There's nothing quite like biting into perfectly golden, crunchy skin with juicy chicken underneath, and that's exactly what the Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe delivers every single time. It’s quick, straightforward, and the end result is wings that rival your favorite wing joint—but made right in your own kitchen.

A large white plate is filled with a pile of dark golden-brown grilled chicken wings sprinkled with small green herb bits. On the right side of the plate, there are bright orange carrot sticks and light green celery sticks neatly stacked. Next to the vegetable sticks is a small wooden bowl of creamy white dipping sauce, also topped with green herbs. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with scattered green herb pieces around, and a small bowl of chopped herbs is visible near the top left corner. 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’ve tried a lot of chicken wing recipes, but this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe sticks out because it’s fail-proof and so flavorful without needing a messy fry or fancy equipment. It’s my go-to when I want perfectly crispy wings without the fuss.

Ridiculously crispy skin: The baking powder in the spice blend works magic to get that golden crunch you crave.
Minimal prep time: You’ll have these wings seasoned and ready in under 15 minutes.
Customizable flavors: Whether you like them spicy, smoky, or classic, you can tweak the dry rub or toss in any sauce you love.
Air fryer convenience: No deep frying, no oil splatter—clean up is a breeze, and your kitchen stays cool.

The image shows several grilled chicken wings on a metal grilling rack. Each wing has a crispy, textured outer layer with a mix of dark brown and reddish spices, creating a charred, slightly uneven surface. The wings are placed closely on the rack in two rows, with their meaty parts facing upwards and slightly angled. The background is a white marbled texture that contrasts with the rich colors of the wings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe plays a role in flavor and texture. The combination of spices creates a balanced, savory coating, while the baking powder ensures crispiness. I recommend fresh spices for the best aroma and taste.

Flat lay of separated raw chicken wings with drumettes and flats, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of coarse light brown sugar, a small white bowl of white baking powder, a small white bowl containing a mixture of smoked paprika with its deep reddish hue, a small white bowl of pale beige garlic powder, a small white bowl of pale off-white onion powder, a small white bowl of dark red chili powder, a small white bowl of fine white salt crystals, and a small white bowl with coarsely ground black pepper, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Fresh and completely thawed wings work best; pat them dry for a crisp finish.
Olive oil: Just enough to help the seasoning stick and give a light crispiness without greasiness.
Brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spice and helps with caramelization.
Baking powder: Crucial for crispy skin—it raises the pH, helping the wing skin brown perfectly in the air fryer.
Garlic powder: Offers savory depth without overpowering.
Onion powder: Enhances flavor with a subtle sweetness.
Smoked paprika: Adds beautiful color and a mild smoky flavor that feels extra special.
Chili powder: A gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Salt & pepper: The basics that elevate all the other flavors in the rub.

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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

One of the best parts about this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often switch up the spices or add a splash of hot sauce after cooking to match my mood or the occasion. It’s a great base to experiment with!

Variation: I love tossing wings in a homemade honey sriracha glaze post-air fry for a sweet and spicy punch that my whole family adores.
Dietary tweak: You can easily swap olive oil with avocado oil or try smoked sea salt instead of regular salt for a different edge.
Heat level: Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne if you like it fiery, or go lighter for a kid-friendly flavor.

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

Step 1: Prep and Dry – The Secret to Crispy Wings

First things first — I always pat my wings dry with paper towels until there’s no moisture left on the skin. This step is non-negotiable if you want that coveted crunch. Wet wings steam rather than crisp, so don’t rush this! Once dry, toss them in the olive oil; the oil acts like glue for our seasoning blend.

Step 2: Mix and Coat the Wings Evenly

In a small bowl, whisk the brown sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Sprinkle this glorious mix over the wings, then toss thoroughly to coat every nook and cranny. Uniform coverage means every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Time to Air Fry – Crispy Perfection in Minutes

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Give the basket a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the wings in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for 7 minutes, then flip each wing and continue cooking for 6–8 minutes more until golden, crispy, and cooked through. Depending on your air fryer, you might want to check a little earlier or later—just keep an eye on that crispy color!

Step 4: Serve or Sauce – Your Call!

These wings are fantastic all on their own—no sauce needed, thanks to the dry rub. But if you’re like me, feel free to toss them in buffalo sauce or your favorite BBQ blend with a hint of sriracha for an extra kick. Serve them right off the air fryer basket for maximum crunch.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe over the top. These tips helped me avoid soggy wings and bland seasoning, so I’m happy to pass them along.

Dry Thoroughly: Never skip drying the wings well—it’s the number one factor for maximum crispiness.
Baking Powder vs Baking Soda: Use baking powder here, never baking soda; it’s the powder that creates the bubbly crispening effect.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Airflow is key, so cook in batches if needed to let hot air crisp every wing evenly.
Flip at Midpoint: Turn the wings halfway through cooking to brown and crisp both sides evenly.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

crispy chicken wings - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh garnishes that add a pop of color and brightness—a sprinkle of chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or even a few dashes of flaky sea salt. Sometimes, I squeeze a wedge of lemon over the wings just before serving to brighten the flavors. It’s a simple finishing touch that really lifts the dish.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with these wings are crunchy celery sticks and creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. For a heartier meal, I’ll serve them alongside crispy air fryer fries or a crisp coleslaw—it balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or parties, I like to stack the wings on a fun tiered platter with small bowls of different sauces around—ranch, honey mustard, spicy buffalo, and garlic parmesan. It turns a simple snack into a crowd-pleasing feast that everyone loves grabbing from.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover wings store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always cool them completely before sealing the container to avoid sogginess. When reheating, you’ll want to bring back that crisp.

Freezing

I’ve had good luck freezing cooked wings wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and then placed in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep them crispy, I reheat wings in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method revives that crunch much better than microwaving, which tends to make wings soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the wings dry before seasoning and air frying. This helps ensure the wings get crispy instead of steaming.

Why does the recipe call for baking powder?

Baking powder changes the pH on the chicken skin which helps break down proteins, creating a crispier and more golden wing skin when cooked.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely. Just cook the wings in batches so they have plenty of space in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding leads to less crispy wings.

How do I make buffalo sauce to toss with these wings?

A simple buffalo sauce is made by melting butter and mixing it with hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot, adjusting to your preferred heat level. Toss the cooked wings in the sauce just before serving for classic buffalo flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe has become my trusted go-to, especially when craving a snack that's both crispy and packed with flavor without the hassle of frying. I’m confident you’ll enjoy the process and the taste as much as I do. Once you get the hang of the steps, you’ll crave these wings just as often as I do—and that’s saying a lot!