This list covers the best wing recipes in all their glory. You’ll learn how to make air fryer wings, oven-baked wings with crackly skin, and the perfect sauced wings. I’ll also show you exactly how to avoid the biggest wing problems like rubbery skin, soggy wings, and how to sauce them to perfection.
Why You’ll Love These Wonderful Wings
- Crispy methods that actually work. Air fryer and oven techniques that get crackly skin without deep frying.
- Something for every heat level. Everything from minimal spice to something that will impress even the biggest spice enthusiast.
- Party-proof, crowd-friendly picks. Easy to scale up for game day, potlucks, and big hungry groups.
- Fast weeknight wins included. You’ll love the recipes for air fryer wings that come together in under 30 minutes.
Wings are one of those foods that instantly improve the mood in a room. Game day? Wings. Random Tuesday? Wings. “I need something crunchy and comforting immediately”? Also wings. The best part? You don’t need a deep fryer or a restaurant kitchen to make crispy chicken wings at home. You just need the right method, the right timing, and a sauce situation that makes you feel mildly unstoppable.
How Do You Make Wings Crispy Without Deep Frying?
To make wings crispy without deep frying, start by patting them very dry, then cook them with plenty of airflow and high heat.
Don’t overcrowd the basket or pan, and for extra crispness (especially in the oven), toss the wings with a small amount of baking powder plus salt before cooking.
Finish by saucing after they’re crisp, and if you want the sauce to cling, pop them back in the heat for 1–2 minutes to set.
How Do You Get Sauce To Stick To Wings?
To get the sauce to stick to the wings, make sure the wings are fully cooked and crispy first, then toss them while they’re still hot so the sauce clings instead of sliding off.
Use a sauce that’s slightly thick (or simmer it for a minute or two to reduce), and if you want extra “grip,” toss wings with a tiny bit of melted butter (for buffalo-style) or a light drizzle of oil before saucing.
For the stickiest finish, return sauced wings to the air fryer or oven for 1–3 minutes. That quick blast helps the sauce caramelize and set onto the skin.
Are Flats Or Drums Better?
Neither is “better” universally. When you’re choosing which type of wing is better, it’s all about what you like.
- Flats (wingettes)– more skin-to-meat ratio, so they get crispier and hold sauce really well. Downside: a bit more fiddly to eat (bones, technique required).
- Drums (drumettes)– meatier, easier to grab and eat, and feel more substantial. Downside: slightly less crispy surface area.
If you’re feeding a crowd, get a mix. You’ll love the flats for the crispy/sauce lovers, and drums for the meat-and-easy crowd.
These Keto Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are crispy, spicy air fryer cauliflower “wings” tossed in a bold buffalo sauce made with hot sauce, butter, and Worcestershire for classic game day flavor without the carbs. Ready in about 34 minutes, this easy low carb, vegan-friendly buffalo cauliflower recipe is perfect with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Continue Reading
These Sticky Chicken Wings are crispy oven-baked wings coated in a sweet and savory honey soy glaze with brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and an optional sriracha kick for irresistible takeout-style flavor at home. Bake, toss, then broil for an extra sticky caramelized finish, and top with sesame seeds and green onions for the perfect party appetizer or game day snack.
Continue Reading
These Air Fryer Mango Habanero Wings are perfectly crispy chicken wings tossed in a homemade sweet and spicy mango habanero sauce blended with ripe mango, habanero pepper, garlic, honey, and lime juice. Ready in about 40 minutes, this easy mango habanero chicken wings recipe delivers bold, fiery flavor that’s perfect for game day, parties, and wing night at home.
Continue Reading
These Air Fryer Hot Honey Wings are crispy, golden chicken wings tossed in a sticky sweet-and-spicy hot honey glaze made with honey and hot sauce for the ultimate crowd-pleasing flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy hot honey wings recipe is perfect for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner with your favorite dipping sauce.
Continue Reading
These Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings are crispy, zesty chicken wings tossed with olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, and a bold homemade lemon pepper seasoning blend for bright citrus flavor in every bite. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy lemon pepper wings recipe is a quick, low carb, gluten-free appetizer that’s perfect for game day, parties, or weeknight cravings.
Continue Reading
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings are ultra crispy chicken wings cooked at 400°F, then tossed in a rich garlic butter Parmesan coating for classic wing flavor without deep frying. Ready in about 25 minutes, this easy low carb wing recipe is perfect for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Continue Reading
These Baked Chicken Wings are the crispiest oven-baked wings with no deep frying, using a simple baking powder seasoning blend to create golden, crunchy skin and juicy meat every time. Bake at high heat (around 425°F) for easy game day wings that pair perfectly with your favorite sauces and dips.
Continue Reading
These Keto Air Fryer Korean Chicken Wings are tangy, sweet, and spicy gochujang wings with a glossy glaze made from gochujang, mayo, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic for bold Korean flavor in every bite. Ready in about 30 minutes, this easy low carb air fryer wings recipe is perfect for game day, parties, or a quick dinner with sesame seeds and scallions on top.
Continue Reading
These Air Fried Breaded Chicken Wings deliver extra-crispy, fried-style crunch without deep frying, using a simple seasoned flour coating with smoked paprika and garlic for big flavor. Air fry at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, then serve them plain or toss in your favorite wing sauce for an easy game day appetizer.
Continue Reading
The best wing recipes are all about two things: crispy wings first, and a flavor strategy that makes you want “just one more.” Start with crispy air fryer wings if you’re new to wing-making, or go oven-baked if you’re feeding a crowd. Then pick one classic, one savory, and one sticky, and you’ve got a lineup that makes you look like the wing genius you’ve always wanted to be.
Leave feedback about this