Air Fryer Hot Wings Recipe – Crispy, Flavorful, and Quick

If you’re craving crispy, flavorful hot wings but want a healthier alternative to deep frying, try this easy Air Fryer Hot Wings Recipe. Start by patting your chicken wings dry with a paper towel to ensure crispiness. In a bowl, mix your favorite seasoning blend, such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne for heat. Toss the wings in a small amount of oil and the seasoning mix, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and place the wings in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to achieve an even golden-brown color. While the wings cook, prepare a spicy sauce with hot sauce and melted butter. Once done, toss the crispy wings in the sauce for that perfect combination of heat and flavor. This Air Fryer Hot Wings Recipe is perfect for any game day or party.

Air Fryer Hot Wings Recipe – Crispy, Flavorful, and Quick

Air fryer hot wings are a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, spicy chicken wings but doesn’t want to deal with the mess and calories of deep frying. The air fryer offers a healthier, more convenient way to prepare this popular snack without compromising on flavor or texture. By circulating hot air around the wings, the air fryer cooks them to golden perfection while using little to no oil, making them a lighter, yet equally crispy alternative to traditional fried wings.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, having a casual gathering, or simply craving a tasty snack, these air fryer hot wings are a crowd-pleaser. With a spicy, tangy coating and crispy skin, they are sure to satisfy your wing cravings. Best of all, they’re quick and easy to prepare, with minimal prep time and no mess.

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Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 1g
• Sodium: 650mg

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on the specific brand of hot sauce or seasoning used.

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Ingredients

To make your delicious air fryer hot wings, gather the following ingredients:

• 10-12 chicken wings (drumettes or flats, or a mix of both)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or cooking spray)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (for tanginess)
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Equipment

• Air fryer (any size)
• Large mixing bowl
• Tongs or spatula
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Measuring spoons
• Plate for serving

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Prep Time, Active Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Active Time: 20-25 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes (optional, for wings to settle)
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

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Course and Cuisines

• Course: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
• Cuisines: American, Southern, Comfort Food

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Servings

This recipe serves 2-4 people, depending on how many wings per person are desired. Feel free to adjust the quantity based on your needs.

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Calories

Each serving (about 4-5 wings) contains approximately 290 calories. If you prefer lower-calorie wings, you can reduce the amount of oil or use a lighter hot sauce.

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Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make perfect air fryer hot wings:

1. Prep the Wings:
   • Begin by patting the chicken wings dry using paper towels. This step is essential for achieving crispy skin in the air fryer. Moisture on the surface of the wings will prevent them from crisping up properly.
   • If your wings are whole, separate them into drumettes and flats by cutting through the joint with a sharp knife.
2. Season the Wings:
   • Place the wings in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the wings to coat evenly.
   • Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toss again to evenly coat the wings with the seasoning mix. The seasoning will enhance the flavor and help create a delicious crispy exterior.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the wings will cook evenly and crisply.
4. Cook the Wings:
   • Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure the wings aren’t overcrowded to ensure optimal air circulation for crispiness.
   • Cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through cooking. Depending on the size of your wings and the air fryer model, cooking time may vary. The wings should be golden and crispy when done.
5. Make the Hot Sauce:
   • While the wings are cooking, prepare the sauce by combining the hot sauce, butter, honey (if using), and vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is well combined. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can adjust the amount of hot sauce or add more honey for sweetness.
6. Toss the Wings in Sauce:
   • Once the wings are crispy and cooked through, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them in a clean mixing bowl. Pour the prepared hot sauce over the wings and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce.
7. Serve:
   • Transfer the wings to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and added freshness.
   • Serve immediately with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery, and carrot sticks if desired.

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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Hot Wings

• Dry the Wings: As mentioned, drying the wings thoroughly before seasoning is key to achieving a crispy texture. You can use a paper towel or let them air dry for a few minutes before cooking.
• Cook in Batches: If you’re making a large batch of wings, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can prevent the wings from crisping up properly.
• Adjust the Heat Level: Customize the heat of your wings by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. For milder wings, use less hot sauce or try a milder variety.
• Let Rest: After tossing the wings in sauce, let them rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and the flavors to meld.

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Conclusion

These air fryer hot wings are a quick, easy, and healthier way to enjoy a classic favorite. With the perfect balance of crispy texture, spicy sauce, and tender chicken, they are sure to satisfy your cravings without the extra calories and mess of traditional deep frying. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, game day, or just because, this recipe is a must-try for wing lovers everywhere. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful wings with all your favorite sides and dipping sauces!