Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Wings

These Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Wings are crispy, juicy, and packed with bold, savory flavor—no marinating, breading, or oil required. Coated in a simple spice mix with plenty of iconic Old Bay seasoning and finished with a bright squeeze of lime, these wings are a must for game day, gatherings, or anytime you want a fast and flavor-loaded snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These wings are a perfect blend of spicy, salty, and citrusy—delivered with minimal effort. The air fryer gives them a crisp exterior without needing oil, and the spice mix brings tons of flavor in every bite. They cook quickly and cleanly, with no need for deep frying. Plus, the fresh lime at the end adds a zesty pop that takes them over the top.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon granulated garlic

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 3 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• 2 pounds chicken wings

• Nonstick cooking spray

• Fresh lime slices

• Ranch dressing, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, onion powder, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper if using.

3. Place the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl and toss thoroughly with the spice blend until evenly coated.

4. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with nonstick cooking spray.

5. Arrange half of the wings in a single layer in the basket.

6. Air fry for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket after 15 minutes. Add 3–5 minutes of cook time if the wings are particularly large or meaty.

7. Transfer the cooked wings to a plate and tent with foil or place in a low oven to keep warm. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining wings.

8. Squeeze fresh lime over the wings before serving. Serve hot with ranch dressing on the side.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: Approximately 232 kcal per serving

Variations

• Extra Crispy: Pat the wings completely dry before seasoning, or dust lightly with cornstarch for even more crunch.

• Lemon Old Bay: Swap lime for lemon juice for a classic seafood-boil-style flavor twist.

• Butter Tossed: Toss the cooked wings in melted butter and a dash of hot sauce for a spicy finish.

• No Heat: Skip the cayenne if you prefer mild wings.

• Old Bay Ranch: Stir a pinch of Old Bay into your ranch dressing for a flavorful dip upgrade.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, return them to the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes, or reheat in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning for best results.

Is oil necessary in this recipe?

No added oil is needed, but spraying the basket helps prevent sticking and encourages browning.

What does Old Bay seasoning taste like?

It’s a savory, slightly spicy blend with celery salt, paprika, and other herbs—a classic for chicken and seafood.

Can I bake these wings instead?

Yes, bake at 425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Do I need to marinate the wings?

No marinating is required. The seasoning blend is flavorful enough on its own.

How do I make them extra spicy?

Increase the cayenne pepper or serve with a hot sauce drizzle.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer and ensure even crisping.

Are these wings gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the Old Bay and ranch dressing are certified gluten-free.

Can I use drumettes only?

Absolutely—drumettes and flats cook similarly. Just make sure they’re in a single layer.

What sides go well with these wings?

Pair with celery sticks, carrot sticks, coleslaw, or roasted corn for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Wings are bold, crispy, and bursting with flavor from the first bite to the last. Quick to prepare and easy to clean up, they’re perfect for everything from casual dinners to game-day spreads. With their crispy skin, zesty seasoning, and refreshing lime finish, these wings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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