Print

The Ultimate Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Juicy in 30 Minutes)

A close-up of a pile of dark, seasoned, and crispy air fryer chicken wings on a white plate.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make restaurant-quality, perfectly crunchy chicken wings in your air fryer. This simple recipe uses a secret technique for extra crispy skin while keeping the inside juicy, all in under 30 minutes with minimal oil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats separated)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free for best results)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels. This step is key for crispiness.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Mix the dry rub thoroughly.
  3. Add the dried chicken wings to the bowl. Toss well until every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  5. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry for 20 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time.
  7. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C). Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the wings are deep golden brown and extra crispy.
  8. Remove the wings from the air fryer. Toss immediately in your favorite sauce, or serve plain with dipping sauces.

Notes

  • Using baking powder helps dry out the skin surface, leading to a superior crunch without deep frying.
  • For the juiciest inside, do not skip drying the wings thoroughly before seasoning.
  • If you plan to sauce the wings, toss them immediately after they come out of the air fryer while they are still hot.

Nutrition