Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor—these Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Wings deliver all the satisfaction of fried wings without the extra oil or mess. Perfect for game day, parties, or an easy weeknight treat, this recipe gives you golden, crunchy wings in under 30 minutes.
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound (480 g) chicken wings
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed peppercorn
Instructions :
STEP 1
Place chicken wings in a large bowl. Pour in vegetable oil. Toss well to coat. Set aside.
STEP 2
In a small mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Mix well.
STEP 3
Dip oiled wings into the dry mixture, then place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
STEP 4
Preheat your air fryer to 400º F (200º C)
STEP 5
Cook in the preheated air fryer for 20 minutes, flipping once during the cooking. Check doneness with a meat thermometer (internal temperature should be 165º F (82º C)).
Tips for Perfect Wings:
- Pat dry the wings before adding oil—moisture prevents crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary for best results.
- For extra crunch, lightly spray the coated wings with cooking oil before air frying.
- To make them spicy, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the flour mixture.
Variations:
- Lemon Pepper Wings: Add lemon zest and pepper to the coating and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Parmesan Garlic Wings: Toss cooked wings in melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan.
- Sweet Heat Wings: Brush with a mix of honey and hot sauce after cooking for a sticky, sweet-spicy glaze.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before coating to ensure they crisp up properly. - Do I need to use flour?
The flour helps create a light, crunchy coating, but you can substitute it with cornstarch for an even crispier texture. - Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. - How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. - What sauces go best with these wings?
They pair beautifully with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, spicy buffalo sauce, or even a drizzle of honey mustard.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Wings are proof that crispy, flavorful wings don’t need deep frying. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have golden, crunchy wings that rival your favorite restaurant—perfect for any occasion or craving.