Craving crispy, juicy wings without the mess of deep frying? Your air fryer is about to become your new wing wizard. These 12 recipes deliver insane flavor with minimal effort—because who has time to babysit a pot of oil?
1. Crispy Buffalo Wings That Put Sports Bars to Shame
These wings are the OG game-day heroes—crispy skin, tender meat, and that tangy Buffalo sauce you can’t resist. Perfect for when you want that bar-style crunch without leaving your couch.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings, split
- 1 tbsp baking powder (yes, really—trust me)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- Toss wings with baking powder and salt (this is the crispy hack).
- Air fry at 400°F for 22-24 mins, flipping halfway.
- Whisk hot sauce and butter, toss wings in sauce. Devour immediately.
Pro tip: Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dip to cut the heat. Napkins mandatory.
2. Honey Garlic Wings That Taste Like Takeout (But Better)
Sticky, sweet, and garlicky—these wings are dangerously addictive. IMO, they’re better than anything in a cardboard box.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions:
- Toss wings with oil, air fry at 380°F for 20 mins.
- Simmer honey, garlic, and soy sauce until thickened.
- Coat wings in sauce and air fry 2 more mins for gloss.
Warning: You’ll lick your fingers. No judgment here.
3. Lemon Pepper Wings That Are Zesty AF
Bright, peppery, and ridiculously easy—these wings taste like summer on a plate. Ideal for when you want something light but still crave-worthy.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb wings
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Air fry wings at 400°F for 22 mins until golden.
- Toss with butter, lemon zest, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over top before serving.
Pair with an ice-cold beer and pretend you’re on a patio.
4. BBQ Dry Rub Wings That Smoke Out the Competition
No sauce? No problem. This smoky dry rub sticks to every nook and cranny for maximum flavor. Great for when you’re too lazy to make a sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb wings
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions:
- Mix all spices, coat wings evenly.
- Air fry at 380°F for 20 mins, flip halfway.
- Sprinkle with extra rub before serving.
FYI: These pair perfectly with a cold coleslaw.
5. Korean Gochujang Wings That Pack a Sweet Heat Punch
Spicy, sweet, and deeply savory—these wings are a flavor bomb. Your taste buds won’t know what hit ’em.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb wings
- 2 tbsp gochujang paste
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
- Air fry wings at 400°F for 22 mins.
- Whisk sauce ingredients, toss with wings.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.
Serve with kimchi and steamed rice for a full Korean feast.
6. Parmesan Garlic Wings That Taste Like Fancy Restaurant Food
Buttery garlic, nutty Parmesan—these wings are basically Alfredo sauce’s cool cousin. Fancy enough for date night, easy enough for Tuesday.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb wings
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp parsley
Instructions:
- Air fry wings at 380°F for 20 mins.
- Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant.
- Toss wings in garlic butter, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.
Warning: You might start hoarding these for yourself.
7. Cajun Wings That Bring the Heat (And the Flavor)
Bold, spicy, and packed with Creole vibes—these wings are a party in your mouth. Perfect for when you want to shake things up.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb wings
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Toss wings with oil and spices.
- Air fry at 400°F for 22 mins, shaking halfway.
- Serve with ranch or remoulade for dipping.
Pro tip: Double the Cajun seasoning if you’re brave.
8. Teriyaki Wings That Are Sticky, Sweet, and Irresistible
Homemade teriyaki glaze > store-bought any day. These wings are caramelized perfection—no chopsticks required.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb wings
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions:
- Air fry wings at 380°F for 20 mins.
- Simmer sauce ingredients until thickened.
- Toss wings in sauce, air fry 2 more mins.
Garnish with sesame seeds and pretend you’re in Tokyo.
9. Salt and Vinegar Wings for Potato Chip Lovers
Tangy, salty, and totally addictive—these wings taste like your favorite chip in meat form. Trust me, it works.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb 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 (don’t skip this!).
- Pat dry, toss with oil, air fry at 400°F for 22 mins.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper while hot.
Pair with a crisp lager—the vinegar needs it.
10. Ranch-Dusted Wings for Dip Obsessives
Why dip when you can coat? These wings are basically ranch dressing in wing form. Your inner 90s kid will thank you.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb wings
- 1 tbsp dried dill
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup powdered ranch mix
Instructions:
- Air fry wings at 380°F for 20 mins.
- Toss with ranch powder and spices.
- Serve with extra ranch, because obviously.
Best enjoyed while binge-watching nostalgia TV.
11. Mango Habanero Wings for Sweet Heat Addicts
Fruity, fiery, and downright delicious—these wings balance sweetness and spice like a pro. Not for the faint of heart.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb wings
- 1/2 cup mango puree
- 1 habanero pepper, minced (seeds removed if you’re scared)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions:
- Air fry wings at 400°F for 22 mins.
- Blend sauce ingredients, simmer 5 mins.
- Toss wings in sauce and brace for impact.
Milk on standby. You’ve been warned.
12. Everything Bagel Wings for Brunch Lovers
All the iconic bagel seasoning, none of the carbs. These wings are breakfast-for-dinner gold.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb wings
- 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, for dipping
Instructions:
- Toss wings with oil and seasoning.
- Air fry at 380°F for 20 mins.
- Serve with cream cheese dip and pretend it’s schmear.
Best enjoyed in pajamas. Brunch vibes optional.
There you go—12 ways to turn your air fryer into a wing factory. Whether you’re team Buffalo or team sweet heat, these recipes prove wings don’t need deep frying to be epic. Now go forth and crispy-fy!
