Crispy Chicken Wings (Baked or Air Fryer Recipe)
Crispy Chicken Wings with golden, crunchy skin and juicy centers, perfect for serving plain or tossed in your favorite sauce. This versatile recipe can be made either in the oven or with an air fryer for effortless deliciousness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (baking) or 25-30 minutes (air frying)
- Total Time: 50 minutes (baking) or 35-40 minutes (air frying)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings
- 1 kg (2 lb) chicken wings
Dry Rub
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika or garlic powder (optional)
Sauces (Optional)
- Buffalo sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Honey garlic sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial to achieve a crispy texture when baked or air fried.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika or garlic powder if using. The baking powder helps create the crispy skin by drawing moisture away from the surface.
- Arrange for Cooking: Place the wings in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking tray to allow air circulation around each wing, which ensures even crisping. If using an air fryer, arrange wings in the basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook the Wings: For oven baking, preheat to 220°C (425°F) and bake the wings for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to brown both sides evenly. If using an air fryer, cook at 200°C (400°F) for about 25–30 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through.
- Add Sauce: Once the wings are cooked and skin is golden and crispy, toss them in your choice of buffalo, BBQ, or honey garlic sauce if desired. Alternatively, serve plain with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Serve: Serve the crispy chicken wings immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure wings are completely dry before seasoning to maximize crispiness.
- Baking powder is not baking soda; do not substitute as it affects texture and safety.
- If air frying, avoid overcrowding the basket for even cooking.
- Flip or shake wings halfway through cooking to ensure all sides become crispy.
- Serve wings immediately after cooking to enjoy maximum crispness.
- You can customize the seasoning to your preference by adding cayenne for heat or herbs for extra flavor.