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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Without Oil

crispy air fryer chicken wings without oil - featured image

A healthy and easy recipe for crispy chicken wings made in the air fryer without any added oil, delivering a crunchy texture and juicy interior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) whole chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) aluminum-free baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
  • ½ teaspoon (1g) black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon (1g) cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the chicken wings thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
  3. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss well until every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
  4. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  5. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through cooking (around 10 minutes) using tongs to ensure even crisping.
  6. Check that wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a thicker wing to ensure juices run clear.
  7. Optional: For extra crispiness, air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Serve immediately or keep warm on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 200°F (93°C) oven while finishing remaining batches.

Notes

Patting the wings dry and spacing them out in a single layer are crucial for crispiness. Use aluminum-free baking powder, not baking soda, to avoid off flavors. Flip wings halfway through cooking for even browning. If wings are not crispy enough, add 3-5 extra minutes of air frying. For batch cooking, keep cooked wings warm on a wire rack in a low oven. Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

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