Who needs greasy delivery when your air fryer can crank out wings this good? These 10 recipes turn basic chicken wings into crispy, flavor-packed masterpieces with minimal effort. Game night just got a major upgrade.
1. Classic Buffalo Wings That Actually Beat the Bar Version
These aren’t your sad, soggy sports bar wings. The air fryer gives them an insane crunch while keeping the inside juicy—just like Buffalo intended.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings, split (flats and drums)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (yes, really—crispiness hack!)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- Toss wings with baking powder and garlic powder (no oil needed).
- Air fry at 400°F for 22-24 mins, flipping halfway.
- Whisk hot sauce and butter, then coat wings. Serve with blue cheese—duh.
Pro tip: Let wings rest 5 mins after saucing so the flavor sticks. Celery sticks optional but highly encouraged.
2. Honey Garlic Wings That Taste Like Takeout (But Better)
Sticky, sweet, and garlicky without the guilt. These wings caramelize like magic in the air fryer, and your fingers will be licked clean.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions:
- Air fry wings at 380°F for 20 mins, flipping once.
- Simmer honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger in a pan for 2 mins.
- Toss wings in sauce and air fry 2 more mins for gloss.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you’re fancy. Paper towels mandatory.
3. Lemon Pepper Wings That Actually Have Flavor
Forget the dusty seasoning packets. These wings pack a citrusy punch with real lemon zest and cracked pepper—no sad, bland bites here.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Toss wings with oil, salt, and half the lemon zest/pepper.
- Air fry at 400°F for 22 mins, flipping halfway.
- Toss with remaining zest and pepper while hot. Squeeze fresh lemon on top.
Serve with extra lemon wedges for maximum zing. FYI, these pair perfectly with a cold beer.
4. Korean Gochujang Wings That Bring the Heat (and Sweet)
Spicy, sweet, and seriously addictive. These wings use gochujang (Korean chili paste) for depth that basic hot sauce can’t touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 2 tbsp gochujang paste
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
- Air fry wings at 380°F for 20 mins until crispy.
- Whisk gochujang, honey, vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Toss wings in sauce and air fry 3 more mins to set the glaze.
Top with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Warning: You’ll want to double this batch.
5. Dry-Rubbed BBQ Wings That Skip the Sticky Mess
BBQ wings without the sauce disaster? Yes, please. This smoky dry rub clings to every nook and cranny for flavor that lasts.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
- Mix all spices in a bowl, then coat wings evenly.
- Air fry at 400°F for 22 mins, shaking the basket once.
- Let rest 5 mins—the rub forms a killer crust.
Serve with ranch for dipping. Trust me, the contrast is *chef’s kiss*.
6. Parmesan Garlic Wings That Taste Like Fancy Appetizers
These taste like they came from a pricey Italian restaurant, but your air fryer did all the work. Garlic + parm = eternal love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Air fry wings at 380°F for 20 mins until golden.
- Sauté garlic in butter for 1 min (don’t burn it!).
- Toss wings with garlic butter, Parmesan, and parsley.
Serve with extra Parmesan because there’s no such thing as too much cheese.
7. Cajun Wings That Pack a Flavor Punch
Bold, spicy, and totally addictive. These wings use homemade Cajun seasoning so you can skip the premixed salt bombs.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne (or more if you’re brave)
Instructions:
- Toss wings with oil and all spices.
- Air fry at 400°F for 22 mins, shaking halfway.
- Hit with extra cayenne if you like pain (I mean, heat).
Cool down with a creamy dipping sauce—ranch or blue cheese work great.
8. Teriyaki Wings That Glaze Like a Dream
Sticky-sweet teriyaki without the sugar overload. The air fryer caramelizes the sauce into glossy perfection.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp mirin (or sub rice vinegar)
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions:
- Air fry wings at 380°F for 18 mins.
- Simmer soy sauce, honey, mirin, and ginger until slightly thick.
- Toss wings in sauce, then air fry 3 more mins.
Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions. Chopsticks optional but fun.
9. Salt and Vinegar Wings for Chip Lovers
If you demolish salt and vinegar chips, these wings are your soulmate. Tangy, salty, and impossible to stop eating.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp cracked pepper
Instructions:
- Marinate wings in vinegar for 30 mins (trust the process).
- Pat dry, toss with oil, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry at 400°F for 22 mins until extra crispy.
Serve with extra vinegar for dipping. Your taste buds will tingle in the best way.
10. Everything Bagel Wings Because Why Not?
Everything bagel seasoning isn’t just for carbs. These wings prove it belongs on chicken too—salty, garlicky, and totally genius.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for dipping)
Instructions:
- Toss wings with oil and bagel seasoning.
- Air fry at 380°F for 20 mins, flipping once.
- Serve with sour cream for a bagel-shop vibe.
Add extra seasoning on top because, as we know, more is more.
There you have it—10 ways to make your air fryer the MVP of wing night. Whether you’re team buffalo or team teriyaki, these recipes guarantee crispy, juicy wings without the fryer mess. Now go forth and sauce responsibly. Your next snack attack just got a major upgrade.
