Achieve restaurant-quality crispy chicken wings in your air fryer without deep-frying. This simple technique using baking powder guarantees a crunchy exterior and juicy interior every time.
Author:leogrant
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:Air Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs chicken wings (flats and drumettes separated)
Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial for crispiness.
In a medium bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
Add the dried chicken wings to the bowl. If using oil, drizzle it over the wings now. Toss the wings thoroughly until they are evenly coated with the dry seasoning mixture.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
Arrange the wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
Cook the wings at 380°F (195°C) for 18 minutes.
After 18 minutes, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Carefully flip the wings.
Continue cooking at 400°F (200°C) for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the skin is deeply golden brown and very crispy.
Remove the wings from the air fryer. Toss immediately with your favorite sauce, such as buffalo or honey BBQ, or serve plain.
Notes
For the best results, ensure the wings are completely dry before seasoning. Moisture prevents crisping.
Do not skip the baking powder; it raises the pH level of the skin, helping it brown and crisp faster.
If you are tossing the wings in sauce, do this immediately after they come out of the air fryer to keep the exterior crunch intact for as long as possible.
If cooking from frozen, add 8-10 minutes to the total cook time and start at a lower temperature (360°F) before increasing.