Description
This Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe delivers perfectly crispy and flavorful wings with minimal oil and fuss. Coated in a zesty blend of spices and baked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, these wings are a healthier and convenient alternative to traditional frying. With an optional toss in your favorite wing sauce, they make a delicious appetizer or main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds (900g) chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
Seasoning & Coating
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (not baking soda)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional
- Favorite wing sauce (for tossing, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving the crispiest results.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Drizzle the wings with olive oil and toss everything together until the wings are evenly coated in the spice and baking powder mixture.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
- Arrange the Wings: Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. If needed, cook in multiple batches to maintain proper air circulation around the wings.
- Cook the Wings: Air fry the wings at 380°F (193°C) for 25 minutes. Shake the basket every 5-7 minutes to promote even browning and cooking on all sides.
- Increase Temperature for Extra Crispiness: After the initial cooking time, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook the wings for an additional 5 minutes. This final step enhances the crispy texture.
- Toss with Sauce (Optional): Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a bowl and toss with your favorite wing sauce if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Drying the wings thoroughly before seasoning helps achieve maximum crispiness.
- Baking powder (not baking soda) chemically reacts during cooking to create a crispy coating on the skin.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the wings in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For extra spicy wings, increase cayenne pepper quantity or add hot sauce after cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Let the wings rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
