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chicken wings air fryer stacked on a plate showing how crispy they are
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Chicken Wings (Air Fryer Recipe)

Get ready to fall in love with these air fryer chicken wings—they’re crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor from a stand-alone dry rub and an optional Buffalo sauce. The rub is based on my baked Buffalo Wings with HUNDREDS of rave reviews, and it makes this recipe. These wings are a breeze to make, thanks to this tested, perfected, and foolproof recipe, complete with step-by-step photos, clever tips, and fun variations!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Author [email protected]

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tsp EACH garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F in air fryer mode.
  • Dry wings: Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels (this is crucial for achieving crispiness) and transfer them to a large bowl.
  • Coat the wings: Toss the wings in the oil. Whisk the spices together in a small bowl, then add them to the wings and stir until evenly coated.
  • Air fry: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Working in batches, arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 7 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
  • Serve: Enjoy them plain (they’re delicious on their own!), with a dipping sauce like ranch, or toss them in your favorite sauce, such as buffalo (See Notes for recipe) or BBQ with a touch of sriracha, etc. 

Notes

Buffalo Sauce

Combine the following in a saucepan over medium heat.  Once the butter has melted, bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes, until slightly thickened. Pour over the wings in a bowl and toss to coat.
  • 1/2 cup Frank's ORIGINAL Hot Sauce 
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Honey Mustard Dip

Honey Mustard Dip is creamy, sweet, and tangy with a light kick.  To make, whisk together:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or half Greek yogurt)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce
 

Honey Buffalo Dip

Honey Buffalo Dip is creamy, slightly sweet, and as spicy as you want it.   To make, whisk together:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or half Greek yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Frank’s hot WINGS Sauce, more or less to taste
 

SRIRACHA BBQ Dip

Combine:
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1-2 teaspoon Sriracha