My Secret for Crispy Chicken Wings
I love making air fryer chicken wings. They get so crispy without all the oil. My grandson says they taste just like a restaurant’s. I still laugh at that.
The secret is in the drying and the baking powder. Pat those wings very dry first. The baking powder makes the skin super crunchy. It’s a little trick I learned years ago.
Why This Recipe Matters to Me
This is a quick dinner recipe that feels special. You can make it on a busy weeknight. Or you can make a big batch for party appetizers. It brings everyone to the kitchen.
It also lets you control what you eat. These are healthy chicken wings because you use little oil. They are naturally gluten free wings, too. That matters when cooking for friends with different needs.
A Little Story & The Simple Steps
I once forgot to shake the basket halfway. One side was perfect, the other was shy. Now I set a timer! It’s an easy air fryer recipe, but that shake is important.
Just mix your spices with the baking powder. Toss the dry wings in it. Then cook them in one layer. Doesn’t that smell amazing while they cook? You will get perfect crispy chicken wings every time.
Who This Is Good For
This recipe is for everyone. It’s high protein chicken, which keeps you full. My neighbor follows Weight Watchers and loves these. They are also perfect keto chicken wings.
*Fun fact*: The baking powder changes the skin’s pH. This helps it crisp up like magic in the hot air. Science in the kitchen! Do you have a favorite kitchen science trick?
Your Turn in the Kitchen
I shared my way, but I want to hear yours. What is your go-to spice for chicken? Do you like them spicy or sweet? Tell me in the comments below.
And if you use the oven method, that’s okay too. Just pop them on a rack. The hot air needs to flow all around. What’s your favorite thing to serve with wings? Celery sticks or something else?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken wingettes and drumettes | 20 | |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon | or more to taste |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Sweet paprika | 1 teaspoon | |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Thyme | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Ground sage | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
Instructions
Step 1: First, dry your chicken wings with a paper towel. This is my secret for getting truly crispy chicken wings. No moisture means perfect crunch. I still laugh at that time I skipped this step. (Patting them dry is the most important step for success!)
Step 2: Now, mix all your spices and baking powder in a big bowl. Toss your wings in there until they’re coated like little treasures. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? This easy air fryer recipe makes gluten free wings so simple. Sweet paprika or smoky? Share below!
Step 3: Place wings in your air fryer basket in one layer. Cook them at 400°F. You must shake the basket halfway through. This makes them golden and crispy all over. These healthy chicken wings are a quick dinner recipe everyone loves.
Creative Twists
Lemon-Pepper Zing: Toss cooked wings with lemon zest and cracked pepper. Sticky Ginger-Garlic: Brush with a sugar-free glaze after cooking. Everything Bagel Dust: Roll them in seasoning for a fun crunch. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
These high protein chicken wings are perfect party appetizers. I love them with cool, creamy celery sticks and blue cheese dip. For a meal, a simple side salad is wonderful. These keto chicken wings are also Weight Watchers friendly. Which would you choose tonight?
Your Wings, Ready When You Are
Let’s talk about storing these tasty wings. First, let them cool completely. Then, pop them in a sealed container in the fridge. They will stay good for three days. You can also freeze them for a month. I remember my first big batch. I was so proud, I made enough for a week!
Batch cooking is a real time-saver. It means a quick dinner is always ready. This matters because life gets busy. Having good food ready helps you eat well. To reheat, use your air fryer at 380°F for a few minutes. This brings back the crunch. The oven works too, at 350°F until hot.
Have you ever tried storing wings this way? Share your tips below!
Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups
We all face little problems in the kitchen. First, wings not crispy? The secret is drying them first. Pat them very dry with a paper towel. I once skipped this step. My wings steamed instead of crisping! Second, seasoning not sticking? Toss wings in a bowl with the spices. This coats every piece evenly.
Third, wings sticking to the basket? Always give it a light spray of oil first. This matters because it builds your confidence. Fixing small issues makes cooking fun, not scary. It also matters for flavor. A crispy wing holds sauce better and tastes amazing. Good technique makes every bite perfect.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How long to cook wings in an air fryer?
Cook your air fryer chicken wings for 16 to 22 minutes. This depends on their size. Always cook at 400°F. Shake the basket halfway through. This ensures they cook evenly and become perfectly crispy chicken wings. It is a very quick dinner recipe. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What temperature should I cook chicken wings in an air fryer?
Set your air fryer to 400°F. This high heat is key. It makes the skin get crispy and golden. This temperature works for most easy air fryer recipes. It quickly renders the fat. This gives you a healthier chicken wing option. The result is a high protein chicken snack that feels indulgent.
How do you get chicken wings crispy in an air fryer?
The trick is to pat the wings completely dry first. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Then, use baking powder in your seasoning. *Fun fact: baking powder helps pull moisture to the surface.* This creates tiny bubbles for crunch. Finally, do not crowd the basket. Hot air needs to circulate around each wing to make them crispy.
Should you use baking powder on air fryer wings?
Yes, absolutely! Two teaspoons for this recipe is perfect. Baking powder is a magic ingredient. It is gluten free, which makes these gluten free wings. It reacts with the chicken skin. This creates an ultra-crispy, restaurant-style texture without deep frying. It is what makes these healthy chicken wings so delightfully crunchy. You will love the result.
What is the best seasoning for air fryer chicken wings?
The blend in this recipe is wonderful. It uses garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Herbs like oregano and thyme add depth. This mix is naturally gluten free and keto-friendly. For keto chicken wings, just check your baking powder label. You can also use just salt and pepper. Then toss in your favorite sauce after cooking.
How do you keep air fryer wings from drying out?
Do not overcook them. Check at the 16-minute mark. Cooking at the right high temperature (400°F) seals in juices fast. Also, the fat in the skin helps keep them moist. These are great Weight Watchers friendly and high protein chicken wings. Let them rest for a minute after cooking. This lets the juices settle back in.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this easy air fryer recipe. It is perfect for a quick dinner or party appetizers. Cooking should bring joy, not stress. These little wings are a simple way to create something delicious. I would love to hear about your cooking adventure.
Have you tried making these crispy chicken wings yet? Tell me all about it in the comments. Share your own twists and stories. I read every one.
Happy cooking!
—Marina Caldwell
Crispy Restaurant Style Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Description
Get incredibly crispy, restaurant-quality chicken wings right from your air fryer with this simple and flavorful recipe.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat the wings dry so there is no moisture. Spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- In a large bowl, season the wings with salt, spices and baking powder to coat well.
- Transfer the wings to the air fryer basket in a single layer, in batches as needed and air fry 400F 16 to 22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Notes
- Oven Method: Bake them on a rack 425°F for 45 minutes, flipping halfway.