Description

These Super Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a deliciously easy way to enjoy perfectly crispy wings at home. With three unique flavor options—Garlic Parmesan, Buffalo, and Honey BBQ—this recipe offers versatility to satisfy different taste buds. The air fryer ensures a crispy skin without deep frying, making it a healthier and convenient choice for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Chicken Wings

2 lbs Chicken wings (tips removed and split at the joint)
1 tablespoon baking powder (not baking soda)
Salt and pepper to taste

Garlic Parmesan Wings Sauce

¼ cup butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated or pre-grated)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley leaves

Buffalo Wings Sauce

¼ cup butter
3 cloves garlic, minced (used while cooking butter)
½ cup hot sauce
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
Salt to taste

Honey BBQ Wings Sauce

1 cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (optional)

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Instructions

Prep: Remove the tips of the chicken wings and split them at the joint for easier eating. Pat the wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness. In a large bowl, toss the wings with 1 tablespoon of baking powder (important: do not use baking soda) and season with salt and pepper to taste. This coating helps create a crisp skin. Transfer the wings evenly into the air fryer basket.
Air Fry: Cook the wings in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. After 25 minutes, increase the air fryer temperature to 420°F (or the highest setting available) and continue cooking the wings for another 5 minutes, or until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown. Remove the cooked wings from the air fryer and set aside.
Make Garlic Parmesan Wings Sauce: In a small pan, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Turn off the heat and pour the garlic butter into a large mixing bowl. Add the grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and freshly chopped parsley. Toss the cooked wings in this mixture thoroughly to coat each wing in the flavorful sauce.
Make Buffalo Wings Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup butter with minced garlic over medium heat, cooking for about 2 minutes until garlic is aromatic but not browned. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a large bowl. Stir in the hot sauce, honey or brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Toss the warm cooked wings in this spicy and tangy sauce until well coated.
Make Honey BBQ Wings Sauce: In a small pot or pan, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, melted butter, and sriracha or hot sauce if using. Simmer on low heat for a few minutes until warm and ingredients are well blended. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Toss the air-fried wings in this rich, sweet, and slightly spicy BBQ sauce until evenly coated.

Notes

Do not use baking soda; baking powder is essential for achieving crispy skin.
Patting the wings dry is crucial for crispiness.
Adjust red pepper flakes and hot sauce amounts to control spiciness.
You can prepare the sauces in advance and toss wings right before serving.
Air fryer cooking times may vary depending on model and wing size; adjust accordingly.
Serve immediately for best taste and crisp texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes + 5 minutes high heat crisping
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American