Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

Introduction

These crispy air fryer chicken wings are a game-changer for wing lovers. Ready in under 30 minutes, they deliver restaurant-quality crunch without the mess of deep frying. Perfect for snack time, dinner, or game day, they’re simple, quick, and delicious.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 lb chicken wings
• 1.5 tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 tsp paprika
• 3/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, freshly ground for best flavor
• Parsley, for garnish
• Ranch dressing, for dipping (I like Hidden Valley Ranch)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set this seasoning mixture aside. Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels—this is crucial for crispiness.
2. Step 2: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: Place the dried chicken wings in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and add the seasoning mixture. Toss until all wings are evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes to render fat and start cooking through.
5. Step 5: Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, checking at 6 minutes. Wings are done when golden and crispy with no pink near the joints.
6. Step 6: Transfer wings to a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Pat wings completely dry before cooking to achieve the crispiest skin.
• Use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or cayenne pepper for heat; adjust quantities to taste.
• Fresh minced garlic can be added after cooking to avoid burning.
• Try different dips like blue cheese, buffalo sauce, or honey mustard for variety.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even crisping.

Storage

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days after they have cooled completely. For longer storage, freeze cooked wings in a single layer in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Reheat wings best in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, or use an oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, frozen wings work well as long as you thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking to ensure crispiness.

How do I make sure my wings come out crispy and not soggy?

Dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, and flip or shake the wings halfway through cooking for even crisping.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 67 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a healthier, fuss-free alternative to traditional deep-fried wings, delivering perfectly golden and crunchy chicken in under 35 minutes. With simple pantry seasonings and minimal oil, they’re ideal for game day, weeknight dinners, or any time you crave that satisfying crunch without the mess. Serve with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing treat everyone will love.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Wings

• 1 lb chicken wings, thoroughly dried

Seasoning Mix

• 3/4 tsp paprika
• 3/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients

• 1.5 tbsp olive oil
• Cooking spray, for air fryer basket
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Ranch dressing (such as Hidden Valley), for serving

---

Instructions

1. Prepare Seasoning Mix and Dry Wings: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside. Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness by removing all surface moisture.
2. Preheat Air Fryer and Prepare Basket: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
3. Coat Wings with Oil and Seasonings: Place dried wings in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mix over them. Toss well using your hands or tongs to evenly coat each piece with oil and spices.
4. First Cook Phase – Moderate Temperature Cooking: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring no overlap to allow even airflow. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 10 minutes to render fat and cook wings through without burning the seasoning.
5. Second Cook Phase – High Temperature Crisping: Increase air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook wings for an additional 6-8 minutes, checking at 6 minutes. Wings are done when golden brown, crispy on the outside, and no pink remains near joints.
6. Finish and Serve: Transfer wings to a serving plate, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with ranch dressing or your preferred dip. Enjoy warm for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• For crispier wings, ensure wings are completely dry before cooking; moisture prevents proper browning.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow air circulation and avoid soggy wings.
• If wings are not as crispy as desired after cooking, add 2-3 more minutes at 400°F.
• You can use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or substitute cayenne pepper (start with 1/4 tsp) for heat.
• Fresh minced garlic can be used after cooking to avoid burning in the air fryer.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
• Serve with celery and carrot sticks, various dipping sauces, or sides like french fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or baked potatoes for a well-rounded meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: crispy chicken wings, air fryer chicken wings, healthy chicken wings, game day wings, easy chicken wings, quick dinner