The Crispiest Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Buffalo, BBQ, Lemon Pepper)
About this recipe
These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a game changer for wing lovers. With three delicious flavor options—Buffalo, BBQ, and Lemon Pepper—this recipe ensures you can satisfy any craving without the mess of deep frying.
Using an air fryer gives the wings a perfect crispy texture while keeping them juicy on the inside. Plus, the marinating step adds a depth of flavor that makes these wings irresistible.
Ingredient notes
- 2 lb chicken wings (907 g)
- 1 large garlic clove, pressed
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (for lemon pepper wings)
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning (for lemon pepper wings)
- 1/4 tsp salt (for buffalo wings)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (for buffalo wings)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (for buffalo wings)
- 1/2 Tbsp baking powder (for buffalo wings)
- 4 Tbsp unsalted melted butter (for buffalo sauce)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (for BBQ wings)
Tips from Simply Home Cooked’s video
- Make sure to pat the chicken wings dry before marinating to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; this allows for better air circulation and crispiness.
- Flipping the wings halfway through cooking is crucial for even cooking and crisping.
Good to know
- How long do I need to marinate the chicken wings?
- Marinate the chicken wings for three hours for the best flavor, but you can cook them right away if you're short on time.
- What temperature do I cook the wings at?
- Cook the wings at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for the first 12 minutes, then increase to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for an additional 8 minutes to crisp the skin.
- What are the three flavors I can make with this recipe?
- You can make Buffalo, BBQ, and Lemon Pepper flavored wings.
- What should I do if I don't have baking powder for the buffalo wings?
- The recipe specifically mentions not to substitute baking powder with baking soda, so it's best to use baking powder for the buffalo wings.
No life story here — the video and the recipe are the whole point. All credit to Simply Home Cooked: watch the original on YouTube.
The recipe
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
If your chicken wings are frozen, thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- 2
In a large bowl, add the chicken wings, pressed garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and olive oil.
- 3
Using your clean hands, toss all the ingredients until thoroughly combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for three hours to marinate. If you don't have time to marinate, you can cook them right away.
- 4
Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 5
Place the marinated chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd them.
- 6
Cook the wings at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- 7
Increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 8 minutes to crisp the skin.
- 8
For lemon pepper wings, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon pepper seasoning, mixing thoroughly. Pour this mixture over the cooked wings and toss to coat.
- 9
For BBQ wings, brush a generous layer of barbecue sauce on top of the cooked wings, close the air fryer, and cook for an additional minute at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip the wings, add more barbecue sauce, and cook for another minute at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 10
For buffalo wings, add salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder to the chicken wings and mix well. Cook as previously instructed. For the buffalo sauce, mix melted butter with Franks buffalo sauce and pour it over the wings, tossing to combine.
Heads up — we had to guess a little:
- The marination time of 3 hours is inferred from the instruction to refrigerate the wings, but cooking can be done immediately if needed.
Credit where it’s due: this recipe was transcribed from Simply Home Cooked’s original video on YouTube. Follow them there — it’s their dish.
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