Crispy Chicken Wings

Featured in: Perfect Bites for Every Occasion

Perfectly crunchy wings tossed in a seasoned blend, cooked in either the oven or an air fryer. Quick, simple, and packed with flavor for a fun snack or meal!
Lily chef cooking Cookingwithmee blog.
Updated on Sat, 10 May 2025 18:13:38 GMT
A plate of golden, crispy chicken wings resting on a dark background. Pin it
A plate of golden, crispy chicken wings resting on a dark background. | cookingwithmee.com

I stumbled onto my top wing recipe that totally changed our sports viewing snacks! I tried so many ways to get super crunchy wings without dunking them in oil, and finally found what works. It all comes down to an awesome dry mix and a couple easy tricks that make wings so crunchy and tasty my family thinks they came from our go-to restaurant. The first batch I made had my kid's buddies asking if we could skip delivery and just eat these instead!

The Magic Behind These Wings

These wings stand out from the crowd! The mix of sweet smoky and savory spices builds incredible flavor that makes everyone want the recipe. During last week's big match, people kept grabbing more - even my brother who normally sticks to plain ones couldn't stop eating these. And guess what? They're actually simpler and better for you than oil-fried ones!

Your Ingredients List

  • For The Wings:
    • Chicken wings either cut or whole
    • Plain flour or baking powder to boost crunch
    • Cooking spray you prefer
  • For That Killer Rub:
    • Brown sugar for a touch of sweet
    • Rich paprika
    • Cozy chili powder
    • Onion and garlic powder
    • Salt and black pepper freshly ground

Time To Cook

Wing Prep Steps
Start by getting those wings super dry - this is key for crunch! Then combine your spices and watch the colors swirl together. My children love joining in for this step and call it their wing dust magic!
Getting Them Covered
Mix everything so each wing gets fully wrapped in spices. This step builds all that amazing flavor that'll soon turn into something fantastic!
The Cooking Part
Whether you pick your oven or air fryer, watching them turn golden and crisp is real kitchen joy! The aroma pulls everyone in asking when they can start eating.
A bowl of crispy chicken wings garnished with herbs and a slice of lime. Pin it
A bowl of crispy chicken wings garnished with herbs and a slice of lime. | cookingwithmee.com

Secrets To Wing Success

Want to know how I get them extra crunchy? Dry them completely before starting - wetness ruins crispiness! Always use that oil spray to help the seasoning form an awesome crust. And my top trick? Turn them halfway through cooking so they get perfectly crisp on all sides!

Ready To Eat

I like creating a small dipping area with different sauces - ranch, blue cheese, maybe hot buffalo for those who love heat. At gatherings I keep making batches in the air fryer and they vanish right away! Throw some raw veggies on the side and it feels kinda healthy!

Quick Prep Tips

These wings work great for planning! Make extra seasoning to keep handy for fast batches. You can get the wings ready and keep them in the fridge a few hours before cooking. But truth be told, we rarely have any left - everyone always wants another round!

Try New Flavors

Feel free to switch up the seasonings! Sometimes I add more cayenne for extra kick. My daughter who loves sweets wants extra brown sugar in her portion. I once tried a lemon pepper version and it was amazing! That's the fun part of cooking - finding your own perfect flavor mix.

A close-up view of a bowl filled with golden, crispy chicken wings coated in a spiced seasoning. Pin it
A close-up view of a bowl filled with golden, crispy chicken wings coated in a spiced seasoning. | cookingwithmee.com

The Impact Of This Dish

These wings have become our favorite party food! There's something really cool about making restaurant-quality wings at home that taste better than takeout. My kids are learning cooking skills by helping mix spices and understanding flavor building.

The greatest thing isn't just how tasty they are but seeing everyone smile when they try them! Whether for game day, family movies, or just because you want good wings, these always hit the spot. And seeing people realize they can make wings at home better than delivery? That's what makes cooking worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's better: air frying or baking?

Air frying is quicker and makes them crispier. Baking works best if you're making a bigger batch. Both are tasty!

→ Why include flour in the rub?

The flour helps lock in the crispiness and makes the spices stick better to the chicken.

→ Can I prep these in advance?

Yes, toss the wings in the rub up to a day ahead. Just cook them fresh for the best crunch.

→ How do I get the crispiest texture?

Dry the wings completely before coating them and spray with oil. Both steps make a big difference!

→ Can I make them spicier?

For extra heat, throw in some cayenne or additional chili powder. Use less spice if you want them milder.

Crispy Chicken Wings

Golden, seasoned wings with smoky-sweet flavor. Super easy and great for any gathering.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Lily

Category: Finger Foods

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (16 wings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
02 ½ teaspoon onion powder.
03 Salt and pepper as needed.
04 2 teaspoons brown sugar.
05 2 pounds chicken wings.
06 Olive oil spray.
07 1 teaspoon chili powder.
08 ½ cup plain flour.
09 ½ teaspoon garlic powder.

Instructions

Step 01

Dry your wings and toss them in a big bowl. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 02

Blend together all the flour and spices. Coat wings thoroughly in the mixture.

Step 03

Line your baking tray with parchment and put the wings on it. Give them a good spray of oil.

Step 04

Bake for 20 minutes. Flip the wings, spray again, and let them go for 10 more minutes until golden and crispy (165°F inside).

Notes

  1. To air fry, set at 400°F and cook for 20 minutes total.
  2. Make sure your wings are dry to get them super crispy.
  3. Feel free to tweak the spices to your liking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Tray for baking.
  • Paper to line the tray.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 492
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 28 g