Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!) are the perfect game-day snack or party appetizer, offering maximum crunch with minimal oil. Thanks to the power of the air fryer, you get incredibly crispy skin and juicy meat without the mess of deep frying. They’re fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable with your favorite sauces or seasonings.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken wing segments (drumettes and flats)baking powder (aluminum-free)saltgarlic powderonion powderpaprika (smoked or sweet)black peppercooking spray or oil spray (optional)your favorite wing sauce (buffalo, BBQ, etc.)

directions

Pat the chicken wings very dry using paper towels—this step is key for crispiness.

In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil spray to prevent sticking.

Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. You may need to cook in batches.

Air fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through cooking. Continue until the skin is golden and crispy.

Toss the hot wings in your favorite sauce or serve them plain with dips.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25-30 minutesTotal time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Toss wings in lemon pepper seasoning for a zesty twist.

Try Korean gochujang sauce for a spicy-sweet kick.

Use a dry rub instead of sauce for a no-mess snack.

Make them buffalo-style with a mix of hot sauce and melted butter.

Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

storage/reheating

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes to regain crispiness.They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—reheat from frozen at 380°F for 10-12 minutes.

FAQs

What makes the wings crispy in the air fryer?

The combination of baking powder and hot circulating air crisps the skin beautifully.

Do I need to marinate the wings?

No, but you can marinate for extra flavor if desired. Just be sure to dry them well before air frying.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before cooking.

Why baking powder and not baking soda?

Baking powder raises the pH and helps render fat, making the skin crisper—baking soda can taste bitter.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating ensures even cooking and crispier results.

Can I stack the wings?

For best results, cook in a single layer. Stacking can lead to uneven cooking.

Is oil necessary?

Not strictly, but a light spray helps avoid sticking and promotes browning.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, cook them ahead and reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness before serving.

Are these spicy?

Not unless you add spice—they’re mild as-is.

What sauces go best?

Buffalo, BBQ, garlic parmesan, honey mustard, or even plain with ranch or blue cheese.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Wings are the ultimate easy and satisfying appetizer with all the crunch of fried wings but none of the grease. Quick, adaptable, and finger-licking good, they’re a must-try for any wing lover. Once you master this recipe, you’ll never go back to traditional frying.

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