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Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

A close-up stack of crispy, glazed Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings piled high on a white plate.
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Make perfectly crispy and flavorful BBQ chicken wings using your air fryer. This recipe details the seasoning and cooking process for maximum crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings (flats and drumettes)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 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 large bowl, toss the dry wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  4. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between them for air circulation. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  5. Air fry for 18 minutes.
  6. After 18 minutes, shake the basket well or flip the wings. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
  7. Continue to cook for another 5 to 8 minutes, until the wings are golden brown and very crispy.
  8. Remove the wings from the air fryer. Place them in a clean bowl.
  9. Pour about 3/4 cup of BBQ sauce over the hot wings and toss gently to coat completely.
  10. Serve immediately with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Using baking powder helps raise the pH level of the chicken skin, which aids in browning and crisping.
  • For the best results, do not sauce the wings until they are fully cooked and crispy. Saucing them too early will result in soggy skin.
  • If you prefer a smoky flavor without a smoker, add 1/4 teaspoon of liquid smoke to your dry rub mixture.
  • For a sweet and spicy profile, mix 1 tablespoon of hot sauce into your BBQ sauce before tossing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorzine.com/air-fryer-bbq-chicken-wings/