Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Flour

Get ready to revolutionize your wing game with these incredibly crispy air fryer chicken wings with flour! These golden beauties deliver that perfect crunch we all crave, while staying tender and juicy inside. Here’s a fun fact: coating wings in flour before air frying creates an extra crispy exterior that rivals deep-fried wings, but with 75% less oil!

This recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights and weekend gatherings. The simple flour coating technique takes just 5 minutes of prep time, and the air fryer does all the heavy lifting in just 25 minutes. Your family will think you’ve mastered some secret restaurant technique!

If you loved our popular buffalo cauliflower bites, you’ll absolutely adore these wings. They’re equally crispy and flavorful, but with that satisfying protein punch that makes them perfect for any occasion. Ready to create wings that’ll have everyone asking for your secret? Let’s dive in!

What is Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Flour?

Ever wondered why adding flour to chicken wings makes such a magical difference? It’s like giving your wings a crispy armor that locks in all the juicy goodness! The flour creates a light, crunchy coating that transforms ordinary wings into restaurant-quality perfection.

Picture this: you’re tossing wings in seasoned flour, and suddenly they’re wearing little crispy jackets ready for their air fryer adventure. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these flour-coated wings are definitely the express route! Ready to become the wing hero of your household?

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Flour

The Crispiest Wings You’ve Ever Made

The flour coating creates an incredibly crispy exterior that stays crunchy even after saucing. Each bite delivers that satisfying crunch followed by tender, juicy meat that practically falls off the bone. The air fryer’s circulation ensures even browning all around, giving you perfect wings every single time.

Budget-Friendly Family Feast

Making wings at home costs a fraction of restaurant prices. A 2-pound bag of wings feeds 4-6 people for under $10, compared to $30+ at restaurants. Plus, you control the ingredients and can customize the flavors to your family’s preferences without breaking the bank.

Endless Flavor Possibilities

The flour base accepts any seasoning blend beautifully. Whether you love classic buffalo, honey garlic, or Korean-style gochujang, these wings become the perfect canvas. The coating holds sauces better than naked wings, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Similar to our honey sriracha Brussels sprouts, these wings prove that the air fryer creates incredible textures while keeping things simple. Why not try making both for your next gathering and watch your guests’ faces light up with every crispy bite?

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Flour

Quick Overview

These wings are incredibly easy to make and deliver restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. The flour coating creates amazing crispiness while the air fryer ensures even cooking. The secret is in the seasoned flour mixture and proper temperature control.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Flour

For the Wings:

2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray

For Buffalo Sauce (Optional):

½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Wings Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness. Remove any excess moisture, as wet wings won’t crisp properly in the air fryer.

Step 2: Create the Flour Mixture In a large bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Whisk everything together until well combined. This seasoned flour will create that perfect crispy coating.

Step 3: Coat the Wings Lightly spray or brush wings with olive oil. Toss wings in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour, but make sure each wing has a good coating.

Step 4: Preheat Your Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the moment you add the wings.

Step 5: First Cook Cycle Place wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if needed. Cook for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Step 6: Flip and Continue Cooking Flip each wing and cook for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Optional Sauce Application If using buffalo sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan, whisk in hot sauce, honey, and garlic powder. Toss cooked wings in sauce or serve on the side.

What to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Flour With

These crispy wings pair beautifully with classic sides that complement their bold flavors. Try serving them with cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing, fresh celery sticks, and carrot sticks for that authentic buffalo experience.

For heartier meals, consider pairing with loaded potato skins, mac and cheese, or a fresh garden salad. The richness of the wings balances perfectly with lighter sides like coleslaw or cucumber salad.

Don’t forget beverages! Ice-cold beer, lemonade, or sparkling water with lime help cleanse the palate between those deliciously messy bites.

Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Flour

Perfect Flour Coating Technique

The key to crispy wings is getting the flour to stick properly. Lightly oil the wings first, then coat in flour. This creates better adhesion and prevents the coating from falling off during cooking.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Cook wings in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Wings need space for hot air to circulate around them properly.

Temperature and Timing Matters

Start at 380°F for the first 12 minutes, then check for doneness. Some air fryers run hotter than others, so adjust cooking time accordingly. Wings are done when they reach 165°F internally and are golden brown.

Make-Ahead Tip

You can coat wings in flour up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. This actually helps the coating adhere better and creates even crispier results.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store leftover wings in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture.

Freezing: Cooked wings can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags to prevent sticking.

Reheating: The air fryer is perfect for reheating! Cook at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the coating soggy.

Pro Tip: If wings lose their crispiness, pop them back in the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes to restore that perfect crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat dry thoroughly. Frozen wings contain excess moisture that prevents proper crisping.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these in a 425°F oven for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet for best results.

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cook the wings completely, then store in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes before serving.

What’s the best flour to use?

All-purpose flour works perfectly. You can also use rice flour for extra crispiness or gluten-free flour for dietary restrictions.

How do I know when wings are done?

Wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. The cooking time remains the same for each batch.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (4 wings)
Calories	285
Protein	24g
Carbohydrates	8g
Fat	18g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	420mg
Cholesterol	75mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used

Pro Chef Secrets for Next-Level Wings

Double Coating Method: For extra crispy wings, dip floured wings in beaten egg, then coat in flour again. This creates an incredibly thick, crunchy crust.

Baking Powder Trick: Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder to your flour mixture. This helps create more air pockets, resulting in even crispier wings.

Marinating Magic: Marinate wings in buttermilk for 2-4 hours before coating. This tenderizes the meat and helps the flour stick better.

Seasoning Variations: Try different spice blends like Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, or even taco seasoning in your flour mixture for exciting flavor twists.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Try these variations:

Asian-Style: Add ginger powder and five-spice to the flour mixture
Mexican Twist: Include cumin, chili powder, and lime zest
Mediterranean: Mix in dried oregano, basil, and parmesan cheese
BBQ Style: Add brown sugar and smoked paprika to the coating

These air fryer chicken wings with flour prove that you don’t need a deep fryer to achieve restaurant-quality results. The combination of proper seasoning, flour coating, and air fryer technology creates wings that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just treating your family to something special, these wings deliver every single time. Give them a try, and prepare to become the wing master of your household!