These BBQ wings in air fryer are exactly how I like wings: crisp and browned on the outside, juicy inside, and coated with BBQ sauce right near the end so it has time to caramelize without burning. The simple seasoning mixture gives the flavorful wings plenty of sass before the BBQ sauce even goes on.
If you like making chicken in the air fryer, try this Air Fryer Yogurt Marinated Chicken next. It’s another easy chicken recipe and a nice change when you want something other than wings as an appetizer. Keep reading and I’ll show you how to make BBQ wings in air fryer so they get crisp before that sticky BBQ sauce is brushed on.
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Video Tutorial
Try These BBQ Wings in Air Fryer
If you usually toss wings straight into BBQ sauce before cooking, I really like the way these air fryer chicken wings are done instead. The wings cook with the garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper first, then the BBQ sauce is brushed on during the final five minutes, making them Instagram and Pinterest worthy!
That last bit of cooking gives the sauce time to caramelize around the BBQ chicken wings in air fryer without covering up all that crispness underneath. I’d keep some extra BBQ sauce nearby for drizzling over the wings when serving. Trust me, there won't be any leftover BBQ chicken wings!
Why You’ll Love It
- Crispy chicken wings outside: Cooking the seasoned wings before adding the BBQ sauce gives the outside time to brown and crisp.
- Sticky BBQ finish: The sauce goes on for the final five minutes, giving it time to caramelize.
- Simple seasoning: Garlic powder, dried onion, paprika, salt, and pepper are all you need before adding the sauce.
- Easy to adjust: Smaller wings may cook more quickly, while larger ones can need a little longer.
Ingredients
- Whole Chicken wings: I like keeping the wings in a single layer because it gives the hot air room to circulate around them. If they don’t fit comfortably, I’d rather cook these air fryer fried chicken wings in another batch than crowd the basket. Drums and flats also work.
- Olive oil: A small amount helps coat the wings so all those dry seasonings stick evenly instead of collecting at the bottom of the bowl.
- Paprika: I like the extra color and flavor this adds alongside the garlic powder and dried onion. It’s simple, but it makes the seasoning more interesting before the BBQ sauce goes on.
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce here because it’s the main finishing smoky flavor. I wouldn’t brush it on too early; adding it during the final five minutes gives it time to caramelize without spending the entire cooking time in the air fryer.
How to Make BBQ Wings in Air Fryer
1. Begin by removing the tip of each chicken wing. You can use the small wing tips to make stock later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried onion, and paprika.
3. Place the chicken wings in the bowl and toss everything together to ensure the wings are evenly coated with the dry rub seasonings.
4. If you have the time, you can allow the wings to marinate for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
5. Preheat the air fryer, mine’s the Instant Vortex Plus XL, to 355°F (180°C).
6. Arrange the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
7. Air fry the chicken wings for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time can vary based on the size of the wings and the air fryer model you're using. The wings should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. About 5 minutes before the wings are ready, around the 20-25 minute mark, brush the wings with your favorite BBQ sauce. This step adds a wonderful BBQ flavor and slightly caramelizes the chicken wings.
9. Once the wings are cooked through and nicely browned, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs. Serve the wings hot, drizzled with extra BBQ sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Pat the wings dry with a paper towel before seasoning them to help them crisp in the air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches when necessary.
- Flip the wings halfway through so they cook more evenly.
- If the wings start browning too quickly, reduce the temperature by 10°F and increase the cooking time slightly.
- Keep an eye on them once you add the BBQ sauce so it caramelizes without burning.
- If you happen to have leftover wings, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
What Can You Serve With This?
- Celery and carrot sticks
- Coleslaw
- Crispy potato wedges
- Fresh salad
- Homemade barbecue sauce
- Italian Seasoning
- Veggies on the side
FAQs
Cook the wings for 25–30 minutes at 355°F (180°C), flipping halfway through. Brush them with BBQ sauce during the final five minutes.
The wings should be nicely browned and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Recipe
BBQ Wings In Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Small container for BBQ sauce
- Tongs
- Culinary brush
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 9 chicken wings
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried onion
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Begin by removing the tip of each chicken wing. You can use the small wing tips to make stock later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken wings, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried onion, and paprika. Toss everything together to ensure the wings are evenly coated with the seasonings. If you have the time, you can allow the wings to marinate for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the air fryer, mine’s the Instant Vortex Plus XL, to 355°F (180°C)
- Air fry the chicken wings for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time can vary based on the size of the wings and the air fryer model you're using. The wings should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- About 5 minutes before the wings are ready, around the 20-25 minute mark, brush the wings with your favorite BBQ sauce. This step adds a wonderful BBQ flavor and slightly caramelizes the chicken wings.
- Once the wings are cooked through and nicely browned, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs.
- Serve the wings hot, drizzled with extra BBQ sauce.
Notes
Cooking Time and Temperature
Air fry the wings at 355°F (180°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with BBQ sauce during the final 5 minutes.Taste & Texture
Crisp, browned chicken wings with juicy meat inside and a sticky, slightly caramelized BBQ coating.Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheat: Air fry at 320°F (160°C) for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.
Serving Recommendations
- I like these with celery and carrot sticks on the side for something crisp and fresh against the BBQ sauce.
- For a more filling meal, I’d add coleslaw or crispy potato wedges alongside the wings.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Add cayenne pepper or sriracha to the BBQ sauce for more heat.
- Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade.
- Use a gluten-free BBQ sauce for the suggested gluten-free option.
- Swap the BBQ sauce for a honey-mustard glaze or sweet Asian teriyaki.
Proper Storage Tips
- Store leftover wings in an airtight container.
- Keep them refrigerated.
- Use within 3 days.
Pro Tips
- Pat the chicken wings dry before seasoning to help them crisp.
- Give the wings plenty of room in the basket so hot air can circulate.
- Brush on the BBQ sauce gently so you don’t rub off the seasoning.
- Watch the wings closely during the final few minutes after adding the sauce.
Video
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