Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Achieve perfectly crispy, juicy air fryer chicken wings every time with this easy, healthier recipe.
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer A large-capacity air fryer is recommended for cooking in fewer batches.
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl For tossing wings with seasoning.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken Wings (flats and drumettes, thawed) Pat dry for best results.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (or avocado oil) Just enough to lightly coat.
- 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground preferred.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder Adds aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 tsp Paprika (smoked or sweet) For color and mild flavor.
- Optional 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder (aluminum-free) For extra crispiness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Thoroughly dry the chicken wings using paper towels. This crucial step helps ensure an exceptionally crispy result in the air fryer.
Seasoning
- In a spacious mixing bowl, toss the well-dried chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and the optional baking powder. Ensure every wing piece receives an even coating.
Air Frying
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a full 5 minutes.
- Carefully arrange the seasoned chicken wings within the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to crowd them. Cook in multiple batches if your air fryer capacity is limited.
- After 10 minutes of cooking, carefully flip each chicken wing to its other side. Continue air frying for an additional 8-15 minutes, or until the wings are gloriously golden brown, wonderfully crispy, and cooked thoroughly (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
Serving
- Promptly remove the perfectly crispy air fryer chicken wings from the basket. Serve them immediately, accompanied by your preferred dipping sauces or a flavorful glaze.
Notes
For the absolute best results, serving these air fryer chicken wings immediately after cooking is highly recommended to enjoy their peak crispiness. If you're planning to make a larger batch for a crowd, consider using multiple air fryers or cooking in smaller batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to less crispy wings. Experiment with your favorite dry rubs or sauces to truly make these your own!