Are you ready to make the best Air Fryer Chicken Wings you’ve ever tasted? Whether it’s game day, a casual family meal, or even a small weekend gathering, these crispy wings are sure to be a hit! Not only are they incredibly flavorful, but they’re also super easy to make thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Plus, you’ll use less oil while still getting that irresistible crunch!
Below, I break down this recipe into simple steps. Ready to satisfy your cravings? Let’s wing it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, we’re focusing on a simple dry rub that brings out the best in the chicken wings. You can always toss them in your favorite sauce afterward if you prefer saucy wings.
Chicken and Seasoning Ingredients
- 2.5 pounds chicken wings, split : Get your wings either fresh or frozen (just make sure to thaw before cooking).
- 1 tablespoon olive oil : This helps the dry rub stick to the wings.
Dry Rub Seasoning Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons baking powder : This is the secret to getting that crispy skin. Trust me—do not skip it!
- 1¼ teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning : Adds a tangy, zesty flavor that brightens the dish.
- ¾ teaspoon seasoning salt : For a well-balanced touch of salt.
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder : Because everything tastes better with garlic.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder : A subtle addition to round out the flavors.
With just these ingredients, you’re already on your way to some crispy, flavorful wings. Now, let’s talk tools.
Tools You’ll Need
Having the right kitchen tools can make everything faster and easier:
- Air Fryer : Of course, a must! Choose any standard unit, but make sure your air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded when cooking.
- Tongs : For safely tossing and flipping the wings.
- Paper Towels : To thoroughly pat the wings dry. This is important for crispiness.
- Mixing Bowl : For tossing the wings and seasoning.
Okay, that’s all you need to get started. Let’s move on to prepping the wings and air fryer!
Prepping the Chicken Wings
Prepping your wings properly is the key to getting that perfect, golden-brown crispiness we all crave!
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
First, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Preheating ensures the wings cook evenly for that lovely crispy finish. Don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Pat the Wings Dry
Now it’s time to prep the star of the dish—the chicken wings! This step is super important because extra moisture on the skin will prevent them from becoming crispy.
- Pat them dry : Using paper towels, pat the wings thoroughly on all sides to keep them dry. This helps the skin render its fat during the cooking process and gives that irresistible, crispy exterior.
Step 3: Season the Wings
After drying the wings, grab your mixing bowl. Toss the wings with 1 tablespoon of olive oil . The oil will help the dry rub cling to the wings while aiding in browning during cooking.
Step 4: Make and Apply Your Dry Rub
In a small bowl, mix together your dry rub ingredients:
- 1½ tablespoons baking powder
- 1¼ teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon seasoning salt
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Once it’s well combined, sprinkle the dry rub over the wings, ensuring you coat them evenly. Use tongs to toss the wings in the bowl so that every inch of the wings gets a nice coating of your homemade seasoning mix.
Now you’ve prepped and seasoned your wings, and they’re ready to hit the air fryer!
Cooking the Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Arrange the Wings in the Air Fryer Basket
Carefully place the seasoned chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer . It’s important that you don’t overcrowd the basket—air circulation is what makes the skin nice and crispy. If you’re making a large batch of wings, consider cooking them in multiple batches for the best results.
Step 2: Cook at 380°F for 25 Minutes
Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook the wings for 25 minutes . Halfway through the cooking time (around the 12-13 minute mark), give the basket a good shake or use your tongs to flip the wings so that both sides cook evenly. This helps ensure the wings are crispy all over.
Step 3: Increase the Heat for Extra Crispiness
After 25 minutes, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 5 minutes . This last step helps to really crisp up the skin, achieving that crunchy, golden-brown exterior we all love.
- Pro Tip : Every air fryer is a little different, so if some wings cook faster than others, feel free to take out any that look perfectly crispy and continue cooking the others.
Once the 5 minutes are up, your wings should be crisp on the outside while juicy and flavorful on the inside. Time to plate them and add any final touches!
Finishing Touches & Serving the Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Now that your wings are perfectly golden, crispy, and delicious, it’s time to decide how you want to serve them!
Step 1: Toss the Wings in Sauce (Optional)
If you like your wings saucy, it’s time to toss them in your favorite wing sauce. Here are a few options you can try:
- Classic Buffalo Sauce : Tangy and spicy.
- BBQ Sauce : Sweet and smoky.
- Garlic Parmesan : Rich and cheesy.
- Honey Sriracha : Sweet with a spicy kick.
To toss the wings in sauce, simply transfer them to a large bowl, pour your chosen sauce over them, and use tongs to gently toss until the wings are evenly coated.
Step 2: Serve & Enjoy!
If you prefer your wings on the dry side with just the flavorful rub, then they’re ready to serve as soon as they come out of the air fryer. Either way, lay them on a serving platter and pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as:
- Ranch
- Blue Cheese Dressing
- Honey Mustard
Oh, and don’t forget some crunchy celery and carrot sticks on the side for a classic wing platter experience!
Storage & Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (although, let’s be honest, these wings tend to disappear pretty fast!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate : Store the wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat : To bring back that crispiness, toss them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-6 minutes. This makes the wings crispy again without drying them out!
Conclusion
There you have it—crispy, flavorful air fryer chicken wings that require very little effort but deliver a huge punch of flavor! Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or a satisfying dinner, this air fryer method ensures perfect wings every time. Plus, with the dry rub and optional sauce ideas, you can easily customize the flavor to your liking.
So go ahead, dig in, and let me know how you enjoyed these delicious wings!