Crispy, golden, and downright addictive, Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Wings are the easiest way to enjoy restaurant-style wings at home. With just a handful of pantry spices and no messy deep frying, these wings come out crunchy on the outside yet tender and juicy inside. Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or whenever you crave a savory bite, this recipe will become a household favorite in no time.
What makes them special is the double-step cooking method—first low and slow for juicy meat, then a final blast of heat for unbeatable crunch. Transitioning from stovetop to air fryer couldn’t be easier, and cleanup is a breeze since there’s no oil splatter.
Fun fact: chicken wings weren’t always so popular. In fact, before the famous Buffalo Wing craze of the 1960s, wings were often considered scraps! Today, they’re one of the most loved party foods, and this recipe proves why.
Once you try them, you’ll never order takeout wings again.
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
2 lb chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the air fryer:
Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
2. Season the wings:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with olive oil until fully coated. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Mix well so every piece is seasoned.
3. Arrange in the basket:
Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for proper air circulation. Cook in batches if needed.
4. Cook until crisp:
Air fry for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. After 25 minutes, increase heat to 400°F (200°C) and cook an additional 5 minutes for extra crispiness.
5. Rest and serve:
Transfer wings to a platter, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Overlapping wings will steam instead of crisp. Always cook in a single layer for best results.
- Shake halfway through: Shaking or flipping ensures even browning and prevents any side from becoming soggy.
- Crisp at the end: That final blast at 400°F gives restaurant-quality crunch without deep frying.
Also Popular
Oven Perfect Bacon
If you’ve ever wondered how to make bacon that’s perfectly crispy every time, look no further. Our Oven Perfect Bacon...
Country Fried Squash
If you’re craving a crispy, savory side dish that’s easy to make and loaded with flavor, look no further than...
Best 3-Ingredient Avocado Toast
Avocado toast has taken over breakfast menus everywhere, but why spend extra when you can make the Best 3-Ingredient Avocado...
Creamy Cottage Cheese Lasagna
Lasagna lovers, get ready for a creamy, cheesy twist on a classic favorite! This Creamy Cottage Cheese Lasagna is packed...
Boston Cream Pie
Boston Cream Pie is the kind of dessert that never goes out of style. With its soft, buttery sponge cake,...
Crispy Roasted Potatoes & Onions
There’s nothing quite like the perfectly crispy, golden-brown potatoes fresh from the oven. And when you add sweet, caramelized red...
Be the first to comment
Cooked it? 🍳 Loved it? ❤️ Changed it up? 🔄 Your opinion matters! Log in with Google or Facebook using the button below, share your foodie adventure, and let’s make cooking even more fun together! 🎉