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Crispy Air Fryer Wings Recipe Perfect Crunch Easy 5-Step Guide

crispy air fryer wings - featured image

This recipe delivers perfectly crispy air fryer chicken wings with a crunchy skin and juicy meat, using simple ingredients and a quick 5-step process. Ideal for game day, casual gatherings, or a quick dinner fix.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings (whole or separated into drumettes and flats, fresh or thawed from frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (not baking soda)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Pinch of onion powder (optional)
  • Cooking spray or light mist of avocado or olive oil spray
  • Your favorite wing sauce for serving (buffalo, BBQ, honey garlic, ranch, or blue cheese dressing)

Instructions

  1. Pat the wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper.
  3. Add the dried wings to the bowl and toss until all pieces are evenly coated with the baking powder mixture (about 3 minutes).
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray wings with oil (about 2 minutes).
  6. Air fry wings at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping and spraying halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Wings should be golden brown and crispy.
  7. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C internal temperature) or cut into the thickest part to ensure juices run clear (1 minute).
  8. Serve immediately or toss in your favorite wing sauce.

Notes

Dry wings thoroughly before coating to ensure crispiness. Use baking powder, not baking soda, for the perfect crunch. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Flip wings halfway through cooking and lightly spray with oil to enhance crispiness. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crisp texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy skin.

Nutrition

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