Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings – Easy Recipe

Enjoy perfectly crispy chicken wings made easy in your air fryer oven with this delicious BBQ recipe. These air fried wings are a simple and satisfying meal for any day of the week.

This recipe is designed for busy families and anyone looking for a quick, delicious way to enjoy classic BBQ flavors without a lot of fuss. Each serving provides about 30 grams of protein.

Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

---

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Enjoy perfectly crispy chicken wings made easy in your air fryer oven with this delicious BBQ recipe. These air fried wings are a simple and satisfying meal for any day of the week. This recipe is designed for busy families and anyone looking for a quick, delicious way to enjoy classic BBQ flavors without a lot of fuss. Each serving provides about 30 grams of protein.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 pounds chicken wings, party style (drumettes and flats)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings: Start by patting the chicken wings very dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving crispy skin. Place the dried wings in a large bowl.

2. Season the Wings: Drizzle the olive oil over the wings. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Toss everything together thoroughly with your hands or tongs until all the wings are well coated.

3. Preheat Your Air Fryer (Optional but Recommended): If your air fryer has a preheat function, preheat it to 375 F (190 C) for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and crispiness from the start.

4. Arrange Wings in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow air to circulate properly around each wing. Overcrowding will steam the wings instead of crisping them.

5. Air Fry the Wings: Air fry at 375 F (190 C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time. The wings should be golden brown and crispy. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a wing (without touching bone) should register 165 F (74 C).

6. Coat with BBQ Sauce: Once cooked, transfer the crispy wings to a clean large bowl. Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the hot wings and toss gently until they are evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Protein: 30

Keywords: chicken wings, air fryer, bbq, crispy, easy, weeknight, party food, poultry, dinner, snack

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe for crispy air fryer BBQ chicken wings is a true weeknight hero. It’s incredibly simple to follow, even if you’re new to using an air fryer, and delivers consistently delicious results. You’ll love how the air fryer gets the chicken skin wonderfully crispy without deep frying, making it a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. These wings are perfect for a casual family dinner, a game day snack, or even a potluck contribution. They’re quick enough for a busy Tuesday evening but tasty enough to feel like a special treat.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for these BBQ wings is straightforward. You won’t need any fancy equipment beyond your air fryer, and the ingredients are readily available at any grocery store. This recipe focuses on simplicity and flavor, ensuring you can whip up a batch of delicious wings without a trip to a specialty store.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds chicken wings, party style (drumettes and flats)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce

When it comes to the chicken wings, “party style” usually means they are already separated into drumettes and flats, which saves you a step. If you buy whole wings, you can easily cut them at the joint yourself. For the olive oil, any neutral-flavored oil like avocado oil or vegetable oil would also work well. The spices are a classic blend that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully, but feel free to adjust them to your taste. As for the BBQ sauce, this is where you can truly personalize the recipe! Choose a brand and flavor profile you love – whether it’s sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for speed and convenience, making it ideal for busy schedules.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes

The hands-on time is minimal, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the air fryer works its magic. The cook time can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and how crispy you like your wings, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on them.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Making these crispy air fryer BBQ chicken wings is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings: Start by patting the chicken wings very dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving crispy skin. Place the dried wings in a large bowl.
2. Season the Wings: Drizzle the olive oil over the wings. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Toss everything together thoroughly with your hands or tongs until all the wings are well coated.
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer (Optional but Recommended): If your air fryer has a preheat function, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking and crispiness from the start.
4. Arrange Wings in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow air to circulate properly around each wing. Overcrowding will steam the wings instead of crisping them.
5. Air Fry the Wings: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time. The wings should be golden brown and crispy. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a wing (without touching bone) should register 165°F (74°C).
6. Coat with BBQ Sauce: Once cooked, transfer the crispy wings to a clean large bowl. Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the hot wings and toss gently until they are evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

These air fryer BBQ wings are fantastic on their own, but there are many ways to customize them or serve them to make them a complete meal or a party showstopper.

• Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry seasoning mix, or choose a spicy BBQ sauce. You could also drizzle them with a bit of hot sauce after coating with BBQ sauce.
• Herbaceous Twist: For a different flavor profile, try adding dried oregano or thyme to your seasoning mix.
• Kid-Friendly Options: For younger eaters who might not love spicy food, stick to a mild, sweet BBQ sauce. You can also offer a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, which is always a hit.
• Party Platter Perfect: Arrange the wings on a large platter with celery sticks and carrot sticks, and small bowls of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro can add a pop of color.
• Meal Ideas: Serve these wings alongside a simple green salad, a side of coleslaw, or some roasted sweet potato fries for a balanced and satisfying meal. They also pair wonderfully with corn on the cob or a classic potato salad.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for can help you achieve perfect results every time.

• Not Drying the Wings Thoroughly: This is the number one reason wings don’t get crispy. Excess moisture on the skin prevents it from crisping up. Always pat them very dry with paper towels before seasoning.
• Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket: Placing too many wings in the basket at once will prevent proper air circulation. This leads to steamed wings instead of crispy ones. Cook in batches, ensuring there’s space around each wing.
• Forgetting to Flip: Flipping the wings halfway through cooking ensures even browning and crispiness on all sides. Don’t skip this step!
• Adding Sauce Too Early: If you coat the wings in BBQ sauce before air frying, the sauce can burn or prevent the skin from getting crispy. Always add the sauce after the wings are fully cooked and crispy.
• Not Checking for Doneness: While the cooking time is a good guide, air fryers can vary. Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

These BBQ wings are best enjoyed fresh, but sometimes you have leftovers or want to get a head start on meal prep.

• Storing Leftovers: Allow any leftover wings to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating for Best Texture: To reheat, place the wings back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the wings soft and rubbery.
• Making Ahead: You can season the wings up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, just proceed with air frying as directed. You can also air fry the wings completely, let them cool, and then store them. When ready to serve, reheat them in the air fryer and then toss with fresh BBQ sauce. This method helps maintain crispiness.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Here are some common questions about making air fryer BBQ chicken wings, along with helpful answers.

• Do I need to use parchment paper or foil in my air fryer? It’s generally not recommended for wings. The air needs to circulate directly around the chicken for maximum crispiness. Using parchment or foil can block airflow and prevent the wings from getting as crispy.
• Can I use frozen wings? Yes, you can. If using frozen wings, you’ll need to air fry them for longer, usually about 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C), flipping halfway, until they are cooked through and crispy. Make sure they are not stuck together before cooking.
• What if my air fryer smokes? Smoking can sometimes occur if there’s too much fat dripping and burning at the bottom. To minimize this,

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.