There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly crispy chicken wing—crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. As someone who loves both cooking and finding the easiest ways to achieve restaurant-quality results at home, I can confidently say that air fryer chicken wings are a game-changer. No deep frying, no mess, just golden, crispy wings every single time.
Whether you’re prepping for game day, a family gathering, or just craving a delicious snack, these extra crispy air fryer chicken wings deliver. The air fryer’s magic lies in its ability to circulate hot air, creating that irresistible crunch without excess oil. Plus, you can customize the seasoning to your taste—spicy, smoky, or classic buffalo. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to soggy wings again!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken wings: The star of the dish! You can use whole wings (drumettes and flats) or pre-cut pieces. Fresh wings work best, but thawed frozen wings are fine too—just pat them dry thoroughly for maximum crispiness.
Baking powder: This is the secret weapon for ultra-crispy skin. Baking powder (not soda!) helps draw moisture to the surface, ensuring a crackly, golden exterior. Make sure it’s aluminum-free to avoid any metallic taste.
Salt: Essential for seasoning, salt enhances the natural flavor of the chicken. Kosher salt is ideal because it distributes evenly, but table salt works in a pinch.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the wings. If you love garlic, you can even mix in a little onion powder for extra flavor.
Paprika: Smoked or sweet paprika gives the wings a beautiful color and a subtle warmth. If you like a bit of heat, swap in cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild kick and balances the other seasonings.
Oil (optional): A light spray of avocado or olive oil can help the seasoning stick and promote browning, but it’s not always necessary—the wings will crisp up either way.
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats if whole)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray (optional)
How to Make Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Step 1: Dry the Wings
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving maximum crispiness.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a large bowl, mix the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Toss the wings in the seasoning until evenly coated.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start.
Step 4: Arrange the Wings
Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for proper air circulation. Work in batches if needed.
Step 5: Cook the Wings
Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy. For extra crunch, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the last 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the wings rest for a few minutes before serving. Toss them in your favorite sauce (like buffalo or BBQ) or enjoy them as-is for a perfectly crispy bite.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Pat the wings dry—This removes moisture, ensuring a crispy texture.
- Don’t skip the baking powder—It’s the secret to ultra-crispy skin.
- Avoid overcrowding—Cook in batches if needed for even crispiness.
- Flip halfway—This ensures both sides get evenly crispy.
- Adjust seasoning—Add cayenne or chili powder for extra heat.
- Serve immediately—Wings are crispiest right out of the air fryer.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them first and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
Why baking powder instead of flour or cornstarch?
Baking powder reacts with the chicken skin to create a crispier texture without breading.
Do I need to add oil?
It’s optional—the wings will crisp up without it, but a light spray can enhance browning.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
Can I make these wings spicy?
Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper to the dry rub or toss the cooked wings in hot sauce.
Enjoy your extra crispy air fryer chicken wings—they’re sure to be a hit!