Can I use frozen wings directly in the air fryer?

Yes, you can! If using frozen wings, add an extra 10 minutes during the initial low-temperature cooking phase. However, for maximum crispiness, I recommend thawing and drying them thoroughly first.

Why is baking powder used instead of baking soda?

Baking powder is a mixture that includes an acid, which helps break down proteins in the chicken skin without affecting flavor. Baking soda would be too alkaline and could leave an unpleasant taste on your wings.

My air fryer doesn't go up to 430°F, what should I do?

Simply use the highest temperature your air fryer allows and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn.

Can I make these wings ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Cook them fully, then reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes just before serving. This makes party prep much easier while still delivering crispy wings.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Super Crispy!) Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Super Crispy!) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb Chicken wings (flats and drumettes, either fresh or thawed from frozen); 1 tbsp Olive oil (optional, but recommended); 2 tsp Baking powder; 3/4 tsp Sea salt; 1/4 tsp Black pepper

This mouthwatering Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe delivers the crispiest, most satisfying wings you’ll ever make at home! With minimal ingredients and practically hands-off cooking, these wings develop that coveted restaurant-quality crunch without deep frying. Perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or anytime you’re craving something deliciously crispy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Quality Crispiness: These wings achieve that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the meat inside tender and juicy—no deep fryer needed!
Minimal Ingredients: With just chicken wings and a few pantry staples, you can create wings that rival your favorite sports bar.
Healthier Option: Using an air fryer means significantly less oil than traditional deep-fried wings, but absolutely no sacrifice on taste or texture.
Versatile Base: Once you master the cooking technique, you can toss these crispy wings in any sauce or seasoning you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Wings: The star of the show! You can use a mix of flats and drumettes, either fresh or thawed from frozen. Make sure they’re as dry as possible for maximum crispiness.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon helps the wings brown beautifully and adds a subtle flavor. While it’s technically optional, I highly recommend including it for the best results.
Baking Powder: This is the secret ingredient! It creates a chemical reaction that helps break down proteins in the chicken skin, resulting in that crackling, crispy exterior we all crave.
Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps draw moisture out of the skin for extra crispiness.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick that complements the wings perfectly.

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.

Variations

Want to customize your wings? Here are some delicious options:

Different Seasonings

Lemon Pepper: Add lemon zest and extra black pepper to your seasoning mix.
Garlic Parmesan: Toss finished wings with minced garlic, melted butter, and grated parmesan.
Cajun Style: Replace half the salt with cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.

Sauce Options

Buffalo: Toss in classic buffalo sauce right after cooking.
Honey Garlic: Mix equal parts honey and soy sauce with minced garlic.
BBQ: Brush with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Note: If using sauces, add them after cooking for the crispiest results, or brush on during the last few minutes of cooking time.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep the Wings

Pat the chicken wings very dry with paper towels. This step is absolutely crucial for achieving maximum crispiness, so don’t rush it! Remove as much moisture as possible.

Step 2: Season the Wings

In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Make sure every wing gets a good coverage of the mixture.

Step 3: First Air Frying Phase

Place the wings in your air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching too much. Don’t overcrowd! Work in batches if needed. Air fry at 250°F for 15 minutes. This lower temperature helps render the fat slowly.

Step 4: Crank Up the Heat

Flip the wings over for even cooking. Now increase your air fryer temperature to 430°F (or the highest your air fryer can go). Continue air frying for 15-20 minutes until the wings are gorgeously golden brown and irresistibly crispy.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy as is or toss with your favorite sauce!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Dry Thoroughly: I can’t stress this enough—pat those wings as dry as possible before seasoning.
Don’t Skip the Baking Powder: It’s the magic ingredient that transforms the skin texture. Make sure it’s aluminum-free baking powder if you’re sensitive to the taste.
Single Layer is Key: Resist the urge to stack wings. If they’re touching too much, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
Check Early: All air fryers are different, so start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark during the high-temperature phase.
Let Them Rest: Give the wings 3-5 minutes to rest after cooking. This helps the skin stay crispy while the juices redistribute.

How to Serve

These air fryer wings are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

Classic Pairings

Serve with celery and carrot sticks plus blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Make It a Meal

Pair with sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Party Spread

Set up a wing bar with different dipping sauces, allowing guests to customize their wings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The skin won’t stay quite as crispy, but they’ll still taste delicious.

Freezing

Cooked wings freeze surprisingly well. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat wings in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. You can also use an oven at 375°F for 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain any crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings directly in the air fryer?

Yes, you can! If using frozen wings, add an extra 10 minutes during the initial low-temperature cooking phase. However, for maximum crispiness, I recommend thawing and drying them thoroughly first.
Why is baking powder used instead of baking soda?

Baking powder is a mixture that includes an acid, which helps break down proteins in the chicken skin without affecting flavor. Baking soda would be too alkaline and could leave an unpleasant taste on your wings.
My air fryer doesn’t go up to 430°F, what should I do?

Simply use the highest temperature your air fryer allows and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
Can I make these wings ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Cook them fully, then reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes just before serving. This makes party prep much easier while still delivering crispy wings.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Chicken Wings truly deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of the low-then-high temperature technique and the baking powder trick results in wings that are impossibly crispy outside and perfectly juicy inside. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just treating yourself to a special dinner, these wings are guaranteed to impress. The best part? Once you master this basic technique, the flavor possibilities are endless! Give them a try tonight—your taste buds will thank you!