Best Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a perfect snack or meal for any day of the week. These wings get wonderfully crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, tangy, or classic flavors, these wings are super easy to make and full of deliciousness.
I love making these wings because they come out crispy without all the extra oil from deep frying. Plus, the air fryer cleans up so quickly! I usually toss the wings in my favorite seasoning mix before cooking, and sometimes I like to coat them in a simple buffalo or BBQ sauce right after they’re done. It’s such a great way to enjoy wings without any fuss or mess.
Whenever I serve these at gatherings or just for a cozy night in, they disappear fast. I like to pair them with some crunchy celery sticks and a cool ranch or blue cheese dip. It’s hands-down one of my go-to recipes when people ask for something tasty and uncomplicated. Give these wings a try—you’ll see how easy it is to get that perfect crispy bite every single time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh wings work best, but frozen wings can also be used. Just thaw and pat dry completely. I like splitting them into flats and drumettes for even cooking.
Baking Powder: This is crucial for getting that crispy skin. Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any metallic taste. If you don’t have it, cornstarch is a mild substitute but less crispy.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne add great flavor. Feel free to adjust the cayenne for mild or spicy wings. If you prefer no heat, skip it.
Fresh Parsley: This adds a nice fresh touch at the end but is optional. You can also try cilantro or chives for a different flavor note.
How Do You Get Wings Really Crispy in an Air Fryer?
The secret lies in drying the wings and using baking powder. Here’s how to nail it:
- Pat wings dry with paper towels before seasoning to remove moisture.
- Toss wings in baking powder and spices; baking powder creates tiny bubbles that crisp the skin.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Spread wings in a single layer so hot air can reach all sides.
- Flip or shake wings halfway through cooking for even crisping.
- Cook at a high temperature (around 400°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy.
Following these steps yields wings that are crispy outside and juicy inside, without any greasy mess!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I find it perfect for crispy wings with less oil and mess.
- Large mixing bowl – for coating the wings evenly with seasoning and baking powder.
- Paper towels – to thoroughly dry the wings, which helps achieve maximum crispness.
- Tongs or a spatula – for tossing and flipping the wings during cooking.
- Serving platter – to present your crispy wings ready to eat.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Buffalo sauce – toss the cooked wings in hot sauce and butter for classic buffalo wings.
- Honey garlic – mix honey, minced garlic, and a splash of soy sauce for a sweet-savory twist.
- Crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing – serve on the side for dipping or drizzling.
- Spicy Cajun seasoning – sprinkle before cooking for a bold, spicy kick.
Best Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes, tips removed
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 10 minutes to prep and about 25-30 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In total, you can have crispy, delicious chicken wings ready in under 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Air Fryer and Wings:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels very well – removing moisture is key to getting crispy skin.
2. Season the Wings:
In a large bowl, mix together baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Add the dried wings to the bowl and toss them well until every wing is evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
3. Cook the Wings:
Place the wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to make sure air flows evenly around the wings. Cook at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or flip the wings to crisp all sides evenly.
4. Finish and Serve:
When the wings turn golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), they’re ready! Remove them from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a little extra color and freshness. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the wings in the refrigerator overnight and pat them very dry before seasoning to ensure they get crispy in the air fryer.
What’s the Purpose of Baking Powder in This Recipe?
Baking powder helps draw moisture away from the skin and creates tiny bubbles that make the wings extra crispy without deep frying. Make sure to use aluminum-free baking powder for the best taste.
Can I Cook All the Wings at Once?
It depends on the size of your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket so air can circulate properly. If needed, cook in batches for the crispiest wings.
How Should I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or until hot and crispy again.