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These small batch air fryer chicken wings are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make—no deep frying needed! A simple spice blend gives them a golden, crunchy coating, making them perfect for a quick meal, snack, or appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Without Frying: The air fryer creates perfectly crispy wings without the hassle of deep frying.
- Packed with Flavor: A well-seasoned coating makes every bite delicious.
- Quick and Easy: Cooks in about 20 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
- Perfect for One: This recipe makes just the right amount, with no leftovers to worry about.
I absolutely love these small batch air fryer chicken wings because they cook up crispy on the outside and stay tender on the inside. They’re easy to make, with no messy frying—just season, air fry, and enjoy. The best part? You can customize the seasoning to suit your taste, whether you like them classic, smoky, or spicy. No matter how you make them, they always turn out delicious.
I love crispy chicken—like my Popcorn Chicken, Chicken Tenders, and Chicken Nuggets—but the air fryer is a game-changer for wings. It cooks them faster, uses less oil, and makes them extra crispy!
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving air fryer chicken wings recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Chicken Wings – About 6 to 8 wing sections (drumettes and wingettes/flats).
- Baking Powder – Helps the skin crisp up for that perfect crunch.
- Avocado Oil Spray – Prevents sticking and helps the wings crisp up. Another neutral oil spray, like canola or olive oil, works too.
- Seasonings: I used a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper for bold, well-balanced flavor. Feel free to switch things up! Lemon pepper, Creole seasoning, garlic salt, or even a simple mix of salt and pepper all work great. Use what you enjoy.
Recipe Variations
There are so many ways to switch up this simple recipe! Here are a few ideas:
- Buffalo Wings: Toss in buffalo sauce after cooking.
- BBQ Wings: Brush with your favorite barbecue sauce.
- Garlic Parmesan: Toss wings in melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Teriyaki Wings: Toss in teriyaki sauce.
- Honey Sriracha: Mix honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, and lime juice, then brush it on during the last minute of air frying for a sweet and spicy glaze.
How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings
This easy air fryer chicken wings recipe takes just minutes to prep before cooking. Scroll down for the full instructions.
- Prep the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels, then place them in a medium bowl.
- Make the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix all the spices for the dry rub.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set it to 390°F and let it preheat for 2–5 minutes.
- Coat the Wings: Sprinkle the seasoning over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
- Prepare the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with the oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the wings in a single layer with space between them.
- Cook: Air fry for 18–20 minutes, flipping the wings after 10 minutes. Cook for another 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
No air fryer? No problem!
Bake them at 425ºF for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway.
Expert Tips
- Pat the wings dry. Less moisture means crispier wings, so use paper towels to remove as much as possible.
- Use baking powder. It helps the skin crisp up and turn golden brown.
- Flip halfway through. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust cooking time. Air fryers vary—start checking at 16 minutes and cook up to 25 minutes if needed.
- Add a touch of sweetness. Mix ⅛ teaspoon of brown sugar into the dry rub before coating the wings.
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer: Serve these crispy air fryer chicken wings with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, plus carrot and celery sticks. Pair them with Twice Baked Potato Casserole, Deviled Eggs, or Hot Spinach Dip for a great spread.
- Main Dish: Make it a meal by serving with Spinach Orzo Salad, Mac and Cheese, or Roasted Broccolini.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. For crispy chicken wings, it’s best to cook the wings in a single layer, so you may need to fry in 2 batches.
Once the chicken wings have cooled to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until crispy again.
For crispy wings, thaw them completely before air frying. Frozen wings hold extra moisture, which can prevent crisping and cause uneven cooking. Pat them dry for the best results.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
Tried this healthy air fryer chicken wings recipe or another from One Dish Kitchen? Rate it and share your thoughts in the comments!
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Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 chicken wings split into flats and drumettes
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Prep the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels, then place them in a medium bowl.
- Make the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix all the spices for the dry rub.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set it to 390°F and let it preheat for 2–5 minutes.
- Coat the Wings: Sprinkle the seasoning over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
- Prepare the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with the oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the wings in a single layer with space between them.
- Cook: Air fry for 18–20 minutes, flipping the wings after 10 minutes. Cook for another 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Notes
- Pat the wings dry. Less moisture means crispier wings, so use paper towels to remove as much as possible.
- Use baking powder. It helps the skin crisp up and turn golden brown.
- Flip halfway through. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust cooking time. Air fryers vary—start checking at 16 minutes and cook up to 25 minutes if needed.
- Add a touch of sweetness. Mix ⅛ teaspoon of brown sugar into the dry rub before coating the wings.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
