Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Smoky Tangy Barbecue Mayo Sauce
Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Smoky Tangy Barbecue Mayo Sauce is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 300 calories per serving.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $15.25 total, $3.81 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken Wings (mixed wingettes and drumettes)
- 1 tbsp Paprika (regular sweet paprika)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (for deeper color and smoky flavor)
- 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to heat preference)
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 0.5 tsp Coriander Powder
- 0.5 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp Chicken Seasoning (store‑bought blend)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 0.5 tsp MSG (optional for umami; substitute mushroom powder)
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 0.5 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Baking Powder (helps crisp the skin)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (light coating before air‑frying)
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise (full‑fat for best texture)
- 2 tbsp Barbecue Sauce
- 1 tsp Hot Sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
- 1 tsp Chili Sauce (e.g., sweet chili or sriracha)
- 1 tsp Pickle Juice
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce
Instructions
Prepare the spice mix
In a mixing bowl combine paprika, smoked paprika, red chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, coriander powder, ground cumin, chicken seasoning, black pepper, MSG (or mushroom powder), brown sugar, oregano, and salt. Stir until evenly blended.
Time: PT5M
Make the smoky tangy barbecue mayo sauce
In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, hot sauce, chili sauce, pickle juice, and soy sauce until smooth. Adjust seasoning with extra hot sauce or soy sauce if needed.
Time: PT5M
Dry the chicken wings
Spread the wings on a clean surface and pat them completely dry with kitchen paper towels. Flip and pat the other side as well.
Time: PT5M
Coat wings with baking powder and spice mix
Place the dried wings back into the large mixing bowl. Sprinkle baking powder over them, then add the prepared spice mix. Using your hands, toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Rest the seasoned wings
Let the coated wings rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This allows the baking powder to react with the skin.
Time: PT15M
Add oil and final toss
Drizzle 2‑3 tbsp olive oil over the rested wings and toss again to ensure a thin, even coating.
Time: PT2M
Preheat the air fryer
Turn on the air fryer and preheat to 195°C for about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 195°C
Arrange and season wings for first cook
Place the wings skin‑side down on the air fryer tray in a single layer. Sprinkle a generous amount of the spice mix over the top side.
Time: PT3M
First cooking stage
Cook the wings at 195°C for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through (after 10 minutes).
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 195°C
Increase temperature for extra crisp
Raise the air fryer temperature to 205°C and continue cooking for an additional 7‑8 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crisp.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 205°C
Finish and serve
Remove the wings, give them a final light dusting of the spice mix if desired, and transfer to a serving platter. Serve hot with the smoky tangy barbecue mayo sauce on the side.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 300
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 5g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Not vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains soy
Allergens: Eggs, Soy, Gluten
Last updated: April 17, 2026






