Print

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Spicy Rub 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.

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

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F in air fryer mode to get it ready for cooking the wings.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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