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Close-up shot of several golden-brown, visibly crispy chicken wings, cooked in an Air Fryer, seasoned with a dry rub and served on a white plate. The skin has a perfect crunchy texture.

Ultra-Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crispy, golden chicken wings made in the Air Fryer — perfectly seasoned, oil-free, and unbelievably crunchy. The ultimate game day snack!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cuisine American
Servings 6 as an appetizer
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Crispy Wings:
  • 3 lbs approx. 20–24 chicken wings (drumettes and flats), patted very dry
  • 1 Tbsp baking powder aluminum-free, crucial for crispiness
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Prep & Season: Pat wings completely dry with paper towels — this is key to crispiness. In a large bowl, mix baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and pepper.
  • Coat: Add the wings and toss until they’re evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
  • Preheat: Heat your Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • Air Fry: Arrange wings in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd). Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Serve: Once golden and crisp, remove and enjoy plain or with your favorite dipping sauces!

Notes

Tips & Variations

Crispiness Tip: The baking powder is non-negotiable — it dries out the skin for that deep-fried crunch.
Spice It Up: Swap smoked paprika for cayenne or chili powder for heat.
Prep Ahead: Season wings up to 24 hours ahead. Leave them uncovered in the fridge to dry the skin even more.
Sauce Lovers: Toss wings in Buffalo, honey garlic, or BBQ sauce after cooking for extra flavor.

Storage

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Pop them back into the Air Fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
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