Perfectly crispy golden air fryer chicken wings in basket showing beautiful browning

Golden, crispy chicken wings straight from the air fryer

📋 Recipe Details

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

24 min

Servings

4 servings

🥘 Ingredients

• 1.5–2 lbs chicken wings (split into drums and flats)
• 1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Wing sauce or dry rub of choice (buffalo, BBQ, garlic parmesan, etc.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is the most important step for achieving crispy skin. Any moisture on the surface will steam rather than crisp.

Step 2: Season the Wings

In a large bowl, combine baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Toss the wings in the mixture until evenly coated. Baking powder (not soda) creates the crispiest exterior.

Step 3: Preheat Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F and preheat for 2-3 minutes. Preheating helps the wings start crisping immediately.

Step 4: Cook the Wings

Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket (don't overcrowd). Cook for 22-26 minutes, shaking or flipping the basket halfway through for even crisping. Wings are done when skin is golden and meat reaches 165°F internally.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Remove wings and toss with your favorite sauce (buffalo, BBQ, garlic parmesan) or serve dry with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: For extra crispy wings, use baking powder as the base coating. It creates a Maillard reaction that gives wings an incredibly crunchy exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes! Frozen wings will take about 5-7 minutes longer. Cook at 375°F for 28-33 minutes, shaking twice during cooking. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Do I need to flip the wings?

Yes, at least once during cooking. Shaking or flipping the basket halfway through ensures even browning and crisping on all sides.

Can I stack wings in the basket?

No, overcrowding reduces crispiness. Arrange wings in a single layer. If you need to make more, cook in batches.

What sauce goes best with air fryer wings?

Classic options: buffalo sauce, BBQ, garlic parmesan, honey soy, or spicy Korean gochujang. Toss wings in sauce after cooking for best crispiness retention.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Wings are best served fresh, but you can reheat them at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

🎯 Pro Tips for Success

✅ Do This

✓ Pat wings completely dry
✓ Use baking powder (not baking soda)
✓ Preheat the air fryer
✓ Arrange in single layer
✓ Flip/shake halfway through
✓ Add sauce after cooking

❌ Avoid This

✗ Crowding the basket
✗ Using too much oil
✗ Skipping the preheat
✗ Opening basket repeatedly
✗ Cooking at too low temperature
✗ Adding wet sauce before cooking

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve your air fryer chicken wings with:

• Classic: Ranch or blue cheese dip
• Spicy: Hot sauce or sriracha mayo
• Sweet: Honey garlic or BBQ sauce
• Asian-inspired: Soy ginger or sesame oil dressing
• Sides: Celery sticks, carrot sticks, coleslaw, or fries

Ready to Cook?

These air fryer chicken wings are the perfect appetizer, game-day snack, or party favorite. With crispy skin, juicy meat, and endless sauce options, they're sure to be a hit. Best of all, they're ready in under 30 minutes!

Need to convert a different chicken recipe? Use our Air Fryer Calculator to find the perfect time and temperature!