Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe

Ingredients

The Chicken & Dry Rub Base

• 2 lbs (900g) Fresh chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes, tips removed)
• 1 tbsp Aluminum-free baking powder ( Crucial secret ingredient—do NOT use baking soda )
• 1 tsp Fine sea salt or Kosher salt
• ½ tsp Freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika (for flavor and deep amber color)
• 1 tbsp Neutral cooking oil (avocado oil or light olive oil; optional, but helps spices adhere)

Classic Buffalo Toss (Optional Finishing Sauce)

• ¼ cup Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce (or favorite hot sauce)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp Pure honey or maple syrup (balances acidity)

Instructions

1. Thoroughly Dry the Wings Moisture is the absolute enemy of crispiness. Unpack the chicken wings and pat them completely dry on all sides using paper towels. If you have time, place them uncovered on a wire rack in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours before cooking to dry the skin out further.
2. Coat with Baking Powder and Seasonings In a small bowl, mix together the baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Place the dry wings into a large bowl, drizzle lightly with cooking oil, and sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over them. Toss until every wing is lightly and uniformly coated.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating ensures immediate, even heat execution the second the chicken touches the basket.
4. Arrange in a Single Layer Arrange the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket skin-side up. Do not overcrowd the basket or stack the wings. Air needs space to circulate around every piece. Cook in two separate batches if your air fryer basket is compact.
5. Phase 1 & Phase 2: Low-Heat Render (360°F / 182°C) Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 12 minutes .
6. Open the basket, flip all the wings using tongs, and air fry for an additional 8 minutes .
7. Phase 3: High-Heat Crisp (400°F / 204°C)
8. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) . Air fry for 3 to 5 minutes , keeping a close eye on them until the skin turns deep golden-brown, puffed, and noticeably crispy.
9. Rest and Sauce
10. Transfer the wings to a wire rack or clean bowl and let them rest for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the internal juices to redistribute without making the skin soggy. Whisk the melted butter, hot sauce, and honey together in a bowl, add the hot wings, and gently toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 310 kcal · Protein: 28 g · Fat: 21 g · Carbohydrates: 1 g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 5.5 g · Fiber: 0.2 g · Sugar: 0 g · Sodium: 580 mg