There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into perfectly golden, crackly-skinned wings that still stay juicy inside. This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe is my go-to for that unbeatable crunch without the mess of frying. Let me walk you through how simple and rewarding these wings really are.

A white round plate filled with a large pile of crispy, dark golden-brown chicken wings covered in small green parsley bits. On the right side of the plate, there are bright orange carrot sticks and light green celery sticks arranged in neat rows. Next to them is a small wooden bowl filled with creamy white ranch dressing sprinkled with parsley. In the background, there is a white bowl of finely chopped green herbs and some celery sticks lying on a white marbled surface. A striped cloth is partially visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t recommend this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe enough, especially if you’ve struggled to get that perfect crisp in the air fryer before. It’s my tried-and-true method that delivers wings bursting with flavor and just the right crunch every time.

Unmatched Crispiness: The baking powder and air fryer combo create a skin so crisp you’d swear these were deep-fried.
Simple Dry Rub: The blend of spices hits all the right savory and smoky notes without overpowering.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you’re just about 40 minutes away from wings on your plate.
Versatile Serving: Eat them plain, toss in your favorite sauce — it’s all a win.

The image shows six pieces of grilled chicken wings arranged on a metal wire rack. The wings have a golden brown color with dark grill marks and some charred spots, giving them a crispy textured look. The seasoning creates a speckled effect with red and black spices scattered across the surface. The metal wire rack beneath is silver with a grid pattern, holding the wings up. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays its part in balancing flavor and texture. I always keep these spices on hand because they work magic not just for wings, but for all kinds of savory dishes.

Flat lay of raw chicken wings separated into drumettes and flats, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl with light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white bowl containing fine white baking powder, small white bowls each with pale beige garlic powder, off-white onion powder, deep red smoked paprika, reddish-brown chili powder, white salt crystals, and whole black peppercorns scattered neatly nearby, all arranged symmetrically in simple white ceramic bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken Wings: Look for fresh wings separated into drumettes and flats for even cooking.
Olive Oil: Just a bit to help the spices stick and encourage browning without making the wings greasy.
Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle caramelized sweetness that amps up the flavor and helps with browning.
Baking Powder: This is the secret weapon for crispiness—it dries out the skin and creates that irresistible crunch.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder: These spices blend to deliver a smoky, slightly spicy, and savory punch.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning — don’t skimp here! It enhances every other flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I love about this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe is how easy it is to tweak the flavors to suit your mood or pantry. Play with different spice blends or sauces – it's your wing party!

Variation: I sometimes add a dash of cayenne pepper for a bit more heat, and my friends always ask for extra buffalo sauce on the side.
Dietary Swap: For a low sodium version, reduce salt and boost the smoked paprika and garlic powder instead.
Seasonal Twist: In colder months, a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of cumin adds a comforting warmth.
Easy Make-Ahead: Coat the wings earlier in the day, refrigerate them dry, and air fry just before serving.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Dry Those Wings

Start by patting your wings dry with paper towels — this is absolutely crucial if you want them crispy. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so the drier, the better! Once dry, toss them in a large bowl ready for the seasoning.

Step 2: Mix the Spice Rub and Coat Wings

Whisk together the brown sugar, baking powder, and all your spices in a small bowl. Then drizzle olive oil over the wings and toss them well so the oil helps the dry rub cling evenly. Make sure every wing gets a little love from the spice mix.

Step 3: Air Fry in Batches for Even Crisp

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to avoid sticking. Don't overcrowd the wings; laying them in a single layer helps the hot air crisp all sides evenly. Cook the wings for 7 minutes, flip them over, then cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes until golden and crispy. This flipping step is key to even cooking.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

These wings shine all on their own thanks to that spice rub, but feel free to toss in buffalo sauce, barbecue, or serve with a cooling ranch dip. You really can’t go wrong here.

Top Tip

Over time, I've learned that the extra step of drying and tossing with baking powder before air frying makes the biggest difference. Trust me on this one—you’ll get restaurant-quality crispiness at home.

Dry Thoroughly: Skipping this step results in soggy wings—don’t rush it.
Use Baking Powder, Not Baking Soda: Baking powder works by breaking down proteins and drying the skin to crisp it up, while baking soda can leave a weird taste.
Flip Midway: Flipping the wings halfway ensures they crisp evenly on all sides.
Don’t Crowd the Basket: Give your wings breathing room so hot air circulates nicely.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

air fryer chicken wings - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I tend to keep things simple with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a little zing that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

My fave sides here are celery and carrot sticks paired with blue cheese or ranch dip—it’s classic for a reason. Also, some crispy air fryer fries or a quick slaw bring texture and balance to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or parties, I like arranging the wings in a circular platter with assorted dipping sauces in the center. Sometimes, I even serve them skewered with small picks for easy grabbing—fun and festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ve kept their crispiness surprisingly well overnight if you reheat them properly.

Freezing

Wings freeze beautifully! I freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer into freezer bags to avoid sticking. When you’re ready, defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that glorious crispness, reheat leftover wings in the air fryer at 375°F for about 4-5 minutes. This is way better than the microwave which makes them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen wings for this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw the wings completely and pat them dry before applying the rub. This helps ensure the crispiness we're after.

What is the role of baking powder in the recipe?

Baking powder helps dry out the skin and promotes browning, which creates that signature crispy texture without frying in oil. Make sure you use baking powder, not baking soda!

Can I make these wings spicy?

Absolutely! You can add cayenne pepper or extra chili powder to the dry rub, or toss cooked wings in your favorite hot sauce to dial up the heat.

How do I prevent wings from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Spray a light coating of cooking spray on the basket before adding wings to keep them from sticking. Also, don’t overcrowd the basket to allow air circulation.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s easy, delicious, and almost foolproof. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or you’re hosting friends for the big game, these wings never disappoint. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite wing recipe that makes you look like a kitchen rockstar!