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Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe Perfect for Extra Crunch

crispy air fryer bbq chicken wings - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy, smoky-sweet BBQ chicken wings with an extra crunchy coating made in the air fryer. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (about 120ml), your favorite brand
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and trim any excess skin or tips if desired. Let wings sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  3. Drizzle vegetable oil over the wings and toss to coat. Add the seasoning mix and toss again to evenly coat each wing.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket with small gaps for air circulation. Cook at 400°F for 25-28 minutes, flipping halfway through (12-14 minutes). Wings should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. While wings cook, mix BBQ sauce and honey in a bowl.
  7. Transfer cooked wings to a clean bowl and toss with the BBQ sauce mixture gently to coat without breaking the crust.
  8. For extra crunch, return sauced wings to the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 390°F (200°C), watching closely to prevent burning.
  9. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or celery sticks.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for maximum crispiness. Pat wings dry before cooking to reduce moisture. Flip wings halfway through cooking for even browning. For gluten-free, substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

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