Oh, game day just isn’t the same without crispy wings, right? I’m telling you, these Air Fryer 5-Ingredient Wings have saved me from so many last-minute snack emergencies! Picture this: golden, crunchy wings ready in under 30 minutes with just a handful of pantry staples. No deep-fryer mess, no complicated steps—just pure, finger-licking goodness. My friends now request them every time we watch sports (and honestly, I don’t blame them). The best part? You probably have everything you need already. Let’s make magic happen!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer 5-Ingredient Wings
Trust me, these wings are about to become your new go-to for so many reasons:
- Effortless prep – Just toss, air fry, and devour (seriously, it’s that simple).
- Pantry staples only – No fancy ingredients, just 5 basics you likely have right now.
- Crave-worthy crispiness – The air fryer works magic for that perfect golden crunch.
- Less guilt – All the flavor of fried wings without the oil bath.
Game day, weeknight dinner, midnight snack—these wings fit every occasion!
Ingredients for Air Fryer 5-Ingredient Wings
Grab these simple staples—that’s it, just five!—and let’s get cooking:
- 1 pound chicken wings (split and patted dry—trust me, this step matters!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (helps the seasoning stick and crisp them up)
- 1 teaspoon salt (brings out all the flavors)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (that savory punch we love)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for color and just a whisper of heat)
Ingredient Notes
Patted-dry wings = extra crispy wings (water is the enemy of crunch!). And that paprika? It’s not just for looks—it adds a subtle smoky depth that makes these irresistible.
How to Make Air Fryer 5-Ingredient Wings
Okay, let’s get these wings crispy! The method couldn’t be simpler—just follow these steps and you’ll have perfect Air Fryer 5-Ingredient Wings in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first: crank that air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 2 minutes while you prep the wings. This little preheat step makes all the difference—it’s like giving your wings a head start to crispiness!
Step 2: Season the Wings
Toss those patted-dry wings in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Really get in there with your hands—you want every nook and cranny coated for maximum flavor. No sad, bland spots allowed!
Step 3: Arrange and Cook
Now, here’s the golden rule: single layer only. Overcrowding = steamed wings, and nobody wants that. Cook for 10 minutes, flip ‘em (tongs work great here), then another 10 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. That flip halfway? Non-negotiable for even crunch!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer 5-Ingredient Wings
Want pro-level results every time? Here are my tried-and-true secrets:
- Dry those wings! Paper towel-patting removes moisture for maximum crisp (wet wings = sad wings).
- Temp check: Use a meat thermometer—165°F at the thickest part means perfectly safe and juicy.
- Shake it up: Give the basket a gentle shake halfway for even browning (no pale spots allowed!).
Follow these, and you’ll nail crispy perfection—every. single. time.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Wings
Oh, let’s talk about the best part—devouring these crispy beauties! I always serve mine with cool celery sticks and either creamy ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing—that hot-and-cool combo is magic. Pro tip: double the batch if you’ve got friends coming over, because these disappear FAST. Game day? Movie night? Just because? These wings fit every occasion!
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer 5-Ingredient Wings
Got leftovers? (Unlikely, but just in case!) Pop them in an airtight container—they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, reheat at 370°F for 5 minutes to bring back that glorious crunch. Pro tip: No need to thaw if you’ve frozen them—just add an extra minute or two!
Air Fryer 5-Ingredient Wings Nutritional Information
Now, I know what you’re thinking—”How bad are these wings for me?” Well, here’s the happy surprise! These aren’t your typical deep-fried calorie bombs. Keep in mind that values will vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients, but here’s the general breakdown per serving (about half a pound of wings):
- 250 calories (way less than traditional fried wings!)
- 15g fat (the good kind from olive oil and natural chicken fats)
- 24g protein (hello, muscle fuel!)
- 0g sugar (naturally sugar-free, just pure savory goodness)
Let’s be real—you could do a lot worse for a game-day snack! The air fryer magic means you’re getting all that crispy satisfaction without the greasy guilt. Now that’s what I call a win-win. If you enjoy simple, flavorful meals, check out this air fryer honey garlic pork chops recipe for another quick win!
FAQs About Air Fryer 5-Ingredient Wings
Can I use frozen wings? Yes—but always thaw first (pat them extra dry!). Frozen wings steam instead of crisp—trust me, I learned the hard way. For more air fryer tips, see our guide on air fryer crispy chicken wings variations.
How do I make them spicier? Toss in ½ teaspoon cayenne with the paprika. Want nuclear heat? A dash of chili flakes after cooking works wonders!
Best dipping sauce? Classic ranch or smoky BBQ never fail, but my guilty pleasure? Sriracha-honey mix—just stir and dunk!
Made these? Tag me in your crispy wing photos—I live for them! If you are looking for a hearty side dish, try this air fryer Mexican restaurant cheese dip recipe!
Print
Air Fryer 5-Ingredient Wings: Crispy Perfection in 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Crispy and flavorful wings made with just 5 ingredients in your air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the wings with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, pat the wings dry before seasoning.
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of your wings.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American