Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22–25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Optional Sauces
- Buffalo sauce
- Honey garlic sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Garlic parmesan butter
- Sweet chili sauce
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Paper towels
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps create crispier skin during cooking.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a large mixing bowl, combine baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add olive oil and toss the wings until evenly coated.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Arrange the Wings
Place the wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Leave space between each wing so the hot air can circulate properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 5: First Cooking Stage
Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 20 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.
Step 6: Crisp the Wings
Increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the wings become beautifully golden brown and extra crispy.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the wings from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Toss with your favorite sauce or enjoy them plain with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for the Crispiest Wings
- Always dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning.
- Use aluminum-free baking powder to help crisp the skin.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Flip the wings halfway through cooking.
- Cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy air fryer chicken wings pair perfectly with:
- French fries
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing
- Coleslaw
- Potato wedges
- Corn on the cob
- Fresh garden salad
Storage
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat the wings in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes until hot and crispy again.
Freezing
Freeze cooked wings for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Notes
- Fresh chicken wings produce the best texture.
- Frozen wings should be completely thawed before cooking.
- Add your favorite seasoning blends to customize the flavor.
- For spicy wings, increase the cayenne pepper or toss in hot sauce after cooking.
- For sweeter wings, coat them with honey BBQ sauce just before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 29 g
- Total Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Potassium: 290 mg
- Calcium: 24 mg
- Iron: 1.4 mg