Tasty Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Fryer

Save this recipe on:

When game day hits or you need a crowd-pleasing party snack, nothing comes close to the crispy, juicy perfection of Tasty Air Fryer Chicken Wings. These golden bites of seasoned chicken are quick to whip up, healthier than traditional fried wings, and irresistibly delicious. With no oil splatters or deep-frying mess, the air fryer works its magic to deliver that perfect crunch with minimal fuss.

Whether you’re serving them with celery sticks and ranch, tossing them in buffalo or honey BBQ sauce, or enjoying them straight from the fryer with just a sprinkle of sea salt and herbs, these wings bring bold flavor with every bite. They’re ideal for a casual weeknight dinner, movie night, or weekend hangout. No more waiting for takeout—you can make these crisped-to-perfection wings right at home!


Why You’ll Love This Tasty Air Fryer Chicken Wings

  • Super Crispy Without the Oil: The air fryer gives you all the crispiness of fried wings with none of the grease.
  • Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Game nights, potlucks, or late-night cravings.
  • Customizable: Toss them in your favorite sauce or keep them simple with dry rubs.
  • Healthier Option: Less oil, less mess, and lighter on calories.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

  • Air Fryer: The hero of this recipe. It circulates hot air to crisp the wings evenly without oil. A basket-style air fryer works best for this recipe.
  • Mixing Bowl: Needed for seasoning and coating the wings evenly.
  • Tongs: To flip and move the wings safely inside the air fryer.
  • Paper Towels: To pat the wings dry before cooking—removing moisture is key to that crispy finish.
  • Instant Read Thermometer (Optional): To ensure the wings reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Pin this Recipe

Ingredients for the Tasty Air Fryer Chicken Wings

  • Chicken Wings (split, flats and drumettes): The star of the show. Choose fresh or thawed wings for best results.
  • Baking Powder (aluminum-free): Helps create a crispy skin by raising the pH level and aiding browning.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
  • Onion Powder: Enhances the overall seasoning profile.
  • Paprika (smoked or sweet): Gives color and a subtle smoky undertone.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance flavor.
  • Olive Oil (optional): A light drizzle helps seasoning adhere and adds extra crispness.

How To Make the Tasty Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings

Pat the wings dry thoroughly using paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving a crispy skin. Once dry, place them in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Season Generously

Add baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated. You can drizzle a bit of olive oil for an extra golden finish.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 380°F and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. This ensures the wings start cooking immediately and evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Wings

Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them. Cook for 25-28 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to ensure they crisp up on both sides.

Step 5: Optional Final Crisp

For extra crunch, increase the temperature to 400°F in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Remove the wings carefully using tongs. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce or toss them in buffalo, BBQ, or garlic parmesan sauce for added flavor.


Serving and Storing Your Air Fryer Chicken Wings

These wings are best served hot and fresh, right out of the air fryer, while the skin is at its crispiest. Pair them with cooling ranch or blue cheese dip, and crunchy veggie sticks like celery and carrots. They’re also great tossed in sauces like buffalo, honey garlic, or sweet chili.

For leftovers, allow the wings to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until heated through and re-crisped.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure the wings get crispy?

Patting the wings dry before seasoning is essential. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to let air circulate fully around each piece.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning. This helps the spices stick and promotes even crisping.

What sauces go well with air fryer wings?

Buffalo, honey BBQ, garlic parmesan, lemon pepper, or even teriyaki work wonderfully. Serve on the side or toss the wings post-cooking.

Do I need to flip the wings halfway through?

Absolutely. Flipping ensures both sides cook and crisp evenly for that perfect texture.

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

You can season the wings and keep them in the fridge for a few hours ahead. Cook them fresh just before serving for the best texture.

What if I don’t have baking powder?

While baking powder helps crisp the skin, you can still make tasty wings without it. Just be sure to dry the wings thoroughly and cook in a single layer.


Want More Chicken Appetizer Ideas?

If these Tasty Air Fryer Chicken Wings hit the spot, you’ll definitely want to check out some of these delicious bites:


Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you toss them in buffalo, go dry rub, or experiment with something wild like garlic honey glaze?

I love seeing how everyone makes these recipes their own. Have questions or a spin-off idea? Drop it below—let’s cook and share!

Find more delicious ideas on my Pinterest: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest


Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Fryer

Tasty Air Fryer Chicken Wings


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Kate Walton
  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Tasty Air Fryer Chicken Wings are the ultimate game-day snack or easy dinner option. Crispy, flavorful, and healthier than fried wings, these air fryer chicken wings are seasoned to perfection and cooked without oil. Perfect for parties or weeknight cravings, with tips for sauces, storage, and serving.


Ingredients

12 chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)

1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)


Instructions

1. Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels and place them in a mixing bowl.

2. Sprinkle baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the wings. Toss to coat evenly. Drizzle olive oil if using.

3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 3–5 minutes.

4. Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.

5. Cook for 25–28 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.

6. For extra crisp, increase temperature to 400°F in the last 3–4 minutes.

7. Serve immediately with dipping sauce or toss in your favorite wing sauce.

Notes

Patting wings dry is crucial for crispy skin.

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if necessary.

Let wings rest for 2–3 minutes before tossing in sauces to keep them crispy.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 28 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 wings
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Save this recipe on: