These crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings take just 5 minutes to prep with basic pantry seasonings.

Whether you’re cooking from fresh or frozen, these wings turn out perfectly crispy every time. Choose from Buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, garlic parmesan, or honey sriracha—they’re guaranteed to be the highlight of every party, game day, or easy weeknight dinner!
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Crispy & Flavorful – These baked wings turn out incredibly crispy without the need for deep frying.
- Sweet & Spicy Glaze – The perfect balance of heat from Frank’s hot sauce and sweetness from brown sugar.
- Easy & Beginner-Friendly – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a foolproof recipe.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for game nights, parties, or a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds chicken wings – Halved at the joints, wing tips discarded for even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons baking powder (aluminum-free) – The key to crispy wings, helping to dry out the skin.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the wings.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds a mild kick of spice.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Provides a smoky depth of flavor and a beautiful golden color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Gives a subtle garlicky taste.
- 1/3 cup Frank’s Wings Hot Sauce – Classic hot sauce that brings the heat. Adjust to taste.
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar – Adds a sweet, caramelized coating to balance the spice.
- 1 tablespoon water – Helps dissolve the sugar and create a smooth glaze.
Instructions
Step 1: Dry & Season the Wings
Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels—this is essential for crispy skin. In a bowl, mix baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Sprinkle over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Air Fry the Wings
Arrange the wings in a single layer, skin side up, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes for even crispiness. Spray lightly with cooking spray when flipping. The wings are done when they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Toss in Sauce
Let the wings rest for 5 minutes, then toss them in your desired sauce while warm.
Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce (Optional)
In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together Frank’s Hot Sauce, brown sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves (about 3–4 minutes). Toss wings in sauce before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes! However, you should fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning. Excess moisture can prevent the wings from crisping up properly in the oven.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until hot and crispy again.