Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Wings

 

Crispy, Golden, Flavor-Packed Wings — Without Deep Frying!

These air-fried breaded chicken wings are everything you want: crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. They’re incredibly simple, healthier than deep-frying, and absolutely perfect for parties, game days, or quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 pound (480 g) chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Dry Breading Mix

• 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 (or black pepper)

Optional Add-ins

• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Pinch of onion powder
• Dried oregano or thyme for extra flavor

Directions (Step-by-Step)

1 Prepare the Chicken Wings

1. Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels — moisture reduces crispiness.
2. Place the wings in a large mixing bowl.
3. Pour 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over them and toss thoroughly to coat.
4. Set aside while mixing the dry ingredients.
5. Tip: A light coating of oil helps the flour adhere and creates a golden crust in the air fryer.

2 Make the Dry Coating Mix

In a small bowl, combine:

• Flour
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Crushed pepper

Mix until fully blended.

Optional: Add cayenne for heat or onion powder for extra depth.

3 Coat the Wings

1. Dip each wing into the flour mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating stick.
2. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Arrange the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer — do not overcrowd.
4. Single layer = maximum crispiness

If you have a lot of wings, cook in batches.

4 Preheat the Air Fryer

Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for 3–5 minutes.

5 Air Fry the Wings

1. Cook the wings for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
2. Flip halfway through (after about 10 minutes) so both sides crisp evenly.
3. Check internal temperature: wings should reach 165°F (74–82°C).
4. Extra crispy option: Add 3–5 minutes more cook time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces:

• Ranch
• Blue cheese
• Buffalo sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Honey mustard
• Garlic Parmesan butter

They also pair well with fries, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a light salad.

Tips for Extra-Crispy Wings

• Pat wings very dry before adding oil.
• Keep the coating light — too much flour can taste doughy.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket; air circulation is key.
• Spray or brush lightly with oil halfway through for a deep-fried look.
• Use cornstarch mixed with flour for an even crispier crust.

 Variations

1. Spicy Hot Wings

Add 1 teaspoon cayenne or chili powder to the flour mixture.

2. Garlic Parmesan Wings

After cooking, toss wings in melted butter + grated Parmesan + garlic powder.

3. Lemon Pepper Wings

Replace smoked paprika with 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning.

4. BBQ Breaded Wings

After frying, toss wings in warm BBQ sauce and return to the air fryer for 3 minutes.

5. Gluten-Free Version

Use cornstarch instead of flour.

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–6 minutes.
• Freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months.