Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crispy air fryer chicken wings are one of the easiest ways to get golden, crunchy wings without deep frying. A simple dry seasoning and a little baking powder help the skin crisp while the chicken stays juicy inside.

Serve them with ranch, buffalo sauce, or alongside our air fryer sweet potato fries. You can also find more quick ideas in our air fryer recipes.

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Wings

• Pat the wings very dry before seasoning
• Use aluminum-free baking powder, not baking soda
• Arrange wings in a single layer
• Turn them during cooking for even browning

How to Air Fry Chicken Wings

Coat dry wings with the seasoning mixture, then air fry at 400°F in a single layer. Turn every few minutes until browned, crisp, and cooked through. Let them rest briefly before tossing with your favorite sauce.

Sauce Ideas

Buffalo sauce, honey BBQ, garlic butter, hot honey, or a simple dry rub all work well. Sauce the wings only after cooking so the skin stays crisp.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe Card

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Golden, crispy chicken wings made in the air fryer with a simple dry seasoning and easy buffalo-style sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken Wings

• 2 lb chicken wings split at the joints; tips removed
• 1 tbsp aluminum-free baking powder
• 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• cooking spray as needed

Quick Buffalo-Style Sauce

• 1/3 cup hot sauce
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 1 tbsp honey optional

Method

 

1. Pat the chicken wings very dry with paper towels.
2. Mix baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss the wings with the seasoning until evenly coated.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket and arrange wings in a single layer.
4. Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until browned, crisp, and cooked through.
5. Stir together hot sauce, melted butter, and honey if using. Rest the wings for 5 minutes, then toss with sauce and serve.

Notes

Do not use baking soda. Aluminum-free baking powder helps the skin brown and crisp without leaving a metallic taste.

Adapted from Tastes Better From Scratch. This version uses a simplified buffalo-style sauce and adjusted quantities.

Featured photo: Allen Y / Unsplash.