There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into perfectly golden, crunchy skin with tender, juicy meat inside—that’s exactly what this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe delivers every single time. These wings boast a delightfully crisp texture without the mess of frying, and the flavor-packed dry rub is an absolute game-changer.

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 quickly became a go-to favorite. It’s straightforward, fast, and the wings turn out crispy every time, which makes sharing it with friends all the more rewarding.

Easy crispiness: The baking powder and air fryer combo lock in an unbeatable crisp without deep-frying.
Flavor-packed: A simple, smoky-spiced dry rub brings tons of flavor with minimal effort.
Versatile finishing: Eat them plain or toss in your favorite sauce—from classic buffalo to spicy BBQ.
Quick turnaround: From prep to plate in about 40 minutes—perfect for an easy weeknight or game-day treat.

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

The magic here is combining just a handful of pantry staples that complement each other wonderfully to create the crispy, flavorful wings you crave. Every ingredient has a purpose, and together, they bring the ultimate taste and texture balance.

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 (drumettes and flats): Separating them helps the heat circulate evenly for maximum crispiness.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and gives a bit of golden color.
Brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the smoky and spicy notes.
Baking powder: The secret to crispy skin—reacts with the wing's surface to create a crunchy texture in the air fryer.
Garlic powder: Brings warm, savory depth.
Onion powder: Adds subtle umami richness.
Smoked paprika: Infuses the wings with a smoky flavor without needing a grill.
Chili powder: Gives a gentle heat to wake up your taste buds without overpowering.
Salt and pepper: Necessary for seasoning and enhancing all the other spices.

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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

I love how versatile this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe is because you can tailor the spice level and flavors to your mood or season. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different rubs or dipping sauces to make it totally your own.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is adding a bit of cayenne to the rub for an extra kick—perfect when I'm craving heat.
Dietary modification: For a lower sodium option, reduce the salt slightly and serve with a fresh lemon wedge to brighten flavors.
Seasonal change: Swap smoked paprika for curry powder during colder months—it adds cozy warmth that’s delicious with these crispy wings.

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

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Wings

Start by setting your air fryer to 400°F—it usually takes about 5 minutes to preheat. Meanwhile, pat your chicken wings completely dry with paper towels; this is honestly the most important part to get them crispy. I always double-check for any moisture because soggy wings just won’t crisp up the same.

Step 2: Coat Those Wings

Toss your dried wings in olive oil—this helps everything stick. Next, whisk together brown sugar, baking powder, and all the spices in a small bowl. Sprinkle this dry rub over the wings and stir well until each piece is evenly coated. This rub is the flavor powerhouse here, so be generous for the best results.

Step 3: Air Fry in Batches

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray—this helps prevent sticking and keeps the wings crispy. Arrange the wings in a single layer with space between them, then cook for 7 minutes. Flip the wings over and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and crisp. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to do this in two batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

These wings are fantastic as-is, but you can also toss them in your favorite sauces—my go-to is homemade buffalo sauce or a mix of BBQ sauce with a splash of sriracha. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor experience.

Top Tip

This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe has won me over because of a few simple hacks that made all the difference—once you get these down, your wings will be next-level every time.

Pat Dry Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. I can’t stress enough how drying your wings completely before seasoning makes the skin crackle and crisp.
Don’t Skip Baking Powder: Not to be confused with baking soda, baking powder reacts with the chicken skin for that crave-worthy crunch. It’s a game-changer I always include now.
Single Layer Cooking: Air needs to circulate freely, so avoid stacking wings or crowding the basket. If your wings aren’t crisping, chances are they’re too close together.
Flip ‘Em Halfway: Flipping midway through ensures even browning and crispness on all sides—don’t skip this step!

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

crispy chicken wings - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a vibrant pop of color and a fresh taste contrast. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice before serving brightens the whole dish, too. For some heat lovers, thinly sliced jalapeños add a welcome zing.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to serve with these wings are classic celery sticks and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dip. Crispy fries or a light coleslaw also pair nicely and balance the spices with cool creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game day, I sometimes lay the wings out on a big platter lined with parchment, surrounded by colorful dipping bowls. Another fun idea is stacking wings on a wooden board layered with fresh herbs and citrus wedges—it makes the table look inviting and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, I place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture—simple, but it really works to keep that crispness intact for reheating.

Freezing

These wings freeze well if you want to prep ahead. Just freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag after they’re solid. They keep their texture and flavor for up to 3 months—great for quick snacks or last-minute meals.

Reheating

I find reheating leftover wings in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes restores their crispiness better than the oven or microwave. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out, and they'll taste almost as good as fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe without baking powder?

Baking powder is key to achieving that extra-crispy skin in this recipe. Using baking soda won’t provide the same effect, and skipping it will likely result in less crunchy wings. If you don’t have baking powder, consider waiting to get some—you won’t regret it!

How do I know when the wings are fully cooked?

Look for golden brown, crispy skin and an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the wing. A meat thermometer is your best friend here to ensure safety without overcooking. Also, the meat should easily pull away from the bone.

Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed wings for this Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe to ensure even cooking and proper crisping. If you only have frozen wings, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before starting the recipe to get the best results.

What sauces pair best with these air fryer wings?

This recipe is delicious on its own thanks to the dry rub, but it pairs perfectly with classic buffalo sauce, tangy BBQ, creamy ranch, or blue cheese dressing. You can also get creative with garlic parmesan or spicy honey mustard for a different flavor twist.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe have become my trusted way to make wings that everyone—from kids to wing connoisseurs—raves about. They’re ridiculously simple, quick, and deliver that crave-worthy crunch without the fuss or mess of traditional frying. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself making them again and again for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime comfort food calls your name.