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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe with Smoky Paprika Glaze

crispy air fryer chicken wings - featured image

Crispy chicken wings with a smoky paprika glaze made quickly and easily in the air fryer. Perfect for appetizers, game nights, or casual dinners with a flavorful, healthier twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
  2. Toss wings in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil to lightly coat every piece.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well.
  4. Sprinkle the dry seasoning mix over the oiled wings and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) if your model requires preheating.
  6. Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes.
  7. Flip each wing using tongs and cook for another 10 minutes until skin is golden brown and crisp. Wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. While wings cook, mix 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon lemon juice in a small bowl to make the glaze.
  9. Toss cooked wings immediately in the honey-lemon glaze to coat lightly.
  10. Give the wings one last toss with any leftover dry seasoning for extra flavor and serve hot.

Notes

Pat wings dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking. Flip wings halfway through cooking. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level. Toss wings in glaze immediately after cooking to keep skin crisp. Wings can be cooked in a conventional oven using broil setting but air fryer yields best crispiness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken wings, crispy chicken wings, smoky paprika glaze, easy appetizers, game day snacks