Easy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe – Perfect for Game Day

If there’s one thing this busy mum of three knows, it’s how to turn chaotic weeknights into cosy family wins—especially when food’s involved. Whether it’s a football match on TV or just another Tuesday that deserves a little oomph, these crispy air fryer BBQ chicken wings are my go-to recipe for game day greatness.

As a full-time blogger and Soft Girl CEO, I’m all about ease of use, flavour without the fuss, and dinners that feel indulgent without a drop of hot oil in sight. This air fryer chicken wings recipe checks all the boxes: golden brown, crispy skin, juicy chicken wings, and that sticky BBQ glaze we all love. And the best part? You don’t need a deep fryer, a fancy grill, or pounds of wings to make it happen.

Whether you’re using a Ninja air fryer, a toaster oven-style model, or a large air fryer with built-in smart programs, this method gives the crispiest wings every single time—with way less oil and more time for your favourite things. Let’s get into the best way to air fry wings that taste like they came from your favourite pub… but better.

Before we dive in—yes, I use my beloved Ninja Air Fryer for this recipe. I’ve tested a few, and this one has honestly changed how I cook dinner with three kids running around. If you don’t already have one, I highly recommend it.

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All opinions remain my own.

The crispiest wings ever with zero deep frying. Welcome to your new obsession.

this for later

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a weeknight win, a game day hero, and a lazy Sunday lifesaver. With positive reviews all over Pinterest, this is my favourite way to enjoy juicy wings with less fuss and so much flavour.

No hot oil, no mess, no stress—just juicy, crispy air fryer BBQ chicken wings ready in under 30 minutes. They’re perfect for dinner, parties, or when you need something impressive but easy.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Crispiest Wings

• 1.5 lbs fresh chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats (or whole chicken wings)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or oil spray
• 1 tsp baking powder – helps you get that crispiest skin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• ⅓ cup of your favorite sauce – I used classic BBQ, but lemon pepper wings, hot honey, or even spicy buffalo sauce all work beautifully
• Optional: dash of lemon juice or a pinch of brown sugar for that sweet-savory balance

Charlotte Tip: Pat wings thoroughly to remove excess moisture—this helps lock in flavour and ensures crispy chicken skin without burning at high temperatures. (okay, it’s not a Charlotte tip – totally a Jack tip. He does this all the time, and I love it)

How to Make BBQ Wings in the Air Fryer (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Wings

Start by bringing your fresh chicken wings to room temperature. This helps them cook evenly. Then pat wings dry (don’t skip this!) and toss them in a bowl with oil or nonstick cooking spray, baking powder, and seasonings. This combo is your best bet for the crispiest air fryer wings.

2. First Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (that’s 200°C). If you have a Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Dual Air Fryer, there is no need to preheat (Bonus). Pop the wings into your square basket in a single layer. Cook for 15 minutes, flip, then cook for 10 more minutes until golden brown and crisp. Use tongs or a spatula to keep that crispy skin intact.

3. Add the Sauce

Transfer to a bowl and coat in your favorite wing sauce—whether it’s BBQ, buffalo, hot honey, or a TikTok-inspired spicy glaze. Toss well.

4. Back in the Air Fryer

Return wings to the basket and cook for a final 5 minutes to get that sticky, caramelised coating. If this is your first time air frying, prepare to be obsessed.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Wings

Pair these delicious wings with french fries, chicken nuggets, or boneless wings for a full-on feast. Or go classic with:

• Celery sticks
• Blue cheese dressing
• A cold lemonade or mocktail (or real one—no judgment here)
• For a lovely family meal, pair it with yummy Basmati rice or a portion of plain pasta.

Charlotte Tip: Need content? These wings are Instagram-worthy. Add fairy lights, a cute plate, and snap your video recipes for TikTok or Reels.

Wing Tips for the Best Air Fryer Results

• Use a preheated air fryer for even, crispy results. Unless you own a Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer Dual Air Fryer.
• Avoid crowding the basket—hot air needs to circulate.
• Want buffalo instead of BBQ? Swap the sauce and you’ve got air fryer buffalo wings.
• Lower temperature = juicier wings. Higher temp = crispier. Test your cooking time with different brands.
• Air fryer cookbooks often say 20–25 mins, but I prefer this exact method for the crispiest wings and perfect internal temperature.

Charlotte Tip: If you’re using chicken thighs, adapt the seasoning and increase time slightly. And yes—you can absolutely use this on chicken tenders too!

Storing Leftovers & Reheating

• Store leftover air fryer BBQ Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to keep that crispy skin.

Charlotte Tip: Add leftover wings to wraps, salads, or even cheesy loaded fries. Your fridge will feel like your favourite pub, in the best way.

Before You Go

There’s just something magical about crispy wings made right in your own kitchen—especially when they come out golden, juicy, and slathered in your favourite sauce without needing a deep fryer or buckets of oil. Whether it’s your first time air frying or you’ve already got a few air fryer cookbooks bookmarked, this recipe proves that simple food can still be special.

From game day gatherings to cosy nights in, this is the best way to serve up that sticky-sweet BBQ perfection we all crave—using just your Ninja air fryer (or whatever different brand you love), a few pantry staples, and a sprinkle of love.

Save this to your Best Air Fryer Recipes, Crispy Chicken Wings, or Game Day Snacks board. Trust me, future you will be very grateful. If you give these crispy air fryer chicken wings a go, tag me on Instagram @adore.charlotte or Pinterest —I absolutely adore seeing your creations come to life in real kitchens like mine.

And if you want more cosy recipes, air fryer tips, and family-friendly meal ideas straight to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe to my VIP Freebies Club. It’s full of my favourite things, exclusive downloads, and digital treats designed to romanticise everyday mum life—because you deserve that, every single day.