Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Wings: Crispy, Flavorful, and Irresistible
Few seasonings are as iconic as Old Bay. Known for its zesty blend of celery salt, black pepper, red pepper, and other spices, Old Bay seasoning has been a staple in kitchens for generations. While often associated with seafood, it works exceptionally well on chicken wings, delivering a bold and slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy texture achieved in an air fryer.
Air frying is a game-changer when it comes to cooking wings. Unlike traditional deep-frying, which requires excessive oil and can be messy, air frying allows you to achieve the same crispy texture with minimal oil and effort. The result? Golden brown, juicy wings with a crunchy skin that holds onto all the Old Bay goodness.
This recipe is perfect for game-day snacks, family gatherings, or even a simple weeknight meal. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Old Bay or trying it on wings for the first time, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of air frying, provide a detailed step-by-step recipe, share pro tips for achieving maximum crispiness, and offer delicious serving suggestions. Get ready to make the best Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Wings you’ve ever had!
Benefits of Cooking Old Bay Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer
- Healthier Cooking: Air frying requires significantly less oil than deep frying, reducing fat content while keeping the wings crispy.
- Crispy Texture: The air fryer uses hot air circulation to ensure an even and crunchy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
- Quick and Easy: Air fryers cook food faster than ovens, making them perfect for busy days.
- Less Mess and Easy Cleanup: No splattering oil means easier cleanup compared to deep frying.
- Consistent Results: The air fryer ensures wings cook evenly with no risk of undercooked or soggy spots.
Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (for extra crispiness)
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- ½ cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is essential for achieving crispy skin.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and baking powder. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook in batches if necessary for even crisping.
- Cook the Wings:
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.
- For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the last 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional): While the wings are cooking, mix ranch or blue cheese dressing with Old Bay seasoning and lemon juice. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Toss and Serve: Once the wings are done, remove them from the air fryer and sprinkle a little extra Old Bay seasoning on top for added flavor. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce and your favorite sides.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Wings
- Use Baking Powder for Extra Crispiness: Baking powder helps create a crunchier skin by removing moisture.
- Pat the Wings Dry: Ensuring the wings are completely dry before seasoning helps them crisp up better.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange wings in a single layer for optimal air circulation.
- Flip the Wings Halfway Through: This allows for even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Experiment with Heat Levels: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Let the Wings Rest Before Serving: Allowing wings to rest for a couple of minutes helps retain their juiciness.
Serving Suggestions
Old Bay Chicken Wings are delicious on their own but can be paired with a variety of sides and dips. Here are some serving ideas:
- Classic Pairings: Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- With French Fries: Pair with crispy air-fried French fries or sweet potato fries.
- Over a Salad: Add wings to a fresh green salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette.
- With Coleslaw: A side of creamy coleslaw balances the spice of the Old Bay seasoning.
- As a Game-Day Snack: Serve on a platter with different wing flavors for a crowd-pleasing spread.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Wings are the ultimate combination of crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed goodness. The bold, zesty notes of Old Bay seasoning take classic wings to the next level, while the air fryer ensures the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness.
This recipe is not only easy to follow but also healthier than traditional deep frying. Whether you’re making them for a gathering, a family dinner, or just satisfying a wing craving, these wings are guaranteed to impress.
So grab your air fryer, season those wings, and enjoy a batch of crispy, flavorful Old Bay Chicken Wings that will keep you coming back for more!
