Introduction

These crispy air fryer chicken wings are a perfect snack or appetizer, boasting a flavorful spice blend and an irresistible crunch. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re easy to make and endlessly customizable to suit your taste.

A white plate is full of grilled chicken wings, stacked in layers showing a brown, crispy, and slightly charred texture with green parsley sprinkled on top. On one side, there are bright orange carrot sticks and light green celery sticks placed in neat rows. Next to the vegetables is a small wooden bowl filled with white dipping sauce, also sprinkled with parsley. The plate sits on a wooden board with a bowl of chopped green herbs in the background, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (air fryer mode).
Step 2: Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels to ensure they get crispy. Place them in a large bowl.
Step 3: Drizzle the olive oil over the wings and toss to coat. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the wings and stir until they are evenly coated.
Step 4: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the wings in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 7 minutes, then flip the wings and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve the wings plain or toss with your favorite sauce, like buffalo or BBQ with a hint of sriracha. They’re also great with dipping sauces like ranch.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, make sure the wings are fully dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Try swapping smoked paprika for cayenne if you prefer a spicier kick.
Use different sauces like honey garlic or teriyaki to switch up the flavor profile.
Adding baking powder helps create a crispier skin without frying.

Storage

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness without drying them out.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a wooden bowl filled with creamy white ranch dressing sprinkled with green herbs, with a shiny, reddish-brown grilled chicken wing dipped into the sauce. Surrounding the bowl is a white plate holding several similar spicy chicken wings with a glossy, charred surface and scattered green herbs on top. On the plate’s side are fresh light green celery sticks and orange carrot sticks. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background that highlights the rich colors and textures of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these wings instead of air frying?

Yes, bake the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet at 425°F for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping.

Why is baking powder added to the seasoning?

Baking powder helps break down the skin’s proteins, allowing it to crisp up more effectively in the air fryer or oven without adding extra oil.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Spicy Rub Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 88 reviews

Crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken wings coated in a delicious blend of spices, perfect for a quick snack or game day treat. This recipe uses baking powder to achieve the ultimate crispiness without deep frying, making it a healthier alternative with minimal cleanup.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Wings

2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats

Coating

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F in air fryer mode to get it ready for cooking the wings.
Dry Wings: Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This step is crucial to ensure the wings become crispy during cooking. Transfer the dried wings to a large bowl.
Coat the Wings: Drizzle the olive oil over the wings and toss them to coat evenly. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this spice mixture onto the wings, stirring continuously until all wings are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Air Fry the Wings: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the wings in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding; cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 7 minutes, then flip each wing over and continue cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Serve the wings plain or with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, buffalo sauce, or a spicy BBQ sauce with sriracha. Enjoy them hot for the best taste and texture.

Notes

Patting the wings dry is essential for crispiness.
You can toss the cooked wings in your favorite sauce or enjoy them plain.
Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which helps ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Use baking powder, not baking soda, to achieve a crispy skin without altering the flavor.
For extra flavor, marinate the wings in the seasoning mix for up to 1 hour before air frying.

Keywords: chicken wings, air fryer chicken wings, crispy chicken wings, appetizer, snack, party food, easy wings recipe