These Crispy Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer are the ultimate way to enjoy restaurant-style wings at home without deep frying. The air fryer circulates hot air around the wings, creating a perfectly crispy skin and juicy, tender meat with very little oil. With simple spices and quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for game nights, family dinners, or party appetizers.
Ingredients 🛒
- 2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for extra crispiness)
Optional sauces:
- Buffalo sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Honey garlic sauce
- Lemon pepper seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1. Prepare the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing moisture helps them become crispier during cooking.
2. Season the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the wings with:
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Baking powder (optional)
Toss until all wings are evenly coated.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
4. Arrange the Wings
Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding so the hot air circulates properly.
5. Cook the Wings
Air fry for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
For extra crispiness, cook an additional 3–5 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
6. Serve
Remove the wings and serve immediately. Toss them in your favorite sauce if desired.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
Serve crispy wings with:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery and carrot sticks
- French fries or potato wedges
- Coleslaw or fresh salad
They’re perfect for parties, snacks, or a main dish.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving) 📊
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
✅ Pro Tip:
For the crispiest wings, refrigerate the seasoned wings uncovered for 1 hour before air frying. This dries the skin and helps it crisp beautifully in the air fryer.