If you've ever wondered how to get extra crispy chicken wings in the air fryer, this recipe is about to be your go-to! No oil splatters, nothing complicated, just a foolproof method that delivers wings that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!
Ingredients for air fryer chicken wings:
- Chicken wings (drums or flats or a comb)
- Avocado or olive oil (just a tablespoon!)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Baking powder (the secret to getting them extra crispy!)
- Wing sauce of choice (We love Japanese bbq sauce)
How to make air fryer chicken wings
One of the most important steps to making sure your wings turn out super crispy actually happens before you cook them. You want to make sure that the wings are DRY. Two ways you can ensure they're super dry:
- Lay them on paper towels and then pat them dry with more paper towels. Repeat until the wings are completely dry.
- (This works best if you have the time) Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with a cooling rack (or paper towels if you don't have one). Leave the wings, uncovered, in the fridge overnight.
When you're ready to cook the wings, the first thing you want to do is pre-heat your air fryer to 400 degrees. I don't typically pre-heat in the air fryer but for this recipe, you'll want it to be piping hot when you add the wings in to get that initial crisp going!
Next, grab a zip-top bag and add in your dry chicken wings and pour in just 1 tablespoon of oil. I use avocado oil but you could also use olive oil or any neutral oil of your choice. Seal the bag and coat all of the wings in the oil.
For your seasoning, mix together the salt, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika then pour into the bag. Seal the bag again and shake to coat the wings evenly.
What's the secret to getting air fryer wings extra crispy?
It's actually the baking powder in the seasoning mix. Along with the high heat, the baking powder actually changes the PH of the skin on the wings drawing out more moisture.
After seasoning the wings, spray the air fryer with non-stick spray and place the wings in a single layer.
How long to cook chicken wings in the air fryer
At 400 degrees, air fry the wings for 10 minutes then flip them over. Cook again for another 8-11 minutes depending on the size of your wings.
- Larger wings (about 8 per pound) will take about 10-11 more minutes after flipping.
- If your wings are tiny (about 12 per pound) they'll take about 8 more minutes after flipping)
After I remove the wings from the air fryer, I like to coat them with Bachan's Japanese BBQ sauce. (Not sponsored...just obsessed!). After tossing them in the sauce, I air fry them for about 2 more minutes just to caramelize the sauce and get it nice and sticky! You can add any sauce you like or just eat them plain. The seasoning alone is delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make chicken wings extra crispy in the air fryer?
To make chicken wings extra crispy in the air fryer, make sure they are VERY dry before seasoning. Cooking them in a single layer and using baking powder will also help create crispier wings.
How long do you cook chicken wings in the air fryer?
Most chicken wings take about 20 minutes in the air fryer at 400°F, depending on their size. Flip them halfway through so they cook evenly and get crispy on both sides.
Do I need baking powder for crispy air fryer wings?
You don't have to use baking powder, but it will help make the skin extra crispy. Be sure to use baking powder, not baking soda.
Do you have to flip chicken wings in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping the wings halfway through cooking helps them crisp up evenly on all sides.
Should I thaw chicken wings before air frying?
For the crispiest results, thawed chicken wings are best. They cook more evenly and will get crispier than frozen wings.
How do you reheat chicken wings in the air fryer?
Reheat chicken wings in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until hot and crispy again.
What sauces go well with air fryer chicken wings?
Japanese bbq, buffalo sauce, honey BBQ, garlic parmesan, lemon pepper, and teriyaki are all delicious!
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Equipment
- Non-stick spray
- Large zip-top bags (you could also use a bowl)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup wing sauce of choice (We love Japanese bbq sauce)
Instructions
- Before seasoning, make sure your wings are extremely dry. You can do this by patting with paper towels if you're in a pinch. If you have the time, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with a rack. Leave them in the fridge, uncovered, overnight.
- When you're ready to cook the wings, pre-heat your air fryer to 400℉.
- Add the dry wings to a zip-top bag and add in the oil. Seal the bag and coat all of the wings in the oil.
- In a small dish, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and baking powder. Add the seasoning mixture to the wings and seal the bag and toss to coat the wings evenly with the seasonings.
- Spray the pre-heated air fryer tray with non-stick spray and add the wings in a single layer with space between each wing.
- Cook for 10 minutes then flip the wings over.
- Cook again for 8-11 minutes. (see notes below)
- After the wings have finished cooking, you can enjoy them plain or you can toss them in your favorite sauce. I like to toss them in Japanese bbq sauce then air fry again for just 1-2 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
Notes
- Larger wings (about 8 per pound) will take about 10-11 more minutes after flipping.
- If your wings are tiny (about 12 per pound) they'll take about 8 more minutes after flipping.
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