlic powder and grated Parmesan.
- Honey BBQ – Combine honey, BBQ sauce, and a pinch of cayenne.
- Lemon Pepper – Toss with butter, lemon zest, and cracked black pepper.
- Sweet Chili – Mix sweet chili sauce with a splash of soy sauce and garlic.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Wings
- Use Baking Powder – Helps create that crispy, golden skin.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Cook in batches if needed.
- Flip Halfway Through – Ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Want Extra Crispy? Air fry for an additional 5 minutes.
- Sauce After Cooking – Toss wings in sauce after air frying to keep them crispy.
What to Serve with Chicken Wings
- Dipping Sauces – Ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard.
- Celery & Carrots – Classic wing side.
- Coleslaw – Adds crunch and balance.
- Loaded Potato Wedges – The ultimate game day pairing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook frozen wings in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, shaking every 10 minutes.
Do I need to marinate the wings?
Not necessary, but you can marinate for extra flavor.
Can I reheat wings in the air fryer?
Yes! Reheat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy again.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a total game-changer—super crispy, full of flavor, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you like them spicy, tangy, or sweet, you’ll love how fast and foolproof this method is.
Try them once, and they’ll be your go-to wings every time!
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Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Extra Crispy & Juicy Every Time
Description
If you love restaurant-style chicken wings, but don’t want the hassle (or extra calories) of deep frying, these Air Fryer Chicken Wings are the perfect solution! They come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and cook in a fraction of the time compared to the oven. Whether you love them classic, spicy, or extra saucy, this air fryer method is quick, easy, and foolproof!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp baking powder (secret to crispiness!)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer – Set to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat Wings Dry – Use paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up.
- Season the Wings – Toss wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and baking powder.
- Arrange in Air Fryer – Place wings in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
- Cook – Air fry for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Sauce & Serve – Toss wings in your favorite sauce or serve them as-is with dipping sauces!
Notes
- Use Baking Powder – Helps create that crispy, golden skin.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Cook in batches if needed.
- Flip Halfway Through – Ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Want Extra Crispy? Air fry for an additional 5 minutes.
- Sauce After Cooking – Toss wings in sauce after air frying to keep them crispy.
- Rest the Wings Before Serving – Letting them sit for a couple of minutes helps lock in the juices.
- For Super Juicy Wings – Marinate them in buttermilk for 30 minutes before air frying.
- Make Them Spicier – Add cayenne or extra hot sauce for an extra fiery kick.
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
