5 Steps: Best Way to Make Chicken Wings in Air Fryer Crispy
Some of my favorite childhood memories were made standing on a step stool, peeking over the kitchen counter while my mom worked her magic with a skillet or roasting pan. She could turn even the simplest ingredients into something that felt like a hug on a plate. Chicken wings? Oh, those were a special occasion dish. Crispy, saucy, devoured within minutes by the whole family.
After losing her, I found myself clinging to those little rituals the smell of sizzling chicken, the way she’d season everything by feel, never measuring. Cooking became my therapy, my way of keeping her close. And while I don’t fry the way she used to (hello, air fryer!), I still chase that same feeling: warmth, comfort, and the kind of food that makes you feel at home.
That’s how I discovered the best way to make chicken wings in the air fryer. It’s not just about conveniencethough, yes, it saves time and cleanup it’s about recreating the joy of those family moments in a way that fits our busy lives today.
If you’ve ever wanted wings that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and so easy they basically make themselves this recipe is for you.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe for the Best Way to Make Chicken Wings in Air Fryer
Let’s be real life is busy. And when you want big flavor without a big mess, the air fryer is basically your best friend. This recipe:
- Takes minimal prep
- Uses pantry staples
- Gives you that crave-worthy crispy skin without deep frying
No babysitting a bubbling pot of oil or setting off your smoke alarm just crispy, juicy goodness in under 30 minutes. It’s a win-win for busy moms, working women, and anyone who just wants dinner to come with less clean-up and more flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need (The Best Way to Make Chicken Wings in the Air Frye)
Here’s what goes into making the crispiest, The Best Way to Make Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer:
- Chicken wings: (party-style, split at the joint, tips removed)
- Neutral oil: I use avocado oil, but canola or vegetable oil work just fine
- Kosher salt:
- White pepper: It’s a pantry staple in my house. Milder than black pepper, so if you’re subbing, start small and taste as you go!
- Baking powder: The secret weapon! This helps the skin get that snap raising the pH level and creating tiny air bubbles for ultra crispiness.
Step-by-Step: The Best Way to Make Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
1. Dry those wings! Start by patting the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial—moisture is the enemy of crisp skin.
2. Coat with baking powder + seasoning In a large bowl, toss the wings with about 1 tbsp baking powder (not baking soda!), kosher salt, and white pepper. Drizzle with a bit of neutral oil and toss again to coat.
3. Preheat your air fryer Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. Just like an oven, it works better when it’s hot from the start.
4. Cook the wings in batches Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd give them space to crisp up! Cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Depending on your air fryer model and wing size, you may want to check at the 18-minute mark.
5. Rest & serve Once they’re beautifully golden and crisp, let them rest for a few minutes. Serve as is or toss them in your favorite sauce (buffalo, honey garlic, BBQ you do you!).
Sarah’s Little Wing Secret
When I first started using the air fryer, I was skeptical could it really replace that deep-fried texture I grew up watching my mom create? Turns out, with a little baking powder and some airflow magic, these wings bring all the crunch with none of the grease.
Now, it’s my go-to for game nights and Friday dinners. My kids devour them, and I don’t have to stand over a stovetop all night. That’s a major mom win in my book.
Air Fryer Wing Tips (The Best Way to Make Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer)
- Baking powder, not soda! I know I already said it, but it bears repeating. Baking soda will taste metallic. Yuck.
- No wet sauces before air frying – If you’re saucing your wings, wait until after they cook. A pre-sauce = soggy wings.
- Crispier finish? Let the wings sit uncovered in the fridge for an hour before cooking to dry out the skin more.
FAQs: The Best Way to Make Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them very dry before seasoning. Moisture = soggy.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. To reheat, toss them back in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes at 375°F. They’ll crisp right back up.
What sauce should I use?
Totally up to you! Try this Best Air Fryer Chicken Wing Recipes for Crispy
Every crispy bite of these wings brings me back to my mom’s kitchen where love was ladled out alongside every dish. Now, with a little help from my air fryer, I get to carry on that tradition in a way that fits my busy life and yours, too.
So next time you’re wondering what’s for dinner, remember: the best way to make chicken wings in the air fryer is just 25 minutes away.
Want more air fryer magic? Don’t miss The Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings Crispy, & Zesty. They’re weeknight heroes!
Crispy Every Time: The Best Way to Make Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
Equipment
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings party-style, split at joints, tips removed
- 1 tbsp baking powder not baking soda!
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp white pepper or black pepper as substitute
- 1 tbsp neutral oil e.g. avocado, canola, or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Pat chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Removing moisture is key for crispy skin.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss wings with baking powder, kosher salt, and white pepper. Drizzle with oil and toss again until evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness at the 18-minute mark.
- Remove from air fryer and let rest for a few minutes. Serve as-is or toss in your favorite sauce.
