These crispy air fryer chicken wings are juicy inside, wonderfully crunchy outside, and require very little oil. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or an easy weeknight dinner!
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 lb (900 g) chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp baking powder — not baking soda
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika, optional
- Your favorite wing sauce, optional
🔥 Air Fryer Temperature
400°F (200°C)
20–25 minutes
👩🍳 Instructions
- Dry the wings very well. Use paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This is one of the most important steps for crispy skin.
- Place the wings in a large bowl and toss with olive oil.
- Add baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Toss until every wing is evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if your model recommends preheating.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes.
- Turn the wings over or shake the basket.
- Continue cooking for another 10–13 minutes, until deeply golden and crispy.
- Check that the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) internally.
- For extra-crispy skin, cook for another 2–3 minutes if needed.
- Toss with sauce immediately before serving, or serve the sauce on the side.
⭐ Secrets to Extra-Crispy Wings
- Dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning.
- Baking powder helps dry and crisp the skin—never substitute baking soda.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket.
- Turn or shake the wings during cooking.
- For the crispiest result, leave saucing until after cooking.
- If your wings are very large, they may need a few extra minutes.
🌶️ Delicious Wing Flavors
🦬 Buffalo Wings
Toss crispy wings with warm Buffalo sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
🧄 Garlic Parmesan
Toss with melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan, and parsley.
🍯 Honey Garlic
Combine honey, minced garlic, a little soy sauce, and melted butter. Toss with the hot wings.
🌶️ Spicy Wings
Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dry seasoning.
🍋 Lemon Pepper
After cooking, toss with melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and plenty of black pepper.
🍖 BBQ Wings
Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 2–3 minutes, then cook until caramelized.
❄️ Can You Air Fry Frozen Wings?
Yes!
Cook frozen wings at 380°F (193°C) for about 10 minutes first. Separate them if they are stuck together, then increase to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 18–25 minutes, turning several times.
Always check the internal temperature before serving.
🔄 Reheating Leftover Wings
Place leftover wings in the air fryer at:
375°F (190°C) for 5–8 minutes
They’ll become hot and crispy again without becoming as soggy as they would in the microwave.
🍽️ What to Serve With Wings
- Crispy air fryer fries
- Potato wedges
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Celery and carrot sticks
- Mac and cheese
- Green salad
- Ranch or blue cheese dip
📌 Quick Recipe Card
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20–25 minutes
Temperature: 400°F / 200°C
Servings: 4
Chicken: 2 lb / 900 g wings
Internal temperature: 165°F / 74°C
Result: 🔥 Crispy, juicy, golden chicken wings!
