Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Wings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m a huge fan of anything that saves time and still delivers on taste, and these wings do exactly that. They come out juicy on the inside and ultra-crispy on the outside—no oil splatter or greasy cleanup required. The ranch seasoning gives them a tangy, savory edge, and I can control the spice level easily. Whether I’m hosting or just craving wings, these never let me down.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 chicken wings
2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Avocado or olive oil spray
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

1. I start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels—this is the key to getting that crispy skin.

2. I place them in a bowl and toss with the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne for heat if I want a kick.

3. I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes to get it nice and hot.

4. I arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket, making sure they’re not crowded. Then I give them a light spray of oil.

5. I cook them for 22–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through so both sides get golden and crisp.

6. I serve them hot, often with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing and some celery sticks for crunch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings, with each person getting about 3 wings. From start to finish, it takes around 35 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight meal or party snack.

Variations

If I want to mix things up, I sometimes swap the ranch seasoning for lemon pepper or BBQ rub. For a spicy twist, I double the cayenne or add hot sauce after cooking. I’ve even tossed the cooked wings in buffalo sauce for a tangy finish. Boneless wings or drumettes also work just as well with the same method.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, I reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes. Microwaving works too, but they won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Yes, I can use frozen wings, but I make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Moisture will keep them from getting crispy.

What kind of ranch seasoning should I use?

I usually use store-bought dry ranch seasoning mix, but if I have a homemade blend, that works great too.

Can I cook these in the oven instead of an air fryer?

Absolutely. I bake them at 425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I make these wings extra crispy?

Drying the wings thoroughly, not overcrowding the basket, and preheating the air fryer are all things I do to guarantee maximum crispiness.

Can I make these ahead of time?

I prefer serving them fresh, but I can cook them ahead and reheat in the air fryer just before serving. They crisp up nicely again.

Conclusion

These crispy air fryer ranch wings are everything I want in a quick, easy, and flavorful dish. They satisfy my craving for fried wings without the grease, and the ranch seasoning takes them to the next level. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or treating myself, this is a recipe I keep coming back to.

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