Oh my goodness, you have got to try these Air Fryer Paleo Wings! I’ve been obsessed with finding that perfect balance between crispy, juicy wings and keeping things healthy—and let me tell you, this recipe nails it. After one too many failed attempts with soggy oven-baked wings (we’ve all been there!), my air fryer became the game-changer. Now these wings are my go-to for game nights, quick dinners, or when I’m just craving something delicious without the guilt. The best part? They’re ready in under 30 minutes and cleanup is a breeze. Trust me, once you taste that perfect crunch with just the right blend of spices, you’ll never go back to greasy takeout wings again!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Paleo Wings
Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say these wings will change your snacking game forever. Here’s why:
- Crazy crispy without deep frying – that air fryer magic gives you that perfect golden crunch
- Ready in 30 minutes flat – from fridge to table faster than delivery
- No weird ingredients – just simple spices you probably already have
- Healthy enough to feel good but tasty enough to fool anyone
- Cleanup takes seconds – just wipe out the basket and you’re done
Seriously, what’s not to love? These wings check all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and that satisfying crunch we all crave.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Paleo Wings
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I mean exactly what you’ll need to make these wings shine. No vague “a pinch of this” or “some of that” here! After testing this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve learned these precise measurements make all the difference:
- 2 lbs chicken wings – drumettes and flats separated (trust me, whole wings just don’t cook as evenly)
- 2 tbsp olive oil – the good stuff, not that sad bottle that’s been sitting in your pantry for years
- 1 tsp garlic powder – NOT garlic salt (we’ll control our salt separately, thank you very much)
- 1 tsp paprika – regular or smoked, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling
- 1/2 tsp salt – fine grain so it distributes evenly (I use kosher)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you can (it makes such a difference!)
That’s it! Six simple ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. I love how this recipe proves you don’t need a laundry list of fancy ingredients to make something truly delicious.
Equipment You’ll Need
Before we dive in, let’s gather our tools – and don’t worry, you probably have everything already:
- Air fryer (mine’s a 5.8-quart basket style – perfect for 2 lbs of wings without overcrowding)
- Mixing bowl (big enough to toss those wings without making a mess)
- Tongs (for easy flipping – don’t burn those fingers!)
- Paper towels (crucial for drying those wings before seasoning)
That’s seriously all you need – I told you this recipe was easy!
How to Make Air Fryer Paleo Wings
Alright, let’s get cooking! I promise this is easier than you think – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have perfect wings every time. The key is patience (don’t skip preheating!) and not overcrowding that basket. Here’s exactly how I do it:
Step 1: Prep the Wings
First things first – grab those paper towels! Dry each wing thoroughly like you’re giving them a little spa treatment. This removes excess moisture so they’ll crisp up beautifully instead of steaming. I usually pat them down twice just to be safe.
Step 2: Seasoning the Wings
Now for the fun part – toss those dry wings in your mixing bowl with the olive oil until they’re nicely coated. Sprinkle all your spices evenly over them (I like to do this from about a foot up so everything distributes nicely). Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne! Prefer smoky flavor? Use smoked paprika instead.
Step 3: Air Frying the Wings
Here’s where the magic happens! Arrange your wings in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket – no stacking allowed! They need space to crisp up properly. Set your timer for 10 minutes, then flip each one carefully with tongs. Cook another 10 minutes until golden and crispy. For extra crunch? Give them 2-3 more minutes – just keep an eye on them!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Paleo Wings
Want to take your wings from good to unforgettable? Here are my hard-earned secrets for wing perfection:
- Spritz with oil halfway through cooking if they look dry – that extra crisp factor is everything!
- Check internal temp with a meat thermometer – 165°F means they’re safe but still juicy
- Let them rest 2 minutes before devouring – I know it’s hard, but this keeps the juices in
- Shake the basket gently at the flip instead of tongs if you’re lazy like me sometimes
These little tricks? Total game-changers. Your future crispy-wing-loving self will thank you!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Paleo Wings
Okay, let’s talk about the best part – eating these beauties! While they’re amazing solo (I’ve definitely eaten a whole batch standing at the counter), here are my favorite ways to serve them:
- Classic celery sticks – that cool crunch is perfect with spicy wings
- Homemade paleo ranch – because what are wings without dipping sauce?
- Creamy avocado dip – my personal favorite for cutting through the heat
Pro tip? Throw some lemon wedges on the plate – a squeeze of citrus takes these wings next-level!
Storage and Reheating
Okay, let’s talk leftovers – because let’s be real, that rarely happens with these wings! But if you somehow have some left, here’s how to keep them tasting fresh: store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, skip the microwave (unless you like soggy wings – yuck!) and pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes. They’ll crisp right back up like magic!
Air Fryer Paleo Wings FAQs
I get questions about these wings all the time – here are the answers to everything you might be wondering:
Can I use frozen wings? Oh honey, no! Frozen wings will steam instead of crisp up. Always thaw them completely in the fridge overnight first. Pat them extra dry too – frozen wings tend to hold more moisture.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just cook in batches – overcrowding the basket leads to sad, soggy wings. I usually do two batches back-to-back and keep the first batch warm in the oven at 200°F.
What can I use instead of paprika? No paprika? No problem! Cayenne gives a nice kick, smoked paprika adds depth, or even a little chili powder works in a pinch. Just adjust to your heat preference.
Why aren’t my wings crispy enough? Two culprits: either you didn’t dry them thoroughly enough before seasoning, or your air fryer basket was too crowded. Give them space and dry like crazy – that’s the secret!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note – nutrition can vary depending on your exact ingredients and wing sizes, but here’s the general breakdown per serving (about 4 oz): roughly 280 calories, 18g fat, 28g protein, and just 1g carbs. Not too shabby for wings this delicious, right? Always check your specific ingredients if you’re tracking closely – but honestly, with numbers like these, I say dig in and enjoy!
Rate This Recipe
Did these wings make your taste buds dance? Drop a star rating or comment below – I love hearing your kitchen triumphs (and your honest opinions)!
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Crispy 30-Minute Air Fryer Paleo Wings You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Crispy and flavorful paleo chicken wings made in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat dry chicken wings with paper towels.
- Toss wings with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American