Name: Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings ((drumettes and flats)); 1 tbsp baking powder ((aluminum-free)); 1 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp butter (unsalted ); 1 tbsp parsley (chopped); 1 pinch chili flakes (Optional: for a little heat)

Introduction to Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Wings

There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a crispy chicken wing.

Especially when it’s packed with garlicky flavor and made with less oil. Say hello to Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Wings, the perfect blend of crunch. The perfect bite of savory goodness. These chicken wings are a guilt-free indulgence of bliss. Getting ready for a weekend game day? Gotta feed that rowdy crowd? Maybe you’re simply treating yourself on a weeknight. Regardless of the situation, this recipe delivers on flavor, no deep-frying required.

What makes this version a total game-changer? The air fryer. It gives you that golden, crispy texture we all crave. You don’t need to start soaking the wings in oil. This recipe emphasizes fresh garlic, simple spices, and a buttery finish, resulting in a wildly flavorful dish that is not too heavy.

Chicken Wing History

Chicken wings may seem like an all-American classic that’s been around forever, but their rise to culinary fame is actually a relatively recent phenomenon.

The story begins in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, where co-owner Teressa Bellissimo created what would soon become the iconic "Buffalo wing." As the tale goes, she needed a late-night snack for her son and his friends, so she deep-fried some leftover chicken wings. Then, they considered scraps or soup stock material, and tossed them in a buttery hot sauce. The result? A spicy, tangy, crispy bite that took off like wildfire.

What started as a local bar food slowly grew in popularity, thanks in part to the football crowd. Wings were affordable, shareable, and perfect for game day gatherings. By the 1980s, major chains and sports bars nationwide had adopted them, offering a wide range of flavors beyond the original Buffalo sauce. Fast forward to today, and wings are everywhere—from food trucks and fine dining menus to Super Bowl parties and late-night cravings. They’ve also gone global, with variations like Korean fried wings, Caribbean jerk wings, and garlic butter air fryer wings making their mark.

The humble chicken wing is now a $2 billion industry in the United States alone, demonstrating just how far this once-overlooked cut of meat has come. If you're curious to dig deeper into the origin story, check out this feature by The Seattle Press: "The surprising story of how chicken wings became America’s favorite finger food."

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier

No deep fryer needed. These wings use less oil and still come out crispy.

Simple

No fancy marinades or sauces required. Just pantry staples and fresh garlic.

Versatile

Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or game-day snacks.

Custom

Love spice? Add sriracha or cayenne to the garlic butter. Prefer a citrusy kick? Toss in lemon zest!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Use Baking Powder (Not Baking Soda): This helps dry out the skin and makes it ultra-crispy.
Space them out: Use your best judgment and cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the wings leads to steaming, not crisping.
Dry the Wings Well: Moisture is the enemy of crunch.
Add Fresh Garlic at the End: Cooking garlic with the wings can make it bitter; sautéing separately keeps the flavor mellow and rich.

Pairing Ideas

These garlic wings pair beautifully with:

Crispy oven frys
Zesty coleslaw
Baked beans
Ranch
Blue Cheese
Sparkling lemonade

Shopping List

chicken wings
baking powder
sea salt
black pepper
garlic powder
smoked paprika
olive oil

Garlic Butter Sauce:

garlic
butter
parsley
chili flakes (optional)

How to Make The Air fryer Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Drizzle with olive oil and toss again to coat evenly.

Step 2: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them! Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
While the wings cook, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Don’t let it brown. Stir in parsley and remove from heat.

Step 4: Toss and Serve
Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the garlic butter over them. Toss to coat. Sprinkle with chili flakes if desired and serve immediately with celery sticks or a tangy dipping sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~310
Protein: 22g
Fat: 24g
Carbs: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: ~430mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Final Thoughts on Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air fryer garlic chicken wings are one of those recipes that prove you can have it all.

They’re crispy, flavor-packed, and a better-for-you indulgent meal made ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re a longtime wing fanatic or trying your hand at homemade for the first time, this recipe is a no-fail crowd-pleaser. Try them once, and they might just become your new favorite!

Let us know how yours turned out and don’t forget to check out some of our other recipes @RecipeHistory!

Everest