These Air Fryer Chicken Wings are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, all without deep frying! The air fryer creates the perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and tenderness on the inside, making it a healthier yet equally delicious alternative to traditional fried wings. Whether you like them plain, sauced, or tossed in a seasoning blend, this recipe gives you a fantastic base for any flavor profile you crave.

Ingredients:

  • 10-12 chicken wings (drummettes and flats)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (helps with crispiness)

Optional for sauce:

  • 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (for classic spicy wings)
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (for sweet and smoky wings)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a sweet kick)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional for saucy wings)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Dry wings are key to achieving that crispy texture.
  2. Season: In a bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder. The baking powder is crucial for getting that perfect crispy skin.
  3. Air Fry the Wings: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between them for air circulation.
  4. Cook: Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. For extra crispiness, you can cook for an additional 3-5 minutes at the end. The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  5. Optional – Toss in Sauce: If you want saucy wings, toss the cooked wings in your favorite sauce (buffalo, BBQ, honey, etc.). If you like them spicy and buttery, you can mix buffalo sauce with melted butter for a great coating.
  6. Serve: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces (ranch, blue cheese) and enjoy your perfectly crispy wings!

Nutrition (Per 4 wings – No sauce):

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Fat: 18g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
    • Fiber: 0g
    • Sugar: 0g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

These wings are full of flavor and texture, offering the satisfaction of a fried wing without the added oil. You can customize the seasoning and sauces to match your taste. Whether you go classic with buffalo sauce or prefer a sweeter BBQ glaze, these wings will hit the spot every time!