Air Fryer Chicken Wings are crispy, flavorful wings seasoned with a perfect blend of spices and tossed in creamy buffalo sauce for the ultimate game day snack or as an easy weeknight dinner. These air-fried wings come out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside without the mess and calories of deep frying.
These wings are perfect for game day parties, family gatherings, or any time you're craving restaurant-quality wings at home. With only 10 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes in the air fryer, you can have crowd-pleasing wings ready to serve. The air fryer method means less oil, easier cleanup, and you can make multiple batches quickly to feed a hungry crowd.
The combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a flavorful dry rub that seasons the wings beautifully before they're tossed in tangy buffalo sauce. Whether you're serving them for Super Bowl Sunday or just a weeknight dinner, these wings are guaranteed to disappear fast.
If you like other easy chicken appetizers that can be meals try these crack chicken roll ups or these buffalo chicken celery sticks.
Ingredients
- Chicken wings
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Creamy buffalo sauce
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Make perfectly crispy air fryer chicken wings with these easy steps.
Preparation: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees. Spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray.
Step one: In a small bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder. Mix well. Set aside.
Step two: If needed, cut the chicken wings. Discard the wing tips and separate out the drums from the flats. With paper towels, pat dry the chicken.
Step three: Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken and toss to coat well.
Step four: Place the chicken wings in the basket, leaving about ½ - 1 inch between pieces. Cook flats separate from the drums as their size difference makes different cooking times. Cook in batches.
Step five: Cook flats for 15 minutes, flip and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Cook drums for about 18 minutes, flip and cook for an additional 15-18 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
Step six: Place in a bowl and toss with the creamy buffalo sauce. Garnish with parsley to serve, if desired.
Hint: The baking powder is essential for achieving that crispy, restaurant-quality skin - don't skip it or substitute with baking soda. The baking powder raises the pH of the skin, allowing it to brown and crisp up better in the air fryer. Make sure you're using baking powder, not baking soda, as they're different products.
Recipe Tips for Success
- Make sure to thoroughly pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before seasoning - this is one of the most important steps for crispy wings. Any excess moisture on the skin will steam instead of crisp in the air fryer, resulting in soggy wings. Take your time with this step and don't rush it, even if it means using several paper towels to get them completely dry.
Storage
Chicken wings should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat prior to serving.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 4 lb chicken wings separated between flats and drums
- 2 t baking powder
- 2 t salt
- 1 t black pepper
- 1 t smoked paprika
- 1 t garlic powder
- 1 t onion powder
- 1 c creamy buffalo sauce Red Hot or similar brand
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees. Spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder. Mix well. Set aside.
- If needed, cut the chicken wings. Discard the wing tips and separate out the drums from the flats.
- With paper towels, pat dry the chicken.
- Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken and toss to coat well.
- Place the chicken wings in the basket, leaving about ½ - 1 inch between pieces. Cook flats separate from the drums as their size difference makes different cooking times. Cook in batches.
- Cook flats for 15 minutes, flip and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Cook drums for about 18 minutes, flip and cook for an additional 15-18 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
- Place in a bowl and toss with the creamy buffalo sauce.
- Garnish with parsley to serve, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is just an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
