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An extreme close-up of a perfectly crispy golden brown air fryer chicken wing, highlighting the crunchy texture of the skin.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy, Super Easy!)

The ultimate guide to making perfectly crispy and juicy Air Fryer Chicken Wings. This foolproof recipe uses a secret ingredient for the best crunch every time, ready in about 30 minutes!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Wings
  • 2 lbs chicken wings split into drumettes and flats, patted dry
  • 1 tbsp baking powder aluminum-free recommended
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • Olive oil spray for the air fryer basket

Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer
  • 1 Large Bowl
  • 1 Tongs

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, whisk together the baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the dry wings to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the wings in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.
  3. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C). Continue to cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, flipping once more, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  4. Remove the wings from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute. Serve them as is or toss them in your favorite sauce immediately before serving.

Notes

Do Not Overcrowd: For the crispiest wings, always cook in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary.
Baking Powder is Key: Do not substitute with baking soda. Aluminum-free baking powder prevents any metallic aftertaste.
Sauce After Cooking: To maintain maximum crispiness, only toss the wings in sauce right before you plan to serve them.