There’s just something about crispy, juicy chicken wings that makes me happy, especially when they’re coated in a rich, spicy sauce that tingles all the right taste buds. I’ve made wings every which way—oven-baked, grilled, deep-fried—but nothing beats the speed and crispiness I get from my air fryer. And when I combine them with smoky, flavorful harissa, it’s pure magic.
This recipe is one of my go-tos when I want something bold and full of character without spending hours in the kitchen. The harissa brings layers of flavor—smoky, spicy, tangy—while the air fryer gives the wings that irresistible crunch without drowning them in oil. In just 35 minutes, I can have a plate piled high with wings that make my kitchen smell amazing and my taste buds dance.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken wings: I use fresh, whole wings and split them into drumettes and flats for even cooking. Fresh wings tend to crisp up better in the air fryer, but frozen works if you thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.
Harissa paste: This is the star of the show—an aromatic North African chili paste made from roasted peppers, spices, and garlic. It adds deep flavor and a slow, satisfying heat. You can find it in jars or tubes at most grocery stores or online.
Olive oil: Helps the harissa coat the wings evenly and promotes that gorgeous golden crispiness in the air fryer. I like using extra virgin olive oil for a richer taste.
Garlic powder: Gives a subtle earthy depth and enhances the flavor of the harissa. You could use fresh garlic, but garlic powder sticks better to the wings during cooking.
Smoked paprika: Adds a warm, smoky undertone that works beautifully with the harissa. It also deepens the color, giving the wings an appetizing reddish hue.
Salt & pepper: Simple but essential. These balance the flavors and bring out the best in every ingredient.
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
- 3 tbsp harissa paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
How to Make Amazing 35-Minute Air Fryer Harissa Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep the wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this is key to getting that perfect crispy texture. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Season the wings
Add the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the wings. Toss well until every piece is evenly coated.
Step 3: Add the harissa
Spoon the harissa paste into the bowl and mix again. The oil helps the harissa spread evenly, so each wing gets that beautiful deep-red coating.
Step 4: Air fry the wings
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Transfer the hot wings to a serving platter. You can brush them with a little extra harissa for more heat or serve them with cooling yogurt or ranch on the side.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Pat the wings completely dry before seasoning for maximum crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—air needs to circulate around each wing to make them evenly crispy.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less harissa to suit your heat preference.
- For extra smoky flavor, sprinkle a little more smoked paprika right after cooking.
- Make ahead: Season the wings a few hours in advance and store them covered in the fridge until ready to cook.
FAQs
Can I make these wings in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
What can I serve with harissa chicken wings?
They pair beautifully with a cooling dip like tzatziki, yogurt sauce, or even blue cheese dressing. A fresh salad or roasted veggies also make a nice side.
Is harissa very spicy?
It depends on the brand. Some are mild with more smoky, peppery notes, while others pack quite a punch. Taste yours first and adjust how much you use.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Frozen wings take a bit longer to crisp up.