Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crisp chicken wings are a favourite for good reason: rich, juicy meat, savoury seasoning and skin that turns blistered and deeply browned when cooked properly. In this air fryer version, a dry surface and a light coating of baking powder help the skin crisp without deep-frying, while garlic, salt and black pepper keep the flavour straightforward and crowd-pleasing. Cooking at 200°C (390°F) gives fast, even browning, making these wings a practical option for dinner, game-day snacks or sharing with dips and simple sides.
Cuisine style American-style chicken wings
Cooking style Minimal cleanup • Crowd-friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Crisp skin: Drying the wings well and adding baking powder helps the skin blister and brown in the circulating air.
  • Fast active prep: The seasoning is mixed directly onto the wings, keeping hands-on work short before the air fryer takes over.
  • Simple seasoning: Salt, pepper and garlic give the wings a savoury base that works with a wide range of dips and sauces.

Get the most out of this recipe

Texture tips

  • For crisper wings: Pat the wings very dry before seasoning and keep them in a single layer so hot air can reach the skin evenly.
  • Avoid steam in the basket: Crowding traps moisture around the wings, so cook in batches if needed rather than stacking or overlapping them.

Common mistakes

  • Overfilling the air fryer: Too many wings in the basket prevents browning and gives a softer finish. Leave space between pieces.
  • Stopping too soon: The wings should be deeply browned, piping hot throughout and release clear juices when pierced at the thickest part.
  • Skipping the flip: Turning the wings partway through helps both sides brown evenly and keeps the skin from crisping on only one side.

Ingredient notes

  • Use baking powder, not bicarbonate of soda: Baking powder supports browning without giving the harsh flavour that bicarbonate of soda can leave behind.
  • Dry skin matters: Moisture on the surface slows browning, so blot the wings thoroughly before adding the seasoning.

Make-ahead tips

  • Reheat for crispness: Reheat chilled wings in the air fryer at 190°C (375°F) until piping hot and crisp again.
  • Freezing leftovers: Cooked wings can be frozen once cooled, then defrosted overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Pat the wings very dry with kitchen paper, then tip into a large bowl. Add the baking powder, fine sea salt, black pepper and ground garlic, and toss until evenly coated. Drizzle in the olive oil and toss again.
  2. Heat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 3 minutes. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between them. Air-fry for 10 minutes.
  3. Flip the wings with tongs and air-fry for a further 12 to 18 minutes, until deeply browned and crisp and the juices run clear when the thickest part is pierced. If needed, cook in 2 batches to avoid crowding. Serve straight away while hot.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Dry wings crisp better: take an extra minute to pat them thoroughly dry before seasoning.
  • Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches so hot air can circulate and the skin can blister.
  • For food safety, ensure the wings are piping hot throughout before serving.

Substitutions

  • Replace olive oil with vegetable oil for a more neutral flavour.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 6 to 10 minutes until piping hot and crisp again. Freeze for up to 2 months; defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 40min (10min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: American
Beginner friendly One pot Freezer friendly Kid friendly

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