These crispy Air Fryer Boneless Wings deliver the perfect game-day crunch without the deep-frying mess. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re a healthier spin on classic wings with only 5g of fat per serving.
The tender, juicy chicken pieces get a golden-brown coating that’s absolutely irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, these wings prove you don’t need a vat of oil to achieve that restaurant-style taste and texture. With 30g of protein per serving, they’re as nutritious as they are delicious.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken: 1 pound boneless skinless breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Wet Mixture: 1/2 cup buttermilk and 1 egg, whisked together
- Coating Mix: 1 cup all-purpose flour with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne
- Finishing Touches: Avocado oil spray and 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Cut your chicken breast into 1-2 inch uniform pieces for even cooking
- Create Stations: Set up your wet mixture in one bowl and seasoned flour in another
- Coating Process: Dip chicken in buttermilk mixture, then coat thoroughly in seasoned flour
- Basket Prep: Spray air fryer basket with oil, arrange chicken pieces without overcrowding
- Air Frying: Cook at 400F for 12-14 minutes, flip halfway for perfect crispiness
- Final Touch: Toss in buffalo sauce and serve with your favorite dipping sauce
Pro Tips
- Tap off excess coating for better crispiness
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165F
- Serve immediately with celery and carrots for the perfect meal
Cooking Techniques
Getting that perfect crispy coating on air fryer wings is all about the double-dip! When you’re coating your chicken, use one hand for the wet mixture and one for the dry – this keeps things less messy. The spray oil is your secret weapon here – it helps those crispy bits form beautifully. If you see any dry flour spots while cooking, just give them a quick spray and they’ll crisp right up!
Variations & Substitutions
No buttermilk? Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. Want to switch up the sauce? Try BBQ, honey garlic, or sweet chili instead of buffalo. You can also make these gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free flour blend. For extra kick, double the cayenne, or skip it altogether for a milder version that kids will love!
Serving Suggestions
These wings are perfect for game day! Set up a fun dipping station with ranch, blue cheese, and extra buffalo sauce. Don’t forget the classic celery and carrot sticks – they add great crunch and coolness. Want to make it a meal? Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or a crisp coleslaw. These wings also make amazing sliders – just add some lettuce and ranch on mini buns!
Storage Tips
Keep your leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up! Don’t add the sauce until you’re ready to eat, as this keeps the coating nice and crispy. You can also freeze the cooked wings before saucing for up to 2 months.
Air Fryer Boneless Wings
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour traditional or gluten free
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- avocado oil cooking spray or other light oil spray
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce or dipping sauce of choice
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breast into 1-2 inch cubes.
- Add the buttermilk and egg to a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Add the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to a shallow bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Dip the chicken pieces in the buttermilk and egg mixture. Make sure they’re completely covered. Tap off any excess.
- Then, place the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, flipping to coat. Tap off any excess flour.
- Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with spray oil. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray the top of the chicken with the spray oil.
- Air fry the chicken at 400F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F. Spray the chicken as needed with spray oil to get rid of any floury bits.
- Remove from the air fryer and place the chicken in a bowl. Toss with buffalo sauce just before serving. Serve with additional dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese, and fresh celery and carrots.
