Irresistible Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings: Sweet & Smoky!
There’s something magical about a plate of crispy, saucy chicken wings. But if you’re like me, the idea of deep-frying can feel like too much of a hassle (and a mess!). That’s where my air fryer comes in my kitchen superhero, transforming a simple batch of chicken wings into a sweet and smoky masterpiece without all the grease.
I still remember the first time I tried making these air fryer BBQ chicken wings. It was a rainy Saturday, and I wanted something comforting but without spending ages in the kitchen. A few spices, a brush of my favorite BBQ sauce, and just 20 minutes later, I had a plate full of crispy BBQ chicken wings that were absolutely irresistible. Even my picky eater niece couldn’t get enough!
If you love crispy chicken, you’ll also love our Best Air Fryer Chicken Recipes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Healthier Alternative: Enjoy crispy wings without the excess oil from deep-frying.
- Sweet & Smoky Flavor: The perfect balance of honey, spices, and a smoky BBQ sauce.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for game days, family dinners, or a quick snack.
These BBQ chicken wings are perfect alongside our Air Fryer Roasted Carrots.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup honey BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Use an Air Fryer to Make Recipes
Using an air fryer is a game changer in the kitchen. It’s not just for fries it’s your best friend for quick, healthy, and crispy dishes without the mess of deep-frying. To use your air fryer:
- Preheat: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding your ingredients. This ensures even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange food in a single layer for the crispiest results.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryers can vary, so always check for doneness a little earlier than a traditional oven recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with an Air Fryer
- Overcrowding the Basket: Air needs to circulate, so overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
- Skipping Preheating: Just like an oven, preheating is essential for even cooking.
- Using Too Much Oil: A light mist is enough; too much oil can cause smoke and soggy food.
- Not Cleaning Properly: Residue buildup can cause smoke and affect flavor.
- Setting the Wrong Temperature: Always follow recipe guidelines; too high can burn, too low can undercook.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Air fryers cook faster than ovens, so always monitor your food.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
- For Extra Crispiness: Pat the wings completely dry before seasoning.
- Perfect Seasoning: Marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Sticky BBQ Glaze: Toss wings in sauce and air fry again for 2-3 minutes for caramelization.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Larger wings may need 22-25 minutes, while smaller ones may cook in 15-18 minutes.
- Prevent Sauce Burn: Apply sauce only in the final minutes of cooking.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes to retain crispiness.
Want a spicy twist? Try our Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings (Detailed Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels. This helps them get crispy.
- If you have whole wings, separate them into flats and drumettes using a sharp knife.
Step 2: Season the Wings
- In a large bowl, add the chicken wings.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Use your hands to mix, ensuring every piece is well-coated with the seasoning.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Arrange and Cook
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
- Air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through for even cooking.
Step 5: Toss with BBQ Sauce
- Once the wings are golden and crispy, transfer them to a bowl.
- Add your honey BBQ sauce and toss until every wing is coated.
- For extra caramelization, air fry the coated wings for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
- Arrange the wings on a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, just increase the cooking time by 5-7 minutes and ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Q: Can I make these without honey?
Absolutely! You can use any sugar-free BBQ sauce for a lower-carb option.
Can I make these BBQ wings keto-friendly? Yes, just like our Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.
Why Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings Are a Must-Try
These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings are a game changer perfect for game day, family dinners, or even a quick weeknight treat. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without your air fryer!
Hungry for more air fryer chicken? Check out our Best Air Fryer Snacks Collection.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings separated into flats and drumettes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- Toss wings with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange wings in a single layer.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy.
- Brush with honey BBQ sauce and air fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve.
