Who needs a deep fryer when your air fryer can deliver that same crispy, juicy magic? These 10 wings recipes prove “healthy” doesn’t mean boring—get ready for flavor explosions that’ll make you forget they’re not dunked in oil.
1. Classic Buffalo Wings That’ll Make You Question Takeout
These aren’t your sad, soggy “healthy” wings. We’re talking Frank’s Red Hot-coated perfection with zero fryer regret. Game day just got upgraded.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split
- 1 tbsp baking powder (the crispiness secret weapon)
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Red Hot sauce
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Toss wings with baking powder and salt. Air fry at 400°F for 22 mins, flipping halfway.
- Whisk hot sauce, butter, and garlic powder. Dunk wings in sauce post-fry.
- Return to air fryer for 2 mins to set the glaze.
Serve with blue cheese dip and celery sticks. Pro tip: Double the sauce if you like ‘em extra messy.
2. Honey Garlic Wings That Stick To Your Fingers (In The Best Way)
Sweet, sticky, and impossible to eat without licking your fingers. These Asian-inspired wings disappear faster than takeout menus at a potluck.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs wings
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Instructions:
- Air fry wings at 400°F for 22 mins until crispy.
- Simmer honey, garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar for 3 mins until thickened.
- Toss wings in sauce and air fry 2 more minutes.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions. FYI: Napkins mandatory.
3. Lemon Pepper Wings That Taste Like They’re From A Sports Bar
Zesty, peppery, and so addictive you’ll fight over the last wing. These taste like they came from a greasy spoon—minus the grease.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs wings
- 2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Toss wings with oil and half the seasoning. Air fry at 400°F for 22 mins.
- Hit them with remaining seasoning and lemon zest post-fry.
Pairs perfectly with an ice-cold beer. No sharing necessary.
4. Nashville Hot Wings That Bring The Heat (Without The Burn Unit)
All the fiery kick of Music City’s famous birds, minus the oil bath. These’ll make your nose run in the best way possible.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs wings
- 1/4 cup cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Air fry wings at 400°F for 22 mins until golden.
- Whisk cayenne, sugar, paprika, and butter. Brush onto hot wings.
Serve with pickles and white bread to tame the flames. You’ve been warned.
5. Garlic Parmesan Wings That’ll Make You Forget Italian Restaurants
Crispy, cheesy, garlicky perfection that clings to every nook and cranny. These taste like they came from a trattoria, not your air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs wings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
- Air fry wings at 400°F for 22 mins.
- Toss hot wings with butter, garlic, Parmesan, and parsley.
Extra pro move: Add a squeeze of lemon to cut the richness.
6. Korean Gochujang Wings That Outdo Your Favorite Delivery
Sweet, spicy, and umami-bomb sticky. These wings taste like they took a trip through Seoul before landing on your plate.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs wings
- 1/4 cup gochujang paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions:
- Air fry wings at 400°F for 22 mins.
- Simmer gochujang, honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil for 2 mins.
- Coat wings and air fry 2 more minutes.
Top with toasted sesame seeds and scallions. Kimchi on the side optional but highly encouraged.
7. Dry Rub BBQ Wings That Don’t Need Sauce To Shine
Smoky, slightly sweet, and with a crust that crackles when you bite in. Sauce who? These hold their own naked.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs wings
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions:
- Mix all dry rub ingredients. Coat wings thoroughly.
- Air fry at 400°F for 22 mins, flipping halfway.
Serve with ranch for dipping—if you must. IMO, they’re perfect solo.
8. Jerk Wings That Pack A Tropical Punch
Allspice, Scotch bonnet heat, and a hint of sweetness. Close your eyes and you’re basically on a Caribbean beach.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs wings
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp thyme
Instructions:
- Marinate wings in oil, jerk seasoning, lime juice, and thyme for 1 hour.
- Air fry at 400°F for 22 mins.
Mango salsa on the side balances the heat. Trust me.
9. Salt & Vinegar Wings For Potato Chip Lovers
Tangy, salty, and utterly moreish. These taste like your favorite bag of chips got a chicken upgrade.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs wings
- 1/4 cup malt vinegar
- 1 tbsp flaky sea salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions:
- Toss wings with vinegar before air frying at 400°F for 22 mins.
- Hit with salt and pepper while still hot.
Best enjoyed with a cold lager. Repeat indefinitely.
10. Everything Bagel Wings Because Why Not?
All the everything seasoning glory you love, now hugging crispy wings. Brunch just got a lot more interesting.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs wings
- 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
- 1 tbsp cream cheese (for dipping—non-negotiable)
Instructions:
- Air fry wings at 400°F for 22 mins.
- Toss hot wings in everything seasoning.
Serve with a schmear of cream cheese. Yes, it’s weird. Yes, it works.
There you have it—10 ways to make your air fryer the MVP of wing night. Who’s ready to ditch the takeout menu? (Spoiler: You are.) Now go forth and crispy.
