Crispy Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe
These crispy air fryer chicken wings are an absolute favorite in my house—golden, crunchy on the outside, and so juicy on the inside, talk about yum! The simple salt-and-pepper seasoning brings out the best in the chicken, with just enough peppery kick to keep things interesting. I love how the air fryer makes them perfectly crispy without any of the heaviness of deep frying. Perfect for serving up for game day or a casual snack, they always disappear fast. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them on repeat too!
Looking for more recipes for wings? Check out my delicious Dry Rub for Chicken Wings.
Why I Love This Recipe
Only six ingredients, and five are pantry staples like salt, pepper, and cornstarch, which help create that yummy crispy coating!
Super quick and easy to throw together, perfect for busy days.
No extra oil needed—the air fryer takes care of the crispiness.
Pairs well with any dip—buffalo, BBQ, ranch, or blue cheese.
A crowd-pleaser for football game days with minimal prep time.
Simple, versatile flavor that works with almost any dinner.
Ingredients You'll Need:
1 lb chicken wings, party style
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, for garnish
Avocado oil spray (I like chosen foods brand!)
How to Make Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings
1. Preheat the air fryer to 375F degrees.
2. Pat the chicken dry really well.
3. In a large bowl, coat with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands.
4. Spray wings with avocado oil spray.
5. Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket and air fry the wings at 375F for 15 minutes.
6. Flip the wings & increase the temperature to 400F, and cook for an additional 15 minutes until the wings are crisped to your liking and golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 165F.
Oven Instructions!
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the wings get extra crispy.
In a large bowl, toss chicken wings with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss them well to make sure each wing is evenly coated.
Spray the wings lightly with avocado oil or vegetable oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
Place the wings on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure there’s space between each wing for even cooking.
Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cook time to ensure they get crispy on both sides.
Once they’re golden brown and crispy, check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!
Storage
To store the leftover air fryer salt & pepper chicken wings, allow them to cool completely. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are warmed through and crispy.
Pair It with My Homemade Ranch Dip!
Homemade Ranch Dip Ingredients
3/4 cup plain whole milk, full-fat Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chopped chives
1 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Healthy Homemade Ranch Dip
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.
Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy with your buffalo cauliflower or other favorite snacks!
Jazz's Tips for Making the Best Wings!
Use party wings. This has already been cut into drumettes and flats. It’s what you would get if you ordered wings in a restaurant!
Pat the chicken really dry with a paper towel before you add the dry rub.
Make sure the entire chicken wing is coated; don’t leave any without the rub!
If you want a lot of flavor, let it sit with the dry rub for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
Use a light coating of cooking spray or oil for crispy wings.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for crispy air fryer wings.
More Appetizers!
FAQs
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Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings in the air fryer. However, I recommended thawing them first before cooking. If you choose to cook them from frozen, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly to ensure they are fully cooked and you get a crispy chicken skin.
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You should flip the chicken wings halfway through cooking in the air fryer. Flipping them will help you achieve the crispiest wings. After air frying the wings at 375F for 15 minutes, flip them over and increase the temperature to 400F. Cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the wings are crisped to your liking. Remember to always check the internal temperature of the wings to ensure they reach 165F for safe consumption.
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Preheat the air fryer: Make sure to preheat the air fryer before adding the chicken wings. This helps create a non-stick surface and prevents sticking.
Use cooking spray or oil: Before placing the chicken wings in the air fryer, lightly coat them with cooking spray or a small amount of oil, such as olive oil or sesame oil. This will help create a barrier between the wings and the basket, reducing the chances of sticking.
Arrange in a single layer: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and ensure that the chicken wings are arranged in a single layer. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking, reducing the chances of the wings sticking together or to the basket.
Flip halfway through cooking: Gently flip the chicken wings halfway through the cooking process. This helps to prevent them from sticking to the basket and promotes even browning on both sides.
Consider using parchment paper or aluminum foil: If you're still having trouble with sticking, you can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil. However, make sure to cut holes in the parchment paper or foil to allow for proper air circulation.
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Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. If you choose to cook them from frozen, you’ll likely need to adjust the cooking time and temperature slightly to ensure they cook through evenly and get crispy.
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There are so many fun ways to play with the flavor! If you want something extra savory, I love adding Chinese salt—it really enhances the chicken. For a little extra kick, white pepper is amazing, and if you like things spicy, throw in some red pepper flakes. My secret weapon is definitely Sichuan peppercorns—they give the wings a unique tingly flavor that’s just delicious and totally brings that authentic touch of Sichuan cuisine. You can also add a little bit of soy sauce or chinese food spices to mix things up if you're craving that deep, umami-packed flavor.
These crispy salt and pepper wings are absolutely finger-licking good, with the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. Whether you're picking up your ingredients from the grocery store or using what you already have, this recipe is both simple and delicious. With no excess oil involved, these crispy chicken wings are ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to game days.
Crispy Air Fryer Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken wings, party style
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, for garnish
- Avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375F degrees.
- Pat the chicken dry really well.
- Coat with cornstarch, salt and pepper. Mix well with your hands.
- Spray wings with avocado oil spray.
- Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket and air fry at 375F for 15 minutes.
- Flip wings & increase temperature to 400F, and cook for an additional 15 minutes until the wings are crisped to your linking. Internal temperature should reach 165F.
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