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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
