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BBQ chicken wings in air fryer

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

These air fryer BBQ wings are so crispy and flavorful! Starting with a dry rub and adding BBQ sauce later, these non spicy wings are a family favorite. Serve them up for game day, a party appetizer or to help you out of a dinner rut.

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Keyword air fryer appetizer, air fryer chicken, air fryer recipe, air fryer wings, appetizer recipe, appetizers, barbecue, barbecue sauce, bbq, chicken recipes, chicken wings, game day, tailgating
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 people
Author Emilie at findingzest.com

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 pounds fresh chicken wings approximately 20 wingettes
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 - 3 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper or to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a small bowl add all spices and stir to evenly mix.
  3. If you have whole chicken wings, you'll want to split them at the joint and and remove the tips. If you have already split wings (wingettes) you are ready to go.
  4. Pat chicken wings with paper towel to remove any moisture and place in large bowl or gallon size ziploc bag.

  5. Drizzle olive oil over chicken wings, then sprinkle seasoning mixture. Toss chicken wings to evenly coat. (If using a bag, be sure to seal, then shake).

  6. Add chicken wings in a single layer, not overlapping.

  7. Cook for 8 minutes. Turn over wings and cook for additional 8 minutes.

  8. Brush barbecue sauce over wings. Cook for additional 2 to 4 minutes or until desired crispiness is achieved.

  9. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing, additional barbecue sauce or your favorite dipping sauce if desired.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Prefer really saucy wings?? Instead of adding BBQ sauce to the last couple of minutes of cooking,  you can brush warm barbecue sauce over wings (or toss in bbq sauce) right before serving.

How to Bake BBQ Chicken Wings in the Oven: 
Cook your wings on a wire rack sprayed with cooking spray over a baking sheet. Cook in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for approximately 40 to 50 minutes or until fully cooked. (Exact cooking time will depend upon size of your wings) Brush BBQ sauce over wings in the last few minutes of cooking or toss in barbecue sauce after fully cooked. If you like an extra crispy skin, I recommend broiling for 1 to 3 minutes or until desired crispiness. Be sure to watch your wings carefully while broiling so you don't overcook.

While these wings are mild, you can tone the spices down even further and skip the chili powder if preferred.