Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade air fryer chicken wings with this easy baking recipe. Achieve restaurant-quality crispiness without deep frying! These wings require minimal oil yet deliver maximum flavor and that perfect crispy exterior everyone craves. A healthier alternative that doesn't sacrifice taste.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 kg chicken wings, separated at joints with tips removed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp baking powder (helps skin crisp)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp black pepper</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowl</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Paper towels</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Tongs</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin, as excess moisture creates steam in the air fryer rather than allowing the wings to crisp properly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The baking powder is your secret weapon here - it changes the pH level of the chicken skin, helping it to brown and crisp beautifully.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the dried wings to the bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss until evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Every wing should have a light, even coating of the spice blend for maximum flavor distribution.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 190°C for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures that the wings start cooking immediately when placed inside, helping to create that perfect crispy exterior.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Arrange the wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they aren't touching. You'll likely need to cook them in batches depending on your air fryer size. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and will result in steam rather than crispiness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Cook the wings at 190°C for 10 minutes, then flip them using tongs and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes until they're golden brown and the skin is delightfully crisp. The internal temperature should reach at least 74°C when tested at the thickest part.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>If you'd like them even crispier, increase the temperature to 200°C for the final 2 minutes of cooking time. Watch them closely to prevent burning during this final crisping stage.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Transfer the cooked wings to a serving platter and allow them to rest for 2-3 minutes. This brief resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your wings are moist inside despite their crispy exterior.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Serve immediately while hot and crispy, with your favorite dipping sauces on the side. These wings are delicious on their own, but also pair beautifully with buffalo sauce, ranch, blue cheese dressing, or honey garlic sauce.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe?

This recipe uses chicken wings, olive oil, baking powder (the secret to crispiness), and a blend of seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The baking powder helps achieve that restaurant-quality crunch without deep frying.

How to cook Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe by first drying the wings thoroughly, coating them with a mixture of baking powder and seasonings, then arranging them in a single layer in your preheated air fryer. Cook at 190°C for 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy, with an internal temperature of 74°C.

Why does baking powder make wings crispier in an air fryer?

Baking powder is alkaline and raises the pH level of chicken skin, breaking down proteins more efficiently and promoting browning. It also creates tiny air bubbles on the skin's surface that help form a crisper, more textured exterior when exposed to the high heat of the air fryer.

How do you prevent air-fried wings from drying out?

Prevent dryness by not overcooking (use a meat thermometer aiming for 74°C), arranging wings in a single layer, flipping midway through cooking, and allowing them to rest briefly after cooking. Chicken wings naturally have enough fat to stay juicy when cooked properly.

Can you stack wings in an air fryer for larger batches?

It's not recommended to stack wings as this prevents proper air circulation, resulting in uneven cooking and steaming rather than crisping. For best results, cook in single-layer batches, giving each wing space. For larger quantities, keep early batches warm in a low oven.

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