Air Fryer BBQ Wings

There’s something truly irresistible about a platter of perfectly crispy, juicy, and saucy BBQ chicken wings — especially when they’re made in an air fryer! These Air Fryer BBQ Wings deliver that smoky, sticky, finger-licking goodness of classic barbecue wings, but with a fraction of the oil and effort. The air fryer ensures the wings turn out ultra-crispy on the outside while staying tender and succulent on the inside.

The BBQ sauce caramelizes beautifully under the heat, creating a glossy, flavorful coating that clings to every bite. Whether it’s game day, a casual family dinner, or a backyard-style feast, these wings are always a crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines maximum flavor with minimal fuss. There’s no deep-frying mess, no smoky grill cleanup, and no waiting around for the oven to heat up. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting while locking in the juiciness of the wings.
What I also love most is how versatile it is — you can use your favorite BBQ sauce, from smoky and sweet to tangy and spicy. Every bite bursts with flavor, and the crispy skin adds that addictive crunch we all crave.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it shows how amazing air fryers really are — turning a simple chicken wing into a masterpiece of texture and taste. It’s perfect for anyone who:

• Loves comfort food without excess oil.
• Wants a restaurant-quality snack at home.
• Enjoys finger foods for parties or weekend treats.
• Craves that smoky BBQ flavor without firing up a grill.

Plus, these wings cook in under 30 minutes and taste just as good (if not better) than deep-fried ones!

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~280 calories per serving (without extra dipping sauce)
• Course: Appetizer / Snack / Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings:

• 2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the BBQ Sauce:

• ½ cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

1. Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels — this is key for crispiness.
2. In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

3. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Air Fry the Wings

4. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd — cook in batches if needed.
5. Air fry for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through (at 10 minutes).

Step 4: Add the BBQ Sauce

6. After 20 minutes, transfer the wings to a large bowl. Add your BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Toss until wings are fully coated.
7. Return the wings to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This step helps the sauce caramelize and become sticky and delicious.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

8. Remove the wings, let them rest for 2–3 minutes, and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing.

Step-by-Step Summary

1. Dry & Season → Pat wings dry, toss in oil and spices.
2. Air Fry (Round 1) → 380°F for 20 minutes, flip halfway.
3. Sauce & Toss → Coat wings in BBQ mixture.
4. Air Fry (Round 2) → 400°F for 5 minutes to caramelize.
5. Serve & Enjoy → Let cool slightly and serve warm.

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How to Serve

Serve these BBQ wings hot, sprinkled with chopped parsley or green onions for color. Pair with:

• Celery and carrot sticks
• Ranch or blue cheese dip
• Cornbread, coleslaw, or fries for a hearty meal
• Ice-cold beverages like lemonade, soda, or beer for parties

Recipe Tips

• Dry the wings completely: Moisture prevents crisping.
• Don’t overcrowd: Space allows even airflow.
• Double-sauce trick: Toss once before and once after cooking for a saucier finish.
• Reheat tip: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 370°F for 4–5 minutes for crispy results.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy BBQ Wings: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
2. Honey Garlic BBQ Wings: Mix equal parts honey, soy sauce, and BBQ sauce for a sweet-garlic glaze.
3. Buffalo BBQ Fusion: Combine half BBQ sauce and half buffalo sauce for a tangy-spicy twist.
4. Smoky Maple Wings: Add 1 tbsp maple syrup and a touch of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce.
5. Asian BBQ Wings: Blend hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce into the BBQ mix for an Asian-inspired version.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Once cooled, freeze wings in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keeps well for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then air fry at 370°F for 5–6 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Special Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (any size, preferably 4 qt or larger)
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Basting brush (optional, for sauce)
• Paper towels

Conclusion

These Air Fryer BBQ Wings are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or unhealthy. They’re crunchy, smoky, sweet, and sticky — everything a perfect chicken wing should be. Quick to prepare, easy to clean up, and guaranteed to impress, this recipe is a go-to for parties, game nights, or just a fun dinner at home.

Once you try these, you’ll never go back to deep-frying again!

Air Fryer BBQ Wings

There’s something truly irresistible about a platter of perfectly crispy, juicy, and saucy BBQ chicken wings — especially when they’re made in an air fryer! These Air Fryer BBQ Wings deliver that smoky, sticky, finger-licking goodness of classic barbecue wings, but with a fraction of the oil and effort.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Appetizer & Snacks

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Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 35 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4

Ingredients

Servings

For the Chicken Wings:

• 2 lbs (900 g)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the BBQ Sauce:

• ½ cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Wings : Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels — this is key for crispiness. In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer : Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Air Fry the Wings : Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd — cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through (at 10 minutes).
4. Step 4: Add the BBQ Sauce : After 20 minutes, transfer the wings to a large bowl. Add your BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Toss until wings are fully coated. Return the wings to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This step helps the sauce caramelize and become sticky and delicious.
5. Step 5: Serve and Enjoy : Remove the wings, let them rest for 2–3 minutes, and serve hot with extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing.

Keywords: Air Fryer BBQ Wings