Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

These air fryer BBQ chicken wings are tender and juicy inside, crispy on the outside, and slathered in the most finger-licking homemade BBQ sauce that clings to every bite. No oven. No deep frying. Just YUM.

Jump to: ℹ️ Overview | 🛒 Ingredients | 📷 How To Make | 📹 Watch The Video | 👩‍🍳 Recipe Tips | 🥗 Serving Suggestions | 📝 Full Recipe Card | 🍽 More Chicken Recipes

Every time I make these air fryer BBQ chicken wings, someone asks me for the recipe. They taste indulgent and naughty, but because they’re not deep-fried, you could practically call them healthy.

The wings get crispy on the outside, stay tender and juicy inside, and then get tossed in a smoky, tangy, slightly sweet BBQ sauce that’s made from scratch (or store-bought if you’re in a rush). It’s ideal for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. Oh, and if you want to flex a little, toss them on the grill after saucing for that fire-charred finish.

Each serving has solid protein and way less fat than fried wings. Trust me, they’re a crowd-pleaser!

👩‍🍳 You might also like: dry rub chicken wings, honey soy chicken wings, my healthy Paleo chicken wings, or Portuguese-style spicy sticky chicken wings.

What You’ll Need

Here is what you’ll need for these air fryer BBQ chicken wings. Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

• Chicken wings – wingettes and drumettes, the perfect combo of meaty and crispy.
• Olive oil – helps the seasoning stick and gives that golden crisp. You can use oil spray here.
• Spice rub – Smoked paprika adds that subtle BBQ smokiness, while garlic and onion powders give you that classic flavor base for savory oomph. Plus, salt and pepper – never skip, flavor starts here.

For the Homemade BBQ Sauce:

• Ketchup for the sweet-tangy tomato base (tomato sauce in Australia is a-okay!)
• Molasses adds rich, smoky sweetness and dark color. Treacle works too. You will find these in the baking sections of the supermarket. No molasses or treacle? Use extra brown sugar.
• Brown sugar – optional, for a sweeter finish. I add a tablespoon or so. Use only molasses if you want a less sweet, old-school flavor.
• Vinegar (white wine or apple cider) – gives that signature tang.
• Worcestershire sauce – for depth and umami (basically magic).
• Garlic and onion powders, smoked paprika, cayenne – spice it your way.
• Salt and pepper – again, don’t skip.
• Speed hack: You can use store-bought BBQ sauce if you’re in a rush.

How To Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

Find the full recipe and nutritional information below. Here are some handy step-by-step photos for how to make chicken wings in the air fryer.

• Pat the wings dry (this is THE trick to getting that crisp skin).
• Toss with oil, spices, salt, and pepper.
• Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 20–25 mins, shaking halfway.

• Meanwhile, simmer all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan or pan until slightly thickened (about 5–8 mins).
• Toss the cooked wings in the BBQ sauce.
• Air fry again for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.

Watch The Video

Recipe Tips

• Dry your wings well — moisture = sogginess.
• Don’t sauce the wings before air frying the first time or you’ll end up with burnt sugar.
• If you’re BBQ-ing: toss the wings in sauce after air frying, then finish on the grill.
• Use both molasses and brown sugar if you like a thicker, richer sauce. Or skip the sugar entirely for a more savory profile.
• Storage tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes at 350°F (175°C). You can freeze them, but fresh is best for crispiness.
• Make-ahead tips: The BBQ sauce can be made up to a week ahead — store in the fridge. Wings can be seasoned and refrigerated (uncooked) for up to a day in advance.

Serving Suggestions

These wings are the life of the party all on their own, but they’re also great with:

💬 If you’ve tried these air fryer BBQ chicken wings or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and or sign up to my Newsletter to see more of my delicious food.

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