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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe with Smoky BBQ Sauce

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Crispy chicken wings cooked in an air fryer and coated with a smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, game days, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes (skin-on for max crispiness)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (not baking soda)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or sea salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Toss wings in a large mixing bowl with baking powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Ensure every wing is coated evenly.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  3. Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
  4. Air fry wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispness, add 3-5 more minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
  5. While wings cook, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
  6. Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour smoky BBQ sauce over and toss gently to coat evenly.
  7. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side. Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions.

Notes

Pat wings dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness. Use baking powder, not baking soda, to crisp skin. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent soggy wings. Flip wings halfway through cooking for even crispness. Check internal temperature to ensure 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. For gluten-free, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or tamari and verify ketchup brand.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken wings, crispy chicken wings, smoky BBQ sauce, easy chicken wings, game day recipe, quick dinner

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