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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

A pile of crispy, glossy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings coated in dark, sticky sauce served on a white plate.

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Make crispy, juicy BBQ chicken wings quickly using your air fryer with a simple dry rub and your favorite sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings very dry using paper towels. This step is key for crispiness.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika to create the dry rub.
  3. Toss the dry wings thoroughly with the dry rub mixture until every piece is evenly coated.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air fry for 15 minutes.
  7. Flip the wings and continue to cook for another 10 minutes at 380°F (195°C).
  8. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for a final 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is very crisp. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove the wings from the air fryer and place them in a large bowl.
  10. Pour the BBQ sauce over the hot wings and toss gently until they are fully coated.
  11. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Using baking powder helps draw moisture from the skin, resulting in a crispier texture without deep frying.
  • For the best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; air needs to circulate around each wing.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can return the sauced wings to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 380°F (195°C) after tossing them in the sauce.

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