Chicken wings are one of my absolute favorite things to make, especially when it comes to easy and quick recipes. The crispy, golden outside with tender meat inside is hard to resist! And when you toss them in a smoky, tangy BBQ sauce, it’s pure comfort food heaven. Using the air fryer for these BBQ chicken wings elevates the process by keeping things simple and fuss-free without compromising on flavor or texture.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to impress! It takes minimal prep time and less than 30 minutes to cook—perfect for anyone craving delicious wings without the wait. Trust me, once you try these air fryer BBQ chicken wings, you’ll never want to go back to the deep fryer again!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Wings: These are the star of the recipe. You’ll need fresh, full-sized chicken wings. You can buy them whole and separate them into flats and drumettes if you’d like, or purchase pre-cut wings for convenience.
BBQ Sauce: A tangy and sweet BBQ sauce is what brings these wings to life! I recommend using your favorite store-bought brand or making your own if you have the time. The flavor of the sauce will coat the wings, caramelizing to give them a beautiful finish.
Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil helps the wings crisp up in the air fryer and prevents them from sticking. Plus, it adds a subtle richness to the wings, balancing out the flavors.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder enhances the savory profile of the wings, adding an extra depth of flavor. It complements the sweetness of the BBQ sauce perfectly.
Onion Powder: A hint of onion powder rounds out the flavor. It’s a great partner to garlic powder and gives the wings an overall savory kick.
Paprika: Paprika adds a smoky, earthy flavor and a beautiful color to your wings. It’s a subtle addition, but it enhances the BBQ taste wonderfully.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings like salt and pepper are essential for ensuring the wings are properly seasoned and balanced.
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds chicken wings (flats and drumettes)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is important because the drier the wings, the crispier they will become in the air fryer. Once they’re dry, drizzle the olive oil over them and toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Season the Wings
Next, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the wings. Toss them again to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed, and the wings are well-coated.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures the wings cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
Step 4: Air Fry the Wings
Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re in a single layer for optimal crispiness. Air fry the wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check for a golden-brown color and crispy texture.
Step 5: Coat with BBQ Sauce
Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a bowl. Pour the BBQ sauce over the wings and toss them to coat evenly. You can also brush the sauce directly onto the wings if you prefer a more controlled application.
Step 6: Final Air Fry
Return the wings to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes to let the BBQ sauce caramelize and set on the wings. This will give them that irresistible sticky finish.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Pat the Wings Dry: Don’t skip this step! Drying the wings thoroughly before seasoning helps them get that crispy texture in the air fryer.
- Air Fryer Size: Depending on your air fryer’s basket size, you might need to cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent them from crisping up properly.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces. Sweet, smoky, spicy, or even tangy mustard-based BBQ sauces can all work great with these wings.
- Cooking Time: Air fryer models vary, so be sure to check your wings at the 20-minute mark. If they’re not crispy enough, add a few extra minutes.
- Rest the Wings: Let the wings rest for a few minutes after tossing them in the sauce to ensure the coating sticks well.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings? Yes! If using frozen wings, no need to thaw them. Just increase the cook time by about 5-7 minutes.
Can I make these wings spicier? Absolutely! Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
Do I need to flip the wings halfway through? Yes, flipping the wings halfway through ensures they cook evenly and achieve the perfect crispiness on both sides.
Can I use other types of chicken? While chicken wings are the best for this recipe, you can also use chicken drumsticks. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.