Air Fryer BBQ Wings

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're craving crispy, tangy wings without the hassle and mess of frying, these Air Fryer BBQ Wings are your solution. Perfect for game day or a casual dinner, they deliver all the flavor with a fraction of the fuss.

Ingredients for Air Fryer BBQ Wings

Chicken wings are the star of the show, providing the perfect canvas for crispy skin and juicy meat. A bit of olive oil helps the spices adhere and crisps up the wings. The garlic powder and onion powder offer depth and savory notes, while smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that complements the BBQ sauce. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, and finally, your favorite BBQ sauce ties it all together with a tangy, finger-licking finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; this ensures even cooking.
  • If you're making a large batch, cook in batches for optimal results.
  • For extra crispy wings, pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning.
  • Experiment with different BBQ sauces for new flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

These wings are perfect with a side of crunchy celery sticks and creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. They pair well with a fresh coleslaw or a simple green salad to balance the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before starting the recipe to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up properly.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
You can bake the wings in an oven preheated to 425°F for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Air Fryer BBQ Wings Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 380°F. This step is crucial because a hot air fryer ensures that your wings start crisping up right away. While the air fryer is heating, pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels. This removes excess moisture, so the wings get nice and crispy.

In a large bowl, combine the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss them well to ensure every piece is coated evenly. This step is where all the flavor begins.

Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s space between each wing for the air to circulate properly. Cook them for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This flipping ensures both sides get that golden crisp.

After 25 minutes, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. This extra heat gives the exterior that final crispy finish.

Once done, transfer the wings to a large bowl and toss with 1 cup of your BBQ sauce of choice. Serve immediately while they're hot and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy texture and tangy flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes.
  • Crispy texture without deep frying.
  • Customizable with your favorite BBQ sauce.
  • Fewer dishes to clean up.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup BBQ sauce of choice

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
2. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
3. In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
4. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each wing.
5. Cook the wings for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking for even crisping.
6. Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a crispy exterior.
7. Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl and toss with BBQ sauce until fully coated.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, tangy goodness.

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