These Air Fryer Chicken Wings are crispy, golden, juicy, and incredibly easy to make. No deep frying is needed—just simple seasoning and hot circulating air for deliciously crunchy wings!

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
• 1 tbsp baking powder (not baking soda)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika, optional
• 1 tsp olive oil, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Dry the wings: Pat the chicken wings very well with paper towels. The drier the skin, the crispier it will become.
2. Season: Place the wings in a large bowl. Add baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes if your model recommends preheating.
4. Arrange: Place the wings in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket.
5. Cook: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, shaking or turning the wings every 7–8 minutes.
6. Check: Chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C) internally.
7. Extra crisp: If needed, cook for another 2–4 minutes until deeply golden and crispy.
8. Serve: Toss with your favorite sauce or serve the sauce on the side.

🔥 The Secret to Extra-Crispy Wings

Dry the chicken

This is one of the most important steps. Excess moisture creates steam instead of crisp skin.

Use baking powder

A small amount of baking powder helps create a crisp, dry coating. Don’t substitute baking soda.

Don’t overcrowd

Give the wings plenty of room for hot air to circulate. Cook in batches if necessary.

Sauce after cooking

For the crispiest skin, add buffalo, BBQ, or other wet sauces after the wings are cooked.

🌶️ Easy Wing Sauces

Buffalo

Mix:

• ¼ cup buffalo sauce
• 1 tbsp melted butter

Toss with the hot wings.

🍯 Honey Garlic

Combine:

• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1 minced garlic clove

Brush over cooked wings.

🧄 Garlic Parmesan

Toss with:

• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Fresh parsley

🍋 Lemon Pepper

Toss the finished wings with melted butter and lemon-pepper seasoning. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

❄️ Frozen Chicken Wings

Frozen wings can go directly into the air fryer.

1. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 10 minutes.
2. Separate the wings if they’re stuck together.
3. Add your seasonings.
4. Increase to 400°F (200°C).
5. Continue cooking for 18–25 minutes, turning several times.
6. Check the thickest pieces with a meat thermometer.

Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the wings and your air fryer.

♨️ Reheating Wings

Reheat refrigerated wings at:

375°F (190°C) for 5–8 minutes

Shake once halfway through. This helps bring back the crispy texture.

🍽️ What to Serve With Wings

Serve with:

• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks
• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dressing
• French fries
• Air fryer roasted potatoes
• Coleslaw
• Pickles

📝 Quick Recipe Card

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20–25 minutes
Temperature: 400°F / 200°C
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Safe minimum internal temperature: 165°F / 74°C

⭐ Best tip: Pat the wings completely dry, use a light coating of baking powder, and avoid overcrowding the basket. Those three steps make a huge difference when you’re trying to get that irresistible crispy skin.