These Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are what crispy dreams are made of! With a perfectly crunchy outside and juicy, tender meat inside, these wings have just the right amount of golden crispiness that makes you want to keep munching. The air fryer does all the magic by cooking them evenly and giving that unbeatable texture without the mess of deep frying.
I love making these wings whenever friends come over because they’re super easy to whip up but still feel like a special treat. A little tip from me: I like to pat the wings dry before seasoning and air frying—they turn out even crispier! Plus, tossing them in your favorite sauce or just some simple salt and pepper works every time for a tasty bite.
My favorite way to enjoy these wings is with a side of ranch or blue cheese dip and some crunchy celery sticks. They’re perfect for a weekend snack, game day, or anytime you want a finger-licking good meal that doesn’t take forever to prepare. Honestly, once you try these, you might be surprised at how often you reach for the air fryer!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh wings split into flats and drumettes give you the best texture. You can use frozen wings if needed, but thaw them well and pat dry for crispiness.
Baking Powder: This is your secret weapon for crispiness. Be sure to use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any metallic taste. If you don’t have baking powder, cornstarch can also help crisp up the skin but not as effectively.
Spices: Basic seasonings like salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper build flavor. Feel free to customize with cayenne for heat or add herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Fresh Parsley & Lime Wedges: These add a fresh, bright touch at the end. Parsley is optional, but I love the color it brings, and a squeeze of lime can balance the richness nicely.
How Do You Get Your Air Fryer Wings Extra Crispy?
The key to crispy air fryer wings is drying, coating, and spacing:
- Dry the wings well: Use paper towels to remove all moisture. Any wetness will steam the wings instead of crisping them.
- Use baking powder: This helps draw moisture from the skin and creates a golden, crunchy crust that mimics deep frying.
- Don’t overcrowd: Lay the wings in a single layer in the basket. Good airflow means even cooking and crispiness all around.
- Flip them halfway: Turning the wings helps both sides cook evenly.
- Check doneness: The wings should be golden and cook to 165°F (74°C) inside for safety and juiciness.
With these steps, you’ll get wings that are crispy on the outside and juicy inside, without the extra oil or mess!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend a 5.8-quart size or larger for even cooking and plenty of space for the wings.
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for tossing the wings with the seasoning mixture.
- Measuring spoons – for accurate measurements of spices and baking powder.
- Kitchen paper towels – essential for drying the wings thoroughly before cooking.
- Tongs – handy for arranging the wings in the basket and flipping them halfway through.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Buffalo sauce – toss cooked wings in hot sauce mixed with a bit of melted butter for a classic spicy flavor.
- Honey garlic – glaze wings with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic for a sweet-savory twist.
- Spicy Cajun – sprinkle Cajun seasoning before air frying for a bold, spicy kick.
- Lemon pepper – toss wings with lemon zest, pepper, and a touch of olive oil for a tangy, fresh taste.
Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation, including drying and seasoning the wings, plus 20-25 minutes of air frying. So, you’ll be enjoying crispy wings in roughly 30-35 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare The Air Fryer and Wings:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for around 5 minutes. Meanwhile, pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels; this helps them get nice and crispy.
2. Season The Wings:
In a large bowl, mix together the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss the wings in this mixture until they’re evenly coated.
3. Cook The Wings:
Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching to allow good air circulation. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to crisp both sides evenly.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, check that the wings are golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, add lime wedges on the side, and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the wings in the refrigerator overnight and pat them completely dry before seasoning to get that extra crispy skin.
What Can I Substitute for Baking Powder?
If you don’t have baking powder, cornstarch is a decent alternative to help crisp the wings, but it won’t create quite the same effect as baking powder.
How Should I Store Leftover Wings?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I Make These Wings Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep and season the wings a few hours ahead, refrigerate them uncovered for crispier skin, then air fry just before serving.