Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Super Crispy)

Last Updated on September 27, 2025 by Soul Food Cooking

I love chicken wings and the crispier the better. The Air fryer is a great way to cook chicken wings without all the unhealthy oil from deep-frying. This recipe for air fryer chicken wings is super crispy, it’s an easy to follow recipe and it produces delicious, juicy and crispy wings. These wings are perfect for a game day snack or appetizer.

It only take a few ingredients to achieve crispy air fryer wings. The key ingredient is baking powder. The flavor of these wings are delicious. They are seasoned to perfection with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and paprika. The best part is there is no oil required. This is sure to become your go to recipe for chicken wings.

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How to Make Air Fryer Wings Crispy

My secret to making air fry chicken wings crispy is Baking powder. When properly used, it interacts with the chicken’s surface to promote a golden, crunchy crust. Baking powder reduces the moisture on the surface of the chicken which allow for better browning resulting in crispier

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Chicken Wings – For this recipe both the flats and drumettes are used.
Baking Powder – Baking Powder dries out the chicken skin, making it crispier in the air fryer.
Paprika – Adds mild spice and a rich red color with a slightly smoky flavor.
Garlic Powder – Enhances the wings with a savory, aromatic depth.
Black Pepper – Adds a subtle heat and pungent flavor.
Salt – Salt brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and seasonings.

Substitutions

This is a simple recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken. This recipe can used for skin on chicken breast, legs or thighs. If you don’t have baking powder you may substitute with cornstarch. Choose seasoning that suit your preference. You can add to or replace any seasoning. To add boldness smoke paprika, thyme or rosemary may be an option. If you like your wings a little spicy you can add cayenne pepper, creole seasoning or cajun seasoning to give the chicken wings a little extra kick.

What You Will Need

• Air Fryer (I am using a Ninja Air Fryer)
• Mixing Bowl
• Cooking Utensils

Watch the Video (Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings)

Instructions for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Step 1: Season the Chicken Wings

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F. For this recipe I am using a Ninja air fryer.

In a small bowl, create your dry rub by combining the baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until all the ingredient are well combined.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Make sure your wings have been cleaned and thoroughly dried with a paper towel to remove the excess moisture. In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings in the seasoning mixture. Ensure that each wing has been evenly coated with your spices.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Place the chicken inside the Air Fryer in small batches in a single layer then set the air fryer temperature to 390. Cook for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes increase the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees then cook for an additional 10 minutes.

An Air fryer is a great way to cook chicken wings without all the added fat and calories you get when deep-frying. What makes these chicken wings so crispy when cooked in the air fryer? The secret is simply sprinkling them with baking powder.

Coating the chicken wings with the baking powder before placing them in the air fryer helps to create a crispy crust on the outside of the wings once cooked. Baking powder is alkaline, and when it reacts with the proteins in the skin of the chicken, it creates carbon dioxide bubbles. These bubbles help to raise the skin, making the chicken crispy and airy.

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Wings

• Make sure to pat the chicken wings dry before coating them in the seasoning mixture. This will help remove the moisture and the skin crisp up better.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you have too many chicken wings, they won’t cook evenly.
• Air fry in batches if necessary.
• If you want extra crispy wings, after the initial 20 minutes of cooking, increase your fryer’ temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

What to eat with Air Fryer Chicken Wings?

Air fryer wings are versatile and pair well with various side and dips. Here are some tasty options to accompany your crispy wings:

1. Potato Salad adds a creamy contrast to these crispy wingettes.
2. Pair them with your favorite wing sauce. Buffalo Sauce, Bbq Sauce, Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese Dressing are classic dips that enhances the taste of your chicken.
3. Hot Sauce and chicken wings go hand and hand if you are looking for a slight kick.
4. Celery Sticks are great with wings and any dressing or your favorite sauce.
5. Macaroni Salad or a fresh garden salad compliment the crispy wings well for a light summer lunch.

What to Do With Leftover Air Fryer Wings

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Storing Instructions:
If you happen to have leftovers, let the wings cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess. Place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them: arrange wings in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions:
To maintain their crispiness, reheat the wings in the air fryer:

• From the refrigerator: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Arrange wings in a single layer and heat for 5–7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• From frozen: Preheat to 360°F and heat wings for 10–12 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway, until hot and crispy.
• These wings can also be reheated in a conventional oven at 375°F for 12 minutes.

Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the skin soft rather than crispy.