Print

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

Close-up of crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings coated in a thick, glossy sauce on a white plate.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make crispy BBQ chicken wings quickly in your air fryer with this simple, step-by-step recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings (separated into drumettes and flats)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels. This step is key for crispiness.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss the dry wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
  4. Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Air fry for 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.
  6. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Remove the wings from the air fryer and immediately place them in a clean bowl.
  8. Pour the BBQ sauce over the hot wings and toss gently to coat them completely.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Using baking powder helps draw moisture from the skin, resulting in a crispier finish.
  • Do not apply the BBQ sauce until the wings are fully cooked; applying it too early causes the sauce to burn.
  • For the best results, cook bone-in wings rather than boneless pieces.
  • If your wings are very large, you may need to add 2-3 minutes to the initial cooking time.

Nutrition