Some nights just call for crispy, golden chicken wings, and nothing hits the spot like these super-easy air fryer wings.
The first time I made them, I was skeptical—could they really get as crispy as deep-fried wings? The answer was a resounding yes! No oil splatters, no messy clean-up, just pure, crunchy perfection.
These wings come out perfectly crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor.
Whether you’re making them for a game day snack, a party appetizer, or just a quick weeknight meal, they’ll disappear in minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, and you’ve got a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why These Wings Are a Game Changer
Getting crispy wings without frying sounds impossible, but this method guarantees a crunchy texture without the grease.
The air fryer works its magic, giving you that irresistible crispiness with minimal effort.
- Crispier Than Oven-Baked Wings – The air fryer circulates hot air around the wings, making them extra crispy without drying them out.
- No Deep-Frying Needed – Forget about standing over a pot of hot oil—this method is healthier, easier, and way less messy.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s game night, a party, or just a craving for wings, this recipe delivers.
- Customizable Flavors – Keep them simple with salt and pepper, toss them in buffalo sauce, or coat them with honey garlic glaze—the choice is yours.
- Super Quick & Effortless – You’ll go from raw wings to crispy perfection in under 30 minutes with almost no prep.
What Makes These Wings So Crispy?
Crispy wings aren’t just about cooking them long enough—the right technique makes all the difference. The secret? Patting the wings dry before cooking and using baking powder.
- Dry Wings = Maximum Crispiness – Removing excess moisture prevents steaming and helps the skin crisp up properly.
- Baking Powder Trick – A light coating of baking powder changes the pH of the skin, allowing it to crisp up faster while staying juicy inside.
- High Heat Circulation – The air fryer’s rapid air circulation mimics deep-frying, giving you that signature crunch without the excess oil.
- Flipping Midway Through – Turning the wings halfway ensures an even golden-brown crisp on all sides.
Key Ingredients for the Ultimate Crispy Wings
Simple ingredients make the best wings, but each one plays a key role in getting that signature crunch and bold flavor.
- Chicken Wings – Split into drumettes and flats for even cooking and the perfect bite.
- Baking Powder – The key to crispy skin without frying.
- Salt & Pepper – Simple seasoning that lets the wings shine on their own or as a base for any sauce.
- Garlic Powder & Paprika (Optional) – Adds extra depth of flavor without overpowering the wings.
- Sauces & Seasonings – Buffalo, BBQ, honey garlic, or a dry rub—these wings are a blank canvas for any flavor.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Making wings doesn’t get easier than this. Just prep, air-fry, and enjoy!
- Pat the Wings Dry – Use paper towels to remove excess moisture for maximum crispiness.
- Toss with Baking Powder & Seasoning – Lightly coat the wings to help the skin crisp up beautifully.
- Preheat the Air Fryer – Set to 400°F (200°C) for that hot, circulating air that locks in crunch.
- Cook in a Single Layer – Arrange wings without overcrowding to ensure even crisping. Air-fry for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve & Enjoy – Toss with your favorite sauce, or keep them crispy and simple with a sprinkle of salt.
Every bite is golden, crunchy, and packed with bold, juicy flavor.
Best Dipping Sauces for Crispy Wings
The best wings deserve great dipping sauces. Whether you like classic buffalo or something sweet and spicy, here are a few favorites:
| Dipping Sauce | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Sauce | Classic spicy kick that pairs perfectly with crispy wings. |
| Ranch Dressing | Cool, creamy contrast to balance the heat. |
| Blue Cheese Dressing | Bold, tangy flavor that complements crispy wings. |
| Honey Garlic Sauce | A sweet-savory glaze that adds depth. |
| BBQ Sauce | Smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet for a rich flavor boost. |
| Garlic Parmesan Butter | Buttery, garlicky goodness with a cheesy finish. |
Storage & Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), proper storage and reheating keep them just as crispy.
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How to Store Leftover Chicken Wings
- Let wings cool before transferring to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Chicken Wings Without Losing Crispiness
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes on a wire rack.
- Skillet: Heat in a dry pan over medium-high heat until crispy.
- Avoid the Microwave! It makes the wings soggy instead of crisp.
Pro Tips for the Crispiest Chicken Wings
Follow these easy tips to get perfect wings every time:
- Use baking powder, not baking soda – Baking soda gives a bitter taste, while baking powder makes the skin crisp up beautifully.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Too many wings at once trap steam and prevent them from getting crispy.
- For extra crunch, let the wings rest after cooking – A few minutes out of the fryer lets the skin crisp up even more.
- Want extra crispy skin? Toss wings with a little extra baking powder before the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Dry rub before, sauce after – Sauce makes wings sticky, but dry rubs keep them ultra-crispy. Toss wings in sauce just before serving!
FAQs About Crispy Chicken Wings
1. Can I make these wings in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes! Bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 45-50 minutes on a wire rack for crispy results. Flip them halfway through cooking.
2. Do I need to add oil?
No! Chicken wings already have enough natural fat to crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
3. Why aren’t my wings crispy?
Make sure to pat them completely dry before cooking, don’t overcrowd the basket, and flip them halfway through for even crisping.
4. Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them first and pat them dry before seasoning. Otherwise, they’ll steam instead of crisp up.
5. How do I make extra spicy wings?
Toss them with cayenne pepper, chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce before serving!
Super-Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Equipment
- Air Fryer For cooking the wings to crispy perfection
- Mixing Bowl For tossing the wings with seasoning
- Tongs For flipping and handling the wings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings split into drumettes and flats
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce for tossing
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Toss the cooked wings in buffalo sauce or serve plain with dipping sauces.
- Serve hot with ranch dressing or blue cheese sauce on the side.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, let the wings rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!