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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

Close-up of crispy, glazed Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings piled high on a white plate.

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Make crispy, juicy BBQ chicken wings quickly using your air fryer. This recipe uses a simple dry rub before saucing for the best texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 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, combine the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Toss the dried wings thoroughly in the spice mixture until they are evenly coated.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry for 15 minutes.
  7. Flip the wings and continue to air fry for another 10 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for a final 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crisp.
  9. Remove the wings from the air fryer and place them in a large bowl.
  10. Pour the BBQ sauce over the hot wings and toss gently until they are fully coated.
  11. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Using baking powder helps draw moisture from the skin, resulting in a crispier finish without deep frying.
  • For the crispiest wings, do not sauce them until they are fully cooked.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, cooking in two batches ensures better air circulation and crispier results.

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