There’s something deeply satisfying about biting into a crispy chicken wing that’s perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor. I’ve always been a huge fan of wings — baked, fried, grilled, you name it — but once I discovered how easy it is to make them in the air fryer, I never looked back. No messy oil splatters, no heating up the whole kitchen, and the result? Pure golden-brown perfection in just about 30 minutes.
For this recipe, I’m bringing in one of my all-time favorite flavor pairings: ranch seasoning and chicken. The tangy, herby notes of ranch work magic with crispy skin, and the air fryer locks in all the juiciness without drenching the wings in oil. Whether you’re making them for game night, a casual dinner, or just because you deserve a little crispy treat, these air fryer ranch wings will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken wings: Go for fresh wings if possible, as they crisp up better than frozen. You can use whole wings or separate them into drumettes and flats — just be sure to pat them dry before seasoning to help that irresistible crunch develop.
Ranch seasoning mix: This is the heart of the flavor. You can use a store-bought packet for convenience or make your own from a mix of dried herbs and spices like parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Olive oil: A light coating of oil is all you need to help the seasoning stick and encourage browning in the air fryer. I like olive oil for its flavor, but any neutral oil works fine here.
Baking powder: This is my secret weapon for extra crispy skin. It changes the pH level of the chicken skin, allowing it to brown beautifully while staying light and crackly.
Salt and pepper: Even though the ranch seasoning adds plenty of flavor, a little extra salt and pepper enhances the taste and balances everything perfectly.
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds chicken wings, patted dry
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Wings
Step 1: Prep the wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Season generously
Add the olive oil, ranch seasoning mix, baking powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Toss until all the wings are evenly coated — every nook and cranny should have a nice layer of flavor.
Step 3: Arrange in the air fryer
Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s okay if they touch a little, but don’t overcrowd them. If needed, cook in batches to ensure even crisping.
Step 4: Air fry to golden perfection
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. They should be golden brown with a crispy skin and fully cooked inside.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Transfer the wings to a serving platter. Serve them hot with extra ranch dressing for dipping, some celery sticks, and maybe a few carrot sticks on the side for that classic wing platter feel.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Pat wings very dry before seasoning — moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Don’t skip the baking powder; it’s the key to that crave-worthy crunch.
- Cook in batches if your air fryer is small. Overcrowding leads to soggy wings.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer — wings should reach 165°F internally.
- Toss after cooking in more ranch seasoning for an extra punch of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning for the best texture.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?
You can make your own with dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 425°F for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.
Do I need to use baking powder?
You don’t have to, but it really helps achieve extra crispy skin in the air fryer.