Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings are your go-to for quick, juicy, finger-lickin’ dinners. These wings come out crispy, saucy, and downright addictive—all with way less mess than the grill.
These wings are a triple win: fast, flavorful, and family-approved. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just want something easy and delicious, this recipe brings the flavor without the fuss.
Love air fryer chicken? Try my Air Fryer Huli Huli Chicken, Air Fryer Butterfly Chicken With Citrus or Air Fried Sweet and Sour Chicken next!
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Grill-like flavor: The air fryer crisps the skin beautifully, giving you that charred BBQ taste without firing up the grill.
- Quick & easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite BBQ sauce or spice blend to suit your taste.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Chicken wings: I use full-size wings—they stay juicy and crisp up beautifully. Split them if you’ve got picky eaters (drumettes are always a hit here!).
- Cavender’s Greek Seasoning: My go-to spice blend. It saves time and adds instant flavor with zero fuss.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash gives the wings that deep, savory kick everyone loves but can’t quite name.
- Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce: Thick, sweet, and tangy—perfect for clinging to the wings. Use your fave if you want to switch it up!
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Garlic Honey BBQ Wings: Add garlic powder and a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory twist.
- Spicy BBQ Wings: Mix in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to turn up the heat.
- Asian-Inspired Wings: Swap BBQ sauce for a mix of soy sauce, hoisin, and ginger.
- Lemon Pepper Wings: Use lemon juice and cracked black pepper for a zesty alternative.
- Dry Rub Wings: Skip the sauce and use your favorite dry rub seasoning.
- Boneless Wings: Use chicken tenders instead of wings for a boneless option.
- Pair these wings with my Garlic Cilantro Lime Rice or Parmesan Asparagus for a complete meal.
🔪 How To Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings?
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- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, add the Cavender’s, oil, vinegar, and Worcestershire. Mix well. Make sure it's not lumpy from the seasoning. Place wings in the bowl and coat well.
- Step 2: Use a grill brush or a spoon to cover each wing with a nice layer of BBQ glaze. Cover with plastic wrap. Next, place the wings in the fridge for 3-8 hours. The longer they marinate, the more tender the wings will be. Don't marinade for more than 12 hours.
- Step 3: Place the wings in the air fryer basket, leaving room between the wings. Cook chicken wings at 400℉ for 10-12 minutes.
- Step 4: Coat wings in BBQ sauce. Then, flip, and cook the wings at 350℉ for 5 minutes. Give the wings a few minutes to cool before serving.
💡Hint: For extra crispy skin, pat the wings dry with paper towels before marinating.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Double the sauce: For extra saucy wings, toss them in additional BBQ sauce after cooking.
💭 FAQs
For best results, yes. Thawed wings absorb marinade better and cook more evenly. If cooking from frozen add an extra 5 minutes cooking time.
The bigger the air fryer, the more wings you can cook. Just make sure to space them out so they are not overlapping. It depends on your air fryer size. A 4-quart air fryer fits about 6 wings; a 6.5-quart can handle up to 12.
Allow wings to cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
💖 Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite dishes to serve with BBQ chicken wings:
- Coleslaw with Jalapeno Peppers: A crunchy, spicy slaw that cuts through the richness of the wings.
- Vegan Baked Beans: Sweet, smoky, and hearty—classic BBQ pairing for chicken wings.
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fritter: Crispy veggie bites that make a great contrast to saucy wings.
- Beetroot and Feta Salad: Light, tangy, and vibrant—balances the BBQ flavors with a bit of earthy freshness.
- Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—basically the perfect side.
- Creamy Herby Ranch Dressing: Great as a dipping sauce for wings or drizzled over a fresh garden salad.
🍽 More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 4 lbs Chicken wings
- 2 Tbsps Greek Seasoning
- 2 Tbsps Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsps Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tbsps White Vinegar
- 1 ½ Cup Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the Cavender’s, oil, vinegar, and Worcestershire. Mix well. Make sure it's not lumpy from the seasoning.
- Place wings in the bowl and coat well. Use a grill brush or a spoon to cover each wing with a nice layer of BBQ glaze. Cover with plastic wrap.
- Next, place the wings in the fridge for 3-8 hours. The longer they marinate, the more tender the wings will be. Don't marinade for more than 12 hours.
- Place the wings in the air fryer basket, leaving room between wings. Cook chicken wings on 400℉ for 10-12 minutes.
- Coat wings in BBQ sauce. Then, flip, and cook wings on 350℉ for 5 minutes.
- Give the wings a few minutes to cool before eating.
- Serve air fryer bbq chicken wings and Enjoy!
Notes
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Double the sauce: For extra saucy wings, toss them in additional BBQ sauce after cooking
These wings are a delightful combination of crispy texture and smoky-sweet flavor. The air fryer method makes them quick and easy, perfect for a satisfying meal or snack.