I make these air fryer chicken wings whenever I want something crispy, juicy, and incredibly easy. They come out golden and crunchy on the outside while staying tender on the inside, and they’ve become one of my most reliable recipes for family dinners and casual gatherings. I’ve tested this method many times, and it never fails to give me wings that taste like they came straight from a restaurant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it uses minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor. The air fryer gives me perfectly crispy skin without deep frying, and the seasoning blend enhances the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering it. I also appreciate how fast this recipe is, making it ideal when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 pounds chicken wings, drumettes and flats separated
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
I begin by preheating my air fryer to 380°F so it’s fully heated before the wings go in.
In a small bowl, I mix the baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. I pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
I drizzle the olive oil over the wings and toss until they are evenly coated. I then sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the wings and toss again to make sure each piece is well seasoned.
I arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. I air fry them for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. For extra crispy skin, I increase the temperature to 400°F and cook them for an additional 5 minutes.
Once the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F, I remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
Servings And Timing
I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe. Prep time takes around 5 minutes, the cook time is about 25 minutes, and the resting time is 2 minutes. From start to finish, I have these wings ready in approximately 32 minutes.
Variations
I like switching up the flavors by adding cayenne pepper for heat or paprika blends for a deeper smoky taste. Sometimes I toss the cooked wings in buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, or honey garlic sauce. Other times, I leave them plain and serve them with dipping sauces on the side.
Storage/Reheating
When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, I place the wings in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.
FAQs
How Long Do I Cook Chicken Wings In The Air Fryer?
I cook them for 20 minutes at 380°F, then finish with 5 minutes at 400°F to make them extra crispy.
Why Are My Air Fryer Chicken Wings Not Crispy?
I always make sure the wings are completely dry and arranged in a single layer. Overcrowding or skipping the final high-temperature step can prevent crispiness.
Can I Make These Wings Ahead Of Time?
I can cook them ahead and store them in the refrigerator, then reheat them in the air fryer just before serving.
How Do I Know When The Wings Are Fully Cooked?
I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Can I Season These Wings Differently?
I often adjust the spices based on what I’m craving, and the recipe works well with many different seasoning blends.
Conclusion
I keep coming back to these air fryer chicken wings because they’re simple, dependable, and always delicious. They give me crispy results without deep frying and fit perfectly into busy days or relaxed weekends. Once I started making wings this way, they quickly became a staple in my kitchen.
