Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings {with Cornstarch}

Casey Rooney
by Casey Rooney
4 servings
19 min

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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Close up photo of one crispy chicken wing cooked in the air fryer with cornstarch.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE


  • 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!


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RECIPE INGREDIENTS


You’ll need the following ingredients to make these delicious Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Cornstarch:

Ingredients needed to make crispy air fryer chicken wings with cornstarch.
INGREDIENT NOTES


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!


HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS WITH CORNSTARCH: STEP BY STEP


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.

Raw chicken wings in a bowl with melted butter over the top.

Step 2: Then, add spices and toss well.

Raw chicken wings in a glass bowl with cornstarch and seasonings.

Step 3: Add cornstarch and mix until wings are very well coated with the cornstarch.

Raw chicken wings that are seasoned before going into the air fryer.

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.

Chicken wings cooked, in the air fryer.
RECIPE TIPS & TRICKS


  • 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 ⭐️


The dry rub on these delicious chicken wings is classic–but feel free to jazz it up and make these wings your own! I’ve given you a few ideas and variations below!


RECIPE VARIATIONS



Spice It Up: Add 1/8 tsp of cayenne pepper to your dry rub seasoning.



Make it Kid-Friendly: Omit the paprika and replace it with lemon pepper.



Make it Fancy: Once the wings are cooked, brush them with butter and toss them in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with parsley!



Buffalo Wings: Once the wings are cooked, toss them with your favorite buffalo sauce. Serve with blue cheese dressing.



STORAGE & REHEATING


  • 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.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


How do you make chicken wings crispy without frying them?

Two little “secrets” to making super crispy wings without deep frying:



The Air Fryer: The circulating air helps to evenly crisp up the wings without deep frying.


Cornstarch: This is the secret ingredient to getting super crispy wings without a deep fryer!


What should I serve with these crispy air fryer wings?

When serving as an appetizer, dips like ranch, bbq sauce, and blue cheese are classic. Don’t forget the celery and carrots!



If you are serving these crispy wings as more of a meal (don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t!!!), then potato salad, macaroni salad, sweet potato fries, or tater tots are all great options!

Can I use baking powder instead of cornstarch to make my crispy chicken wings?

Yes, baking powder will also make crispy wings! However, I have tried it many times both ways and cornstarch ALWAYS yields the best TASTE!



My family also agrees that wings with baking powder have a slightly “gritty” taste, while wings tossed in cornstarch are perfectly crisp and you can’t taste the cornstarch at all! So for best results, use cornstarch!

I forgot the thaw my wings. Can I use frozen wings to make this recipe?

You sure can! My son does it all the time!



Place your plain, frozen wings in the air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes. Take the wings out of the basket. 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 chicken wings back into the air fryer and air fry for an additional 10 minutes until the internal temperature is 180-185°F.


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Close up photo of one crispy chicken wing cooked in the air fryer with cornstarch.

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
  • 4  servings
  • Prep time: 5 Minutes Cook time: 14 Minutes Total time: 19 min
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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
Casey Rooney
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