Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings with Garlic and Paprika

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Tips for Cooking Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

  1. Dry the wings thoroughly — moisture kills crisp.

  2. Don’t skip the baking powder; it’s essential for texture.

  3. Avoid overcrowding the basket; cook in batches if needed.

  4. Flip wings every 10 minutes for even cooking.

  5. Preheat your air fryer for consistent temperature.

  6. Let wings rest 5 minutes before saucing to retain crisp.

  7. For extra crunch, air fry 3–5 minutes longer after saucing.

  8. Use aluminium-free baking powder to avoid bitterness.

  9. Store leftovers uncovered to keep the skin crisp.

  10. Reheat in air fryer for 5 minutes at 180°C (360°F) to restore texture.

 

Serve It With Suggestions

  • Celery and carrot sticks

  • Blue cheese or ranch dressing

  • Sweet potato fries

  • Corn on the cob

  • Coleslaw

  • Pickles or pickled jalapeños

  • Baked mac and cheese

  • Garlic aioli

  • Beer or iced tea

  • Crusty sourdough rolls

 

FAQ's

Q: Why use baking powder on chicken wings?
A: It helps dry out the skin and create that signature crispy texture in the air fryer.

Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: You can season the wings ahead, but they’re crispiest fresh. Reheat in the air fryer if needed.

Q: Can I skip the sauce?
A: Absolutely — they’re delicious dry-rubbed with just the seasoning mix.

Q: Can I use frozen wings?
A: Yes, but thaw and pat them completely dry before seasoning and cooking.

Q: What’s the best temp to cook wings in the air fryer?
A: 200°C (400°F) is ideal for crispy results.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and soggy skin.

Q: What’s a good dipping sauce for these?
A: Ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or garlic yogurt dip all work beautifully.

Q: Can I make them less spicy?
A: Yes — omit the cayenne and use mild paprika for a family-friendly version.

Q: What oil is best for air fryer wings?
A: A light spray of olive oil or avocado oil helps with browning without greasiness.

Q: Can I store leftovers?
A: Yes — refrigerate uncovered and reheat in the air fryer to crisp them back up.

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