Scrumptious Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe

air fryer bbq chicken wings

There’s nothing quite like biting into perfectly crispy chicken wings smothered in tangy BBQ sauce! These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings are an absolute game-changer. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor—all without the mess of deep frying or firing up the grill.

With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can whip up these irresistible wings for game day, a family dinner, or a weekend snack. The air fryer makes the process super easy and healthier, too. Plus, they’re kid-approved and totally customizable with your favorite BBQ sauce. Let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)
  • Optional garnish: chopped green onions or fresh parsley

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer BBQ Wings

  1. Pat the wings dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the wings before seasoning. This helps them crisp up in the air fryer.
  2. Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook the wings in a single layer for even cooking and maximum crispiness. If needed, cook in batches.
  3. Flip halfway through: Turning the wings ensures they cook evenly on all sides.
  4. Toss in BBQ sauce after cooking: Add the sauce once the wings are done to keep them crispy.
  5. Experiment with sauces: Try spicy, honey, or smoky BBQ sauces for variety, or mix a little hot sauce into your BBQ for extra heat.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Measuring spoons

Substitutions and Variations

  • Chicken: Swap wings for chicken drumsticks or boneless chicken bites if preferred. Adjust cooking times as needed.
  • Spices: Add cayenne for extra heat or substitute your favorite dry rub for the garlic and paprika.
  • Sauce Options: Use buffalo sauce, teriyaki, or honey mustard instead of BBQ for different flavor profiles.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar-free or low-sugar BBQ sauce for a lighter version.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Prep Ahead: Season the wings up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat: Cooked wings can be reheated in the air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes to restore crispiness.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings

Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Place them in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the wings are evenly coated.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Wings

Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Toss in BBQ Sauce

Transfer the cooked wings to a large mixing bowl. Pour the BBQ sauce over the wings and toss until they’re fully coated.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Plate the BBQ chicken wings and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Leftovers and Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked wings without sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer, then toss with sauce before serving.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings are a simple and delicious way to satisfy your wing cravings without the mess of frying. Perfectly crispy and full of bold BBQ flavor, they’re a hit for parties, family dinners, or even as a snack. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below—what sauce did you use, and did you make any fun twists? 🍗✨

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