Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Get incredibly crispy chicken wings without the deep-frying mess! These air fryer wings are perfectly seasoned, juicy on the inside, and have that satisfying crunch you crave. Ready in under 40 minutes, they're perfect for game day or a quick weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chicken Wings
- b.If your wings are whole, separate them into drumettes and flats, discarding the tips or saving them for stock.
- c.Place the wing pieces on a tray lined with paper towels. Pat them completely dry with more paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Season the Wings
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- c.In a large, dry bowl, toss the wings with the avocado oil until lightly coated. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the wings and toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly covered.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Air Fry the Wings
- b.Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- c.Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure there is space between them for air to circulate; cook in batches if necessary.
- d.Air fry for 12 minutes.
- e.Using tongs, carefully flip each wing over.
- f.Continue to air fry for another 10-13 minutes, or until the wings are deep golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Buffalo Sauce and Serve
- b.While the wings are in their final 5 minutes of cooking, prepare the sauce. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl.
- c.Whisk the hot sauce into the melted butter until fully combined and smooth.
- d.Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the hot wings and toss gently to coat completely.
- e.Serve immediately with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest skin, pat the wings completely dry with paper towels. Do not skip this step!
- 2Baking powder (not soda) is the secret ingredient that helps draw out moisture and creates an incredibly crunchy exterior.
- 3Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in a single layer, in batches if needed, to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- 4For extra crispy results, let the seasoned wings rest uncovered on a wire rack in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before cooking.
- 5Always check the internal temperature of the thickest wing with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4-5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Lemon Pepper
Omit the paprika. After air frying, toss the wings in a mixture of 4 tbsp melted butter, the zest and juice of one lemon, and 1.5 tsp of coarse black pepper.
Honey GarlicHoney Garlic
Skip the buffalo sauce. In a saucepan, simmer 1/2 cup honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp ginger paste. Toss the cooked wings in the sauce.
Spicy BBQSpicy BBQ
Instead of buffalo sauce, toss the cooked wings in 3/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce mixed with 1-2 tsp of sriracha or chipotle powder.
Naked WingsNaked Wings
Enjoy the wings straight out of the air fryer with just the dry rub seasoning. They are delicious on their own without any sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken wings are packed with high-quality protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Reduced Fat Cooking Method
Air frying requires significantly less oil than traditional deep-frying, resulting in wings with a lower overall fat and calorie content while still achieving a delicious crispy texture.
Rich in B Vitamins
Chicken is a good source of B vitamins, particularly Niacin (B3) and B6, which are crucial for converting food into energy, supporting brain function, and forming red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving (about 6 wings with buffalo sauce) contains approximately 600-650 calories, not including blue cheese or ranch dressing. The exact number can vary based on the size of the wings and specific ingredients used.