Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are easy to make and cook fast. They need little oil but still turn out crunchy. The air fryer helps them crisp up without deep frying. You can season them in different ways to match your taste. These wings are great for snacks, parties, or a quick meal.

Air fryer chicken wings are a simple way to enjoy crispy wings without the hassle of deep frying. They cook quickly with less mess and still get a great crunch. The air fryer circulates hot air around the wings, making them crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside. Whether for a quick snack or a game-day treat, these wings are an easy and tasty choice.
For more easy recipes try my Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Spicy Ginger Soy Glaze and The Best Air Fried Skinless Chicken Thighs.

INGREDIENTS
- Chicken Wings: I use chicken wings with the skin on, including both flats and drumettes, because they crisp up perfectly in the air fryer. You can use either or a mix of both.
- Oil: Just a tablespoon of oil is enough to help the seasoning stick and enhance the crispiness. Any cooking oil works, so use whatever you have on hand.
- Smoked Paprika: I like to add smoked paprika for a deep, smoky flavor, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika works just fine.
- Garlic powder adds a nice savory touch to the wings without being overpowering.
- Baking Powder: A key trick for extra crispy skin. It raises the pH level of the chicken, helping the skin become super crispy. Be sure to use aluminum-free baking powder, and just a tablespoon is enough.
- Salt &black pepper: For seasoning, I use salt to taste and black pepper, usually about ½ teaspoon, but you can adjust it to your liking.
HOW TO MAKE EXTRA CRISPY AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS
- Prepare the Wings: Start by cutting the chicken wings into flats and drumettes if they are not pre-cut. Pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crispier texture. Drizzle a small amount of oil over the wings and toss them to coat evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. This ensures the wings start cooking immediately, helping them crisp up faster.
- Season the Wings: In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and baking powder. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the wings, making sure to coat them well on all sides for the best flavor and crispiness.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the wings are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Serve them as they are or toss them in your favorite wing sauce before serving. Enjoy hot!
Helpful tips
- Pat the Wings Dry: Removing excess moisture is key to getting extra crispy skin. Use a paper towel to dry them thoroughly before seasoning.
- Use Baking Powder (Not Baking Soda): Baking powder helps create a crispy texture, but make sure it’s aluminum-free to avoid any aftertaste.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Arrange the wings in a single layer with some space between them to allow proper air circulation. Cook in batches if needed.
- Flip Halfway Through: Turning the wings ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Air fryer models vary, so check for doneness around the 15-minute mark and cook longer if needed. The wings should be golden brown and crispy.
- Serve Immediately: These wings are best enjoyed hot and fresh. If making ahead, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
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RECIPE VIDEO

Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. This ensures the wings start cooking immediately, helping them crisp up faster.
- Cut the chicken wings into flats and drumettes if they are not pre-cut. Pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crispier texture. Drizzle a small amount of oil over the wings and toss them to coat evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and baking powder. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the wings, making sure to coat them well on all sides for the best flavor and crispiness.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
- Once the wings are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Serve them as they are or toss them in your favorite wing sauce before serving. Enjoy hot!
Video

Notes
- Pat the Wings Dry: Removing excess moisture is key to getting extra crispy skin. Use a paper towel to dry them thoroughly before seasoning.
- Use Baking Powder (Not Baking Soda): Baking powder helps create a crispy texture, but make sure it’s aluminum-free to avoid any aftertaste.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Arrange the wings in a single layer with some space between them to allow proper air circulation. Cook in batches if needed.
- Flip Halfway Through: Turning the wings ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Air fryer models vary, so check for doneness around the 15-minute mark and cook longer if needed. The wings should be golden brown and crispy.
- Check for Doneness with a Thermometer: The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked wings.
Susan says
Superb recipe