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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

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Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 20 min Servings: 4 Easy

Ingredients

Main

  • 2 lbs chicken wings
  • split into drumettes and flats
  • 1 tbsp aluminum-free baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for spraying)

Buffalo Sauce (optional)

  • 1/3 cup hot sauce (Frank\'s RedHot preferred)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • melted
  • 1 tsp honey

Serving

  • Celery sticks
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing

Instructions

1

Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin — spend an extra minute on this step.

Raw chicken wings patted dry on paper towels on a cutting board
2

Toss the wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a large bowl until evenly coated.

Seasoning raw chicken wings with dry rub spices in a mixing bowl
3

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange wings in a single layer, skin side up, leaving space between each wing.

Chicken wings arranged in air fryer basket with space between them
4

Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the wings and cook for another 8-10 minutes until skin is golden and crispy.

Golden brown chicken wings being flipped in air fryer basket halfway through cooking
5

Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. According to the USDA, this is the safe minimum for poultry.

Meat thermometer reading 165°F in cooked chicken wing
6

For sauced wings: toss the cooked wings in a bowl with hot sauce and melted butter. Serve immediately with celery sticks and dressing.

Crispy chicken wings being tossed in buffalo sauce in a mixing bowl

Personal Tips

  • t skip the drying step.** I
  • s pH, which speeds up browning and creates tiny bubbles that make the skin shatteringly crisp. Use aluminum-free only — the regular kind leaves a metallic taste.", "**Don

Nutrition (per serving)

290 kcal
Calories
24g
Protein
2g
Carbs
20g
Fat
0g
Fiber

Nutrition (per serving): 4 wings (without sauce) | USDA FoodData Central, calculated estimates

Tags

DinnerChickenAir FryerChicken WingsHot SauceBaking PowderQuick MealsNo Deep FryGluten FreeKetoLow CarbHigh ProteinDairy Free

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you cook chicken wings in an air fryer?
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 16-20 minutes total, flipping halfway at the 10-minute mark. Larger wings may need up to 24 minutes. Always verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) per USDA guidelines.
What temperature should air fryer chicken wings be?
400°F (200°C) is the sweet spot for crispy skin while cooking the meat through. Lower temperatures (375°F) work but produce less crispy skin. Going above 400°F risks burning the skin before the meat is done.
Can you cook frozen chicken wings in an air fryer?
Yes, no thawing needed. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, then increase to 430°F for another 10-12 minutes until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
Do you need baking powder for crispy air fryer wings?
It helps significantly but isn't strictly required. Baking powder raises the skin's pH for better browning and crispiness. Without it, pat the wings extremely dry and use a light oil spray for decent results.
Can I reheat leftover air fryer chicken wings?
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes. This keeps the skin crispy, unlike microwaving which makes it soggy. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Dietary Restrictions

Allergens

Dairy (butter in buffalo sauce)Possible gluten in hot sauce brands

Not Suitable For

  • Vegans
  • Vegetarians
  • Dairy-intolerant (if using buffalo sauce)

Modifications

  • Skip the buffalo sauce and use a dairy-free hot sauce for a dairy-free version. Use certified gluten-free hot sauce for a gluten-free version. The plain dry-rub wings are naturally gluten-free
  • dairy-free
  • keto
  • and low-carb.

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Dinner Chicken Air Fryer

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