18-Minute Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Magic!

Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try these Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings—they’re my absolute go-to when I need something delicious in a hurry. I swear, after years of testing every trick in the book, this method gives me that perfect golden crunch without deep-frying. And the best part? No greasy mess! Just a little olive oil, some simple spices, and your air fryer does all the work. I make these at least once a week because they’re that easy. Trust me, once you taste that crispy skin and juicy meat, you’ll be hooked just like I was!

Why You’ll Love These Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

These wings are a total game-changer, and here’s why:

• That perfect crunch – Air frying gives you that deep-fried crispiness without all the oil. Every bite has that satisfying shatter!
• Ready in no time – From fridge to table in under 30 minutes – faster than delivery!
• Healthier but just as delicious – Uses just a tablespoon of oil compared to cups needed for deep frying
• Endlessly customizable – Toss them in buffalo sauce, barbecue, or enjoy the simple seasoned perfection

Ingredients for Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these wings shine – and I bet you’ve got most in your pantry right now! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb chicken wings (make sure they’re split into drumettes and flats – or do it yourself with kitchen shears)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff helps the seasoning stick)
• 1 tsp salt (I use kosher for even distribution)
• 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground makes all the difference)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (my secret weapon for depth)
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet – your choice!)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder (trust me, it rounds out the flavors perfectly)

Pro tip from my many trials: Pat those wings DRY with paper towels before anything else – it’s the golden rule for maximum crispiness!

How to Make Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first – crank that air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes. While it’s warming up, grab your wings and pat them bone-dry with paper towels. Seriously, don’t skip this step – moisture is the enemy of crispiness!

Step 2: Season the Wings

Toss those dry wings in a bowl with the olive oil first – this helps the spices stick like magic. Then shower them with all those beautiful seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Get in there with your hands and massage everything in evenly – it’s worth the messy fingers!

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Here’s the golden rule: don’t overcrowd! Arrange the wings in a single layer with some breathing room – they need space to get crispy. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip each wing (tongs are your friend here) and go another 10-12 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and the internal temp hits 165°F. That heavenly crunch sound when you bite in? That’s how you know you nailed it!

Tips for the Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

After making these wings more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without tips:

• Dry, dry, dry! I can’t stress enough – pat those wings until the paper towels come away clean. Any moisture means less crunch.
• Give them space – Overcrowding steams them instead of crisping. Work in batches if needed – it’s worth the wait!
• Season liberally – The spices mellow during cooking, so don’t be shy. Taste your spice mix beforehand if you’re unsure.
• Check halfway – Every air fryer runs differently. Peek at 10 minutes to prevent burning.

Oh! And if you hear that beautiful sizzle when they first go in? That’s the sound of crispy success coming your way!

Serving Suggestions for Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Now for the best part – loading up your plate with these crispy beauties! My absolute must-have is a big bowl of cool ranch dressing for dipping – the creamy tang against that hot crunch is heaven. Blue cheese lovers, go wild with your favorite chunky dressing too!

For sides, nothing beats the classic combo of crisp celery sticks and carrot coins – they cut right through the richness. Feeling fancy? Toss them with a simple green salad or pile them next to some garlic fries for the ultimate game day spread. Honestly though, I often just eat them straight from the basket while they’re still piping hot – no shame in my wing game!

Storing and Reheating Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Leftovers? No problem (though honestly, that rarely happens in my house)! Store cooled wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When that crispy craving hits again, just pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes – they’ll come out nearly as crisp as fresh! Microwave reheating? Don’t even think about it unless you want soggy sadness. Trust me, that extra minute in the air fryer makes all the difference.

Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings FAQ

Got questions? I’ve got answers from all my wing experiments!

Can I use frozen wings? Nope – thaw them completely first! Frozen wings steam instead of crisp up. Overnight in the fridge is best, or use the cold water method if you’re in a hurry (just pat them extra dry after).

How to make them spicier? Easy! Add 1/2 to 1 tsp cayenne to the spice mix, or toss the cooked wings in hot sauce. My favorite trick? A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the seasoning!

Can I bake these instead? Sure, but they won’t get as crazy crispy. Bake at 425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway. Still tasty, but the air fryer’s magic is real!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know – these numbers are estimates (your exact wings and oil amounts might vary slightly). But for a typical serving (about 1/2 pound): 280 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated), and a whopping 26g of protein! Not too shabby for something this crispy and delicious, right?

I can’t wait for you to try these Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings – they’re seriously life-changing! When you do, come back and tell me all about it in the comments. Did you stick with the classic seasoning or try something wild? Did they get that perfect golden crunch? I’m obsessed with hearing your wing stories and seeing your photos (yes, I know you’ll take pictures – they’re that pretty!). Now go forth and make the crispiest wings of your life – your taste buds will thank you!

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