These crispy air fryer bbq chicken wings are packed with flavor and super crispy thanks to one special secret ingredient.
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

These air fryer bbq chicken wings are so crispy and delicious. I made them for a family party recently and they were a huge hit. Two different people actually asked me where I got them from and assumed that I had ordered them from a local restaurant. I was very proud to see the look on their faces when I told them I had made them right here at home.
These bbq chicken wings really do taste like restaurant quality because of two reasons. One reason is that the chicken is very nicely seasoned with the perfect blend of spices to really complement the flavors of the barbecue sauce. The second is that we’re using a secret ingredient, baking powder, that will help crisp these wings right up.
The secret to the best air fryer BBQ chicken wings
Have you ever noticed that some chicken wings are just much crispier than others? The secret is to add just a little bit of baking powder. It helps the wings brown and crisp up so nicely while leaving the inside most and juicy.
Ingredients
Here is everything you'll need to make these delicious wings. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.
- Chicken Wings (separated into wings and flats)
- Olive Oil
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Paprika
- Brown Sugar
- Chili Powder
- Salt & Pepper
- Barbecue Sauce
- Baking powder
- Parsley (optional)
How To Make Them
Here is how to make these delicious chicken wings. You can find the full recipe along with instructions on the recipe card below.
First, pat the the separated chicken wings dry with a paper towel and add them to a large bowl or marinating bag. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, baking powder, salt and pepper. Massage the seasoning into the chicken wings, cover and place it into the refrigerator for at least one hour- overnight.
PRO TIP: Make sure to dry the wings as best as you can to get the most crispy results.

Now, when you’re ready to make the wings, remove them from the fridge and preheat the air fryer to 400°. Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to over crowd the basket. Air fry the wings for 16 minutes shaking the basket half way through. Brush the wings with barbecue sauce and air fry them for an additional 2-4 minutes. Garnish with parsley (optional) and enjoy!
PRO TIP: Don't over load the air fryer basket. Make space in between each one to allow the air to flow evenly for an even cooking result.

Can These Be Made In The Oven?
Yes, they can be! Just follow the recipe as directed and bake them in a preheated 400° oven for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked all the way through. Brush the wings with barbecue sauce and broil them for 2-3 minutes to finish them up.
Storage
Let the wings cool completely and place them into a food safe, air tight container and they will last in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2.5- 3 Pounds Chicken Wings, separated into drums and flats
- 2 Tbs Olive Oil
- 1.5 Tbs Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbs Paprika
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 Tbs Garlic Powder
- 1 Tbs Onion Powder
- 1 Tsp Chili Powder
- 1.5 Tbs Baking Powder
- ½ Cup BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Pat the the separated chicken wings dry with a paper towel and add them into a bowl or marinating bag.
- Add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, baking powder, salt and pepper. Massage the seasoning into the chicken wings, cover and place it into the refrigerator for at least one hour- overnight.
- When you’re ready to make the wings, remove them from the fridge and preheat the air fryer to 400°. Next, place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket being sure to leave a little space in between each one for air flow.
- Now air fry the wings for 16 minutes shaking the basket half way through.
- Finally, brush the wings with barbecue sauce and air fry them for an additional 2-4 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy
Other Easy Appetizer Recipes
If you like super easy to make appetizer recipes like this one, you have to try these Sausage Stuffing Balls, Jalapeno Popper Wontons and Green Olive Dip.





Mary says
Can you use chicken tenders instead of wings?
Anonymous says
Thank you. If I wanted to do these in the oven..what temp and how long?
Al Dente Diva says
I’m so so happy to hear this. Thank you!!
Anonymous says
I love this recipe. I have made it numerous times everyone loves them.
Al Dente Diva says
Because that’s the way I like it. You don’t have to
Anonymous says
Why separate them?
Al Dente Diva says
I mix it right in ?
Nick says
Do you use the baking powder before you season them? Or do you mix the powder into the seasoning?
Al Dente Diva says
My pleasure! Thank youb
Janice Lawlor says
Thank you for the recipe. ?