Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings {with Cornstarch}
These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings use cornstarch as the secret ingredient to get that extra crispy skin that everyone loves! Perfectly crisp and seasoned, these wings are perfect for parties and game day! Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauces (don’t forget this Wingstop Ranch!) and watch them disappear!
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- The best chicken wings–perfectly seasoned and CRISPY!!
- Super easy!! Way less messy and time-consuming than deep frying!
- So many ways to customize seasonings, dips, and sauces!
- Divine dipped in this perfect Wingstop Ranch Recipe!
- Perfect appetizer for family get-togethers, picnics, and of course, GAME DAY!
⭐️ NEED HELP MEAL PLANNING?? ⭐️
You’ll need the following ingredients to make these delicious Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Cornstarch:
Chicken Wings: Plain (unseasoned) frozen chicken wings are always my go-to. I like the “variety pack” that includes both “flats” and “drumettes,” but go with whatever you like! I avoid buying wings with the wing tips–they are a pain to cut off!
Corn Starch: This is the SECRET INGREDIENT to making the crispiest chicken wings!
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with exact ingredients will be in the recipe card below!
Step 1: Toss wings with melted butter.
Step 2: Then, add spices and toss well.
Step 3: Add cornstarch and mix until wings are very well coated with the cornstarch.
Step 4: Place wings in the air fryer basket in an even layer. Air fry at 390°F for 7 minutes. Flip the wings and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until crisp and golden brown. Internal temperature should be no lower than 165°F. When these wings are done, they will typically be about 180-185°F.
- Cooking in Batches: When I have to cook in multiple batches, I place the cooked wings on a plate while the others are cooking. When all the wings are cooked, I place them all back in the air fryer (they won’t be in a single layer and that’s OK). Set air fryer temperatures to 390°F and warm all the wings for 5 minutes. They’ll be nice and warm and ready to be enjoyed…and still crispy!
⭐️ CONFIDENCE TIP ⭐️
- Storage: Store leftover chicken wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken wings in the air fryer at 390°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
Two little “secrets” to making super crispy wings without deep frying:
When serving as an appetizer, dips like ranch, bbq sauce, and blue cheese are classic. Don’t forget the celery and carrots!
Yes, baking powder will also make crispy wings! However, I have tried it many times both ways and cornstarch ALWAYS yields the best TASTE!
You sure can! My son does it all the time!
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TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE
Check out all of my kitchen essentials in my Amazon store!
Air Fryer: I LOVE my Cosori 5 qt. air fryer! It’s a workhorse and super easy to clean.
Meat Thermometer: The easiest way to tell if the wings are done!
Glass Bowls: For tossing the wings in the corn starch and seasonings.
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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings {with Cornstarch}
Recipe details
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. thawed chicken wings See Note 1 on how to cook from frozen
- 2 tbsp salted butter, melted and cooled just slightly
- 1 tsp kosher salt or sea salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes.
- Add Butter: Place the thawed chicken wings in a large bowl. Pat dry with a paper towels to ensure there is no excess moisture. Pour the melted butter over the chicken. Your butter is room temperature and the chicken wings are cold, so when pouring the butter, it may congeal a bit. That's OK! When you place the wings in the air fryer, the butter will melt and give you the most tender, juicy chicken wings you've ever had!
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the seasonings: salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper over the chicken wings. Rub the seasonings on the chicken wings to coat every one of them with flavor.
- Add Cornstarch: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken wings. Using your hands or 2 spoons, oss to coat every chicken wing in cornstarch. Remember, cornstarch is the key ingredient to getting super crispy wings, so you want every wing well-coated!
- Air Fry: Place the chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leaving space in between the chicken wings makes them cook (and crisp!) evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do a few batches. Air fry at 390°F for 7 minutes. Flip the wings and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until crisp and golden brown. Internal temperature should be no lower than 165°F. When the wings are done and nicely crisp, they will typically be about 180-185°F. Note: exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer.
- Serve: Allow the wings a minute or two to cool, then serve with your favorite sauce or sides (celery sticks, carrot sticks, store-bought or homemade ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese dressing).
Tips
- Note 1: To cook wings from frozen, place your plain, frozen wings in the air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes. Take the wings out of the basket and transfer to a large bowl. Pour melted butter over them and toss to coat. Then, sprinkle on seasonings and cornstarch. Mix until the chicken wings are evenly coated. The wings will be hot, so I use big serving spoons to toss the chicken wings. Place the seasoned wings back into the air fryer and air fry for an additional 10 minutes until the internal temperature is 180-185°F and the wings are crisp and golden brown!
- Nutrition is only an estimate based on the Very Well Fit Nutrition Calculator
Comments
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