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Crispy Skin Air Fryer Chicken Wings

If you’re looking for the ultimate game day snack or weeknight dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, these crispy skin air fryer chicken wings are a must-try. They feature a simple butter and hot sauce marinade that infuses each wing with tangy, spicy goodness, while the air fryer ensures a perfectly crisp exterior and juicy interior.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds Chicken Wings Use skin-on chicken wings; trim and separate drummettes from wingettes, discarding the wing tips
  • 1/4 cup Hot Sauce Frank's is preferred for classic buffalo flavor
  • 3 tablespoons Butter Use real butter to create a rich, glossy sauce

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small Saucepan or Microwave-Safe Bowl
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
  2. Prepare the chicken wings by trimming away the wing tips and separating the drummettes from the wingettes. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
  3. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Combine the melted butter with the hot sauce to form the marinade.
  4. Toss the chicken wings in the hot sauce and butter mixture until well-coated. For best results, let the wings marinate for at least a couple of hours, or overnight if you have time.
  5. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. To avoid overcrowding (which leads to soggy wings), cook them in two batches. Air fry each batch for about 12 minutes, remembering to shake or jiggle the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping.
  6. After both batches are cooked, combine all the wings in the air fryer for a quick 2-minute reheat to ensure they are uniformly hot and crispy.
  7. Serve immediately with a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dip, accompanied by celery and carrot sticks or your favorite potato side for a complete meal.

Notes

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality wings using only a handful of ingredients, making it perfect for quick meals or game day gatherings. The marinade of hot sauce and butter creates a tangy, spicy flavor that infuses deep into the meat, while the air fryer ensures a crispy finish without the mess of deep frying. Feel free to experiment with different sauces or adjust the hot sauce amount for a milder taste. Serve with your favorite dips and crunchy veggies for a delicious, well-rounded meal.