The Best Air Fryer Wings! @randysrubs
The Best Air Fryer Wings! @randysrubs is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by PLATE IT UP with Jason on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $8.30 total, $2.07 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken Wings (fresh or thawed, tips: pat dry with paper towels)
- 2 tbsp Ry's Rub (store‑bought wing seasoning; can substitute with homemade blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder (aluminum‑free for best crispness)
- 1 tbsp Cooking Spray (non‑stick spray; use sparingly at the 4‑5 minute mark)
Instructions
Dry the Wings
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels; moisture prevents crisping.
Time: PT5M
Season with Baking Powder and Rub
Place wings in a mixing bowl, sprinkle baking powder and Ry's rub over them, then toss until evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Preheat Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 400°F
Arrange Wings in Basket
Place the coated wings in a single layer in the air‑fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 400°F
First Cooking Phase
Cook the wings for 13 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Time: PT13M
Temperature: 400°F
Spray and Flip
Open the fryer, lightly spray the wings with cooking spray, flip them with tongs, then close the fryer.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 400°F
Finish Cooking
Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the wings are golden‑brown and crisp.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the wings, let them rest for 2 minutes, then serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 2g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: High protein, Low carb, Gluten‑free if using gluten‑free rub
Allergens: None (ensure rub is gluten‑free if needed)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Wings: Chicken Drumettes
- Instead of Ry's Rub: Homemade wing seasoning
- Instead of Baking Powder: Cornstarch (less effective)
- Instead of Cooking Spray: Light olive oil brushed with a pastry brush
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Spray Bottle (optional)
- Paper Towels (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Pat the wings completely dry before seasoning
- Incorporate baking powder with the rub for crispness
- Do not overcrowd the air‑fryer basket
- Spray lightly at the 4‑5 minute mark and flip
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a paper towel‑lined plate to dry wings quickly
- Preheat the air fryer for consistent heat
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the rub
Troubleshooting
Wings are soggy, not crispy
Make sure the wings are thoroughly dried before seasoning and avoid crowding the basket. Add a little more baking powder if needed.
Wings are unevenly browned
Shake or flip the wings halfway through cooking and ensure they are in a single layer.
Rub falls off during cooking
Toss the wings gently but thoroughly in the bowl so the coating adheres; a light mist of oil before the first cook helps the rub stick.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 5‑7 minutes.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture degrades after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave out longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Season the wings and refrigerate uncovered for up to 24 hours for extra crispness
- Cooked wings can be reheated in the air fryer for 3‑4 minutes at 350°F
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of crispy air fryer chicken wings in American cuisine?
Chicken wings became a staple of American bar and game‑day culture in the 1960s, popularized by Buffalo’s Anchor Bar. The air‑fryer version is a modern, healthier twist that retains the beloved crunch while using less oil.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken wings in the United States?
Beyond the classic Buffalo style, U.S. regions enjoy honey‑glazed wings in the South, sweet‑and‑spicy Korean‑inspired wings on the West Coast, and smoky BBQ wings in the Midwest. Each variation reflects local flavor preferences.
How is the authentic traditional way of serving chicken wings in American bar culture?
Traditionally, wings are served hot, tossed in a sauce (like Buffalo hot sauce), accompanied by celery sticks and a side of blue‑cheese dressing for dipping.
What occasions or celebrations are chicken wings traditionally associated with in American culture?
Wings are a go‑to snack for sports events, Super Bowl parties, tailgating, and casual gatherings because they’re easy to eat with fingers and pair well with beer.
What makes this air fryer wing recipe special compared to deep‑fried wings?
The addition of a small amount of baking powder creates a light, airy crust without submerging the wings in oil, resulting in fewer calories and less mess while still delivering that coveted crunch.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy air fryer chicken wings?
Common errors include not drying the wings, overcrowding the basket, skipping the baking powder, and failing to flip or spray the wings midway. Each mistake reduces crispness and can lead to uneven cooking.
Why does this recipe use baking powder instead of cornstarch for crispness?
Baking powder raises the pH on the skin’s surface, breaking down proteins and allowing the skin to brown faster, whereas cornstarch mainly adds a coating but doesn’t create the same chemical reaction for extra crunch.
Can I make these air fryer wings ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can season the wings and refrigerate them uncovered for up to 24 hours. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5‑7 minutes to restore crispness.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the wings are done?
The wings should be golden‑brown, with the skin visibly puffed and crisp. A quick touch should feel dry, and an internal temperature of 165°F confirms doneness.
What does the YouTube channel PLATE IT UP with Jason specialize in?
The YouTube channel PLATE IT UP with Jason focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking videos that often feature modern kitchen gadgets like air fryers, Instant Pots, and sous‑vide equipment.
How does the YouTube channel PLATE IT UP with Jason's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Jason emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, time‑saving techniques, and gadget‑centric methods, delivering comfort‑food classics that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, whereas many channels focus on traditional stovetop or oven methods.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
