Crispy Golden Chicken Wings (Oven or Air Fryer)

These wings are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and coated in a flavorful spice blend. You can enjoy them plain, toss them in sauce, or serve with dips.

🕒 Time Required

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Marinating Time (optional but recommended): 30–60 minutes

• Cook Time: 35–45 minutes (oven) / 20–25 minutes (air fryer)

• Total Time: About 1 hour

Serves: 4

🛒 Ingredients

For the Wings

• 2 lbs (1 kg) chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

Optional Glaze (Honey Garlic Style)

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon melted butter

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

1. Pat wings completely dry using paper towels.
   This is the most important step for crispy skin.

2. If whole, separate into drumettes and flats.

3. Place in a large bowl.

Step 2: Season the Wings

Add to the bowl:

• Olive oil

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Paprika

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Chili powder

• Dried herbs

• Cornstarch

Mix thoroughly until evenly coated.

Why Cornstarch?

It absorbs moisture and creates a crispy, golden crust when cooked.

Let marinate 30 minutes if possible (optional but improves flavor).

🔥 Oven Method (Extra Crispy)

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

3. Place a wire rack on top (recommended for airflow).

4. Arrange wings in a single layer.

Bake for:

• 35–45 minutes

• Flip halfway through cooking.

For extra crispiness:
Broil for last 3–5 minutes.

Wings are done when:

• Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)

• Skin is deeply golden and crispy

🌬 Air Fryer Method (Faster Option)

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).

2. Arrange wings in single layer (don’t overcrowd).

3. Cook for 18–22 minutes.

4. Flip halfway through.

5. Increase to 400°F for last 3–4 minutes for extra crisp.

🍯 Optional Honey Garlic Glaze

While wings cook:

1. In small saucepan, combine:

   • Honey

   • Soy sauce

   • Garlic

   • Butter

2. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Brush over hot wings or toss wings in sauce just before serving.

🌟 Texture & Flavor

These wings should be:

• Crispy and golden outside

• Juicy and tender inside

• Savory with mild spice

• Slightly smoky from paprika

• Perfectly seasoned

If glazed, they become sticky, sweet, and savory.

🌶 Flavor Variations

Spicy Buffalo Style

Toss cooked wings in:

• ¼ cup melted butter

• ¼ cup hot sauce

Serve with ranch or blue cheese dip.

Lemon Pepper Wings

After cooking, toss in:

• 1 tablespoon melted butter

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper

BBQ Wings

Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during last 5 minutes of cooking.

Garlic Parmesan Wings

Toss hot wings with:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

• Fresh parsley

• Garlic powder

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Celery sticks

• Carrot sticks

• Ranch dip

• Garlic aioli

• French fries

• Coleslaw

Perfect for parties, game nights, or casual dinners.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Store in airtight container up to 3 days.

Reheat:

• Air fryer at 375°F for 5–6 minutes

• Oven at 400°F for 8–10 minutes

Avoid microwaving — it softens the skin.

💡 Tips for Perfect Wings

1. Always dry wings thoroughly.

2. Use baking rack for oven method.

3. Don’t overcrowd air fryer.

4. Cornstarch improves crispiness.

5. Cook at high heat for best texture.

🥘 Why This Recipe Works

• High heat renders fat from skin.

• Cornstarch creates crispy coating.

• Balanced seasoning enhances flavor.

• Optional glaze adds restaurant-style finish.