Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

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If you ask me, air fryer chicken wings are a game-changer.

These crispy little bites give you all the satisfaction of traditional wings, but with way less mess and hassle. The outside gets golden and crunchy while the inside stays tender and juicy.

They’re coated in a simple blend of seasonings and let the air fryer work its magic – no deep frying or complicated steps needed. A quick toss in your favorite sauce at the end, and you’re all set.

It’s the kind of no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for game day, casual get-togethers, or just when you’re craving some good old-fashioned comfort food.

What Kind of Chicken Wings Should I Use?

For air fryer wings, you can buy either whole wings that you’ll need to separate yourself, or party wings that come already split into drumettes and flats. If you’re buying whole wings, you’ll want to cut them at the joint and remove the wing tip – don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds with a sharp knife. Fresh wings typically give the best results, but frozen wings work great too as long as they’re completely thawed before cooking. Just make sure to pat them really dry with paper towels before seasoning, as this helps them get that awesome crispy skin in the air fryer. When shopping, look for wings that are similar in size so they’ll cook evenly.

Options for Substitutions

This simple wings recipe can be adjusted with several easy swaps if needed:

• Olive oil: You can swap olive oil with any neutral cooking oil like avocado oil, vegetable oil, or even melted butter. Just make sure to use something to help the seasonings stick to the wings.
• Chicken wings: While whole wings are best for this recipe, you can use just drumettes or just flats if you prefer. Keep in mind that cooking times might need slight adjustments based on the size of the pieces.
• Seasoning blend: Feel free to mix up the seasonings! Try Italian seasoning, cajun seasoning, or even just salt and pepper. If using a pre-made seasoning blend, start with 2-3 teaspoons and adjust to taste.
• Paprika: Regular paprika can be replaced with smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or chili powder if you want to add some heat. You can also skip it if you’re not a fan.
• Garlic and onion powder: If you’re out of either powder, you can use granulated versions – just use half the amount. Or replace both with 2 teaspoons of all-purpose seasoning.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Air Frying

The biggest mistake when making air fryer wings is overcrowding the basket, which prevents the hot air from circulating properly and results in unevenly cooked, less crispy wings – arrange them in a single layer with some space between each piece. Another common error is not patting the wings completely dry before seasoning, as excess moisture will create steam and interfere with the crispy exterior you’re aiming for. To get that restaurant-style crunch, make sure to flip the wings halfway through cooking and give them a light spray of oil at this point if they look dry. For the juiciest results, let the wings rest for 5 minutes after cooking, as this allows the internal juices to redistribute instead of running out when you bite into them.

What to Serve With Chicken Wings?

When it comes to serving chicken wings, you really can’t go wrong with the classic combo of crisp celery and carrot sticks with a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. A fresh, crunchy coleslaw makes a great side dish too, helping to balance out the richness of the wings. If you’re hosting game day or having friends over, consider adding some french fries, sweet potato wedges, or even a basket of onion rings to round out your spread. For a lighter option that still hits the spot, a simple green salad with cucumber and tomatoes works perfectly alongside these savory wings.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Got leftover wings? Pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. They make great next-day snacks or easy lunch options. Just remember to let them cool completely before storing to keep that crispy coating intact.

Freeze: These wings freeze really well! Place them in a freezer bag or container and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. I like to freeze them in portions – it makes it super easy to grab just what you need for a quick meal or game day snack.

Reheat: To get your wings crispy again, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. You can also use your regular oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. The air fryer method is my favorite since it brings back that nice crunch without drying out the meat.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	18-20 minutes
Total Time	28-35 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2400-2600
• Protein: 150-160 g
• Fat: 170-190 g
• Carbohydrates: 0-5 g

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings (both drumettes and flats, thaw if frozen)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

If you have full chicken wings, separate them into drums and flats.

Ensure that the wings are fully defrosted.

To achieve crispy wings, pat them completely dry with paper towels.

This step is crucial to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Season the Wings

Place the dried chicken wings into a large bowl.

Drizzle olive oil over them and toss to coat evenly.

Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Toss the wings again until they are thoroughly coated with the seasonings.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your Air Fryer to preheat at 400°F for 2 minutes.

Preheating ensures the wings start cooking immediately once placed inside, promoting even crispiness.

Step 4: Cook the Wings

Add the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer to the preheated Air Fryer basket.

Ensure the wings are not touching to allow hot air to circulate around them.

Cook the wings for 10 minutes at 400°F.

Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking

After the initial cooking time, open the Air Fryer and carefully flip the chicken wings to ensure even cooking.

Cook for an additional 8 minutes at 400°F.

Check that the wings are crispy and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve the Chicken Wings

Once fully cooked and crispy, remove the chicken wings from the Air Fryer.

Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!