Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Garlic-Herb Rub

Published: April 10, 2026
Julia NguyenJulia Nguyen
Tags: snack, Appetizer, Chicken, Game Day, Air Fryer

Air Fryer Wings

Crispy, juicy air fryer chicken wings tossed in a garlicky herb glaze — fast and shareable.

Prep Time:15 minCook Time:25 minTotal Time:40 minServings:4Difficulty:Easy

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories:480 kcal
Protein:30 g
Carbs:4 g
Fat:36 g

These wings are my go-to when I want something finger-licking good without babysitting the oven. A light dusting of baking powder and a garlic-herb rub gives the skin an addictively crisp texture, while the air fryer keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.

They come together fast — perfect for game day, a casual dinner, or a weekend snack. Serve them with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear.

Ingredients

  • Chicken wings (whole, tips removed or split into flats and drumettes):2 lb
  • Baking powder (not baking soda):1 tbsp
  • Kosher salt:1 tsp
  • Black pepper:1/2 tsp
  • Garlic powder:1 tsp
  • Onion powder:1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika:1 tsp
  • Dried oregano:1 tsp
  • Olive oil:2 tbsp
  • Unsalted butter:3 tbsp
  • Hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot):1/3 cup
  • Honey:1 tbsp
  • Fresh parsley, chopped:2 tbsp
  • Lemon wedges:4 pieces

Instructions

  1. Pat the wings dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.

    Chicken wings being patted dry with paper towels before seasoning.
  2. Toss wings with baking powder, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and olive oil until evenly coated.

    Chicken wings tossed with baking powder, spices, herbs, and olive oil.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.

    Air fryer preheating to 400°F with seasoned chicken wings ready nearby.
  4. Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding; cook in batches if needed.

    Seasoned chicken wings arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  5. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip the wings, then continue cooking for another 10–12 minutes until skin is deep golden and crisp and an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F in the thickest part.

    Crispy golden chicken wings being flipped in the air fryer basket.
  6. While wings cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then whisk in hot sauce and honey until smooth to make the glaze.

    Butter, hot sauce, honey, garlic, and herbs whisked into a glossy glaze.
  7. When wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl, pour the garlic-herb glaze over the wings, and toss to coat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and squeeze over lemon wedges.

    Air fried chicken wings tossed with garlic-herb glaze, parsley, and lemon.
  8. Serve immediately with extra dipping sauce and lemon wedges on the side.

    Finished garlic-herb chicken wings served with dipping sauce and lemon wedges.

Tips & Notes

  • Dry wings thoroughly before seasoning — removing surface moisture is key to crisp skin.
  • A light dusting of baking powder (not soda) helps brown and crisp the skin in the air fryer.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches so hot air can circulate and crisp each wing.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking; wings are safe at 165°F and will stay juicier if removed promptly.