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The Ultimate Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Secret Ingredient Revealed for Perfect Crunch)

Close-up of several beautifully browned and crispy air fryer chicken wings piled on a white plate.

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Make incredibly crispy chicken wings in your air fryer without deep frying. This recipe uses a simple technique for a juicy interior and a perfectly crunchy exterior every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial for crispiness.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Add the dried chicken wings to the bowl and toss until every piece is evenly coated with the dry mixture.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Work in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry for 20 minutes.
  7. Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C). Carefully flip the wings.
  8. Continue to cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the wings are deep golden brown and extremely crispy.
  9. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sauce, or enjoy plain.

Notes

  • The baking powder reacts with the chicken skin to draw out moisture and create a crispier surface during cooking. Do not substitute with baking soda.
  • For sauced wings, toss them in sauce immediately after they come out of the air fryer, while they are still hot.
  • If you prefer a thicker coating, you can double the dry rub ingredients.

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