Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

Introduction

These extra crispy air fryer chicken wings are a game changer for wing lovers craving a crunchy, flavorful snack without deep frying. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, they’re quick to prepare and ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 12-14 chicken wings (drumettes and wingettes separated)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (additional salt to taste if needed)
• 1/2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Lime wedges, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring chicken wings to room temperature by letting them sit out for at least an hour. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.
2. Step 2: Using a paper towel, lightly oil the inside of the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: Pat the wings dry thoroughly using paper towels. In a medium bowl, combine the kosher salt, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and baking powder. Add the wings and toss to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Place the seasoned wings in the prepared air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Step 5: Set the air fryer to 400ºF and cook for 20-22 minutes. Halfway through cooking, remove the basket and flip the wings to ensure even crisping.
6. Step 6: After 20 minutes, check the wings for doneness. Smaller wings usually take 20-22 minutes; larger ones may need 22-25 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove wings from the air fryer and serve immediately with celery sticks and your favorite dressing or sauce. Optional: squeeze fresh lime juice over the wings for a zesty finish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, make sure the wings are completely dry before seasoning.
• Try swapping chili powder for cayenne if you want a spicier kick.
• Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor, or regular paprika for a milder taste.
• Serve with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or toss wings in buffalo sauce for a classic twist.

Storage

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350ºF for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the skin soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings in the air fryer?

It’s best to thaw wings completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and crispy skin. Frozen wings may cook unevenly and release extra moisture, affecting crispness.

Why is baking powder used in this recipe?

Baking powder helps draw moisture to the surface of the skin and promotes browning, resulting in extra crispy wings without frying.

Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 12–14 chicken wings (serves 3-4) 1x

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Description

Enjoy perfectly golden, extra crispy chicken wings made effortlessly in the air fryer. These wings are seasoned with a flavorful blend of chili powder, garlic, and smoked paprika, with baking powder to ensure a crunchy texture. They cook quickly at high heat and are great served with celery sticks and homemade ranch dressing or your favorite wing sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Wings

• 12–14 chicken wings (drumettes and wingettes separated)

Seasoning & Coating

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (additional salt to taste if needed)
• 1/2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp olive oil

Optional Serving

• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Bring Wings to Room Temperature: Let the chicken wings sit at room temperature for at least one hour to help them cook evenly and faster.
2. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Using a paper towel, lightly oil the inside of the air fryer basket to prevent the wings from sticking during cooking.
3. Season the Wings: Pat the wings dry thoroughly with paper towels. Combine kosher salt, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and baking powder in a bowl. Toss the wings in this seasoning mixture until fully coated. Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Air Fry the Wings: Set the air fryer to 400ºF and cook for 20-22 minutes. Halfway through cooking, about 10-11 minutes in, remove the basket and flip the wings to ensure even crisping.
5. Check for Doneness: After 20 minutes, examine the wings. Smaller wings will be done between 20-22 minutes, but larger wings might need up to 22-25 minutes. Continue cooking if necessary until wings are golden and crispy.
6. Serve: Remove the wings from the air fryer. Serve immediately with celery sticks and homemade ranch dressing or your favorite sauce. Optionally, squeeze fresh lime juice over the wings for a zesty kick.

Notes

• Bringing wings to room temperature ensures even cooking and crispiness.
• Baking powder helps create that signature crispy skin without deep frying.
• Use different spices or sauces to customize flavor.
• Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed for best results.
• Leftover wings can be reheated in the air fryer to retain crispness.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: crispy chicken wings, air fryer chicken wings, easy appetizer, game day wings, homemade chicken wings