These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a healthier version of your favourite restaurant wings and are perfect for game day.
If you’ve never made wings in the air fryer, this is your sign. They get super crispy without all the oil and they’re honestly just as good as your favourite takeout place. I love tossing them in a combo of buffalo and bbq sauce, but you can try them with whatever sauce you’re craving. They turn out perfect every time!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in no time with minimal prep and cleanup so they’re perfect for game day or busy weeknights.
- Healthier than fried: Get that classic crispy wing texture without deep frying, so you can enjoy your wings a little lighter.
- Better than takeout: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, just like your favourite wings spot!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Chicken wings – skinless wings will make the recipe healthier. You can also use boneless skinless chicken.
- Sour cream – plain Greek yogurt isn’t as tangy but will still taste great with the blue cheese dip.
- Blue cheese – you could also substitute for gorgonzola (another type of blue cheese) or feta.
- Buffalo sauce – you can make your own using hot sauce, garlic powder and butter with vinegar for extra tang.
- BBQ sauce – a combination of ketchup, light brown sugar, white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and paprika will give the same taste.
- Butter – swap out the melted butter for a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.
- Celery & carrot sticks – cut up your favourite veggies like bell peppers, cucumber or cauliflower.
How to make chicken wings in the air fryer
Step 1: Season the wings
Season the wings with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Arrange the wings
Add the wings to the basket of the air fryer.
Step 3: Air fry the wings
Air fry for 20 minutes, turning halfway.
Step 4: Prepare the sauce
Mix BBQ sauce and buffalo sauce and microwave.
Step 5: Coat the wings
Toss the wings in the sauce and coat well.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy!
Serve with veggies and blue cheese dip.
Recipe Tips and Variations
Here’s how you can ensure your air fryer wings turn out perfect every time and ways to customize your flavour cravings:
- Use baking powder: Toss the wings with a small amount of baking powder (not baking soda) to help achieve that golden, crispy texture.
- Preheat: Preheating your air fryer to 400°F ensures they cook evenly and get crispy.
- Flip halfway through: Turn the wings over halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Garlic parmesan wings: Toss with melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese after air frying.
- Asian-inspired wings: Use a mix of soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, and sesame oil for a flavourful glaze.
- Honey garlic wings: Coat the wings in a sticky honey garlic glaze for a sweet-savory twist.
- Korean-inspired: Check out my Korean inspired wings!
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes, I recommend preheating your air fryer to 400°F before adding the wings. This helps them cook evenly and get that crispy texture right from the start.
How do I prevent my wings from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or a small amount of oil before placing the wings inside. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
How can I make the wings extra crispy?
Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Using baking powder in your seasoning can also help making them extra crispy. Try cooking at a higher temperature towards the end and leave some space between the wings.
How many calories are in air fryer chicken wings?
Air fryer chicken wings are a lot healthier than the ones you get at your favourite wing spot. These ones have just 295 calories, whereas popular restaurant versions can have up to 700 calories.
What to serve with this dish
Here are some of the side dishes that would enhance the flavors and turn crispy air fryer chicken wings into a complete meal!
- Veggies: Serve with crunchy celery, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices for a refreshing side.
- Cornbread or biscuits: Warm, buttery sides like cornbread muffins or fluffy biscuits make a great addition.
- Rice or quinoa: Add a grain-based side for a heartier meal. Try my rice, quinoa and cauliflower rice recipes.
- Onion rings or fries: Always a hit. Try my air fryer sweet potato fries or tater tots.
- Simple green salad: Lighten it up even more and try my homemade dressings.
How to store and reheat
Store: Place leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the wings in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes.
Freeze: Freeze cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen wings in the air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Meal prep tools
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on storing the leftovers
- I own and love the Philips Digital Airfryer XXL
- You can order buffalo sauce online
Super Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Equipment
- Air Fryer -this is the one I use and love!
- Glass mixing bowl to toss the wings
- Glass meal prep bowls to store leftovers
- Glass bowls with lids to store prepped veggies or sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken wings
- salt & pepper, to taste
- cooking spray
- Celery & carrot sticks, to serve
Blue cheese dip
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup blue cheese
Wing sauce
- 3/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 F for 8 minutes. Season wings with salt & pepper, then add to basket in one single layer. Spray with cooking spray, then air fry for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking time. You may need to do wings in two batches.
- Meanwhile, mix together melted butter, buffalo sauce and BBQ sauce in a large bowl. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot.
- Mix sour cream and blue cheese together to make the dip, and chop up celery and carrots.
- When wings are done, toss in sauce. Serve alongside carrots, celery and blue cheese dip. Enjoy!
Video
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