Sometimes you crave wings but don’t want the greasy aftermath. This low calorie chicken wings air fryer recipe delivers that crunch and spice without the heaviness. It’s the kind of dish you can whip up on a whim—no deep fryer, no mess, just pure satisfaction.
I remember the first time I tried making these wings. I was halfway through prepping when I realized I’d forgotten to dry the wings properly. The skin was a little damp, so I gave them an extra pat with a paper towel and hoped for the best. They didn’t come out perfectly crispy on the first batch, but honestly, that just meant more time to snack on the ones that were done. The smoky paprika mixed with garlic and a hint of heat from the hot sauce created this addictive flavor that kept me reaching back in the basket. I haven’t tested every hot sauce out there, but this one strikes a nice balance—not too fiery, not too mild.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s a healthier take on a beloved classic, so you can indulge without overdoing it.
- The air fryer makes cooking fast and clean—no oil splatters or long waits.
- The seasoning blend is straightforward but packs a punch; no complicated sauces needed.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. Sometimes you just want wings without fuss.
If you’re worried about the wings sticking or uneven crispiness, just give them a quick shake halfway through cooking. It’s not a perfect science, but it works in my kitchen.
PrintLow Calorie Chicken Wings Air Fryer
Crispy and flavorful low calorie chicken wings made in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection without deep frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1.5 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated into flats and drumettes
1 teaspoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss well to evenly coat each wing with the seasoning mixture.
Drizzle the olive oil over the wings and toss again to coat.
Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches.
Cook the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes.
Flip the wings over and cook for an additional 10-13 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the wings to a large bowl and toss with hot sauce until evenly coated.
Serve immediately.
Kitchen Notes: Using an air fryer basket that allows air to circulate around each wing is key—this helps get that crispy skin without turning to deep frying. These wings go great with a simple side like celery sticks or a light salad, especially if you want to keep things on the healthier side. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try swapping the smoked paprika for chili powder or adding a touch of honey for a subtle sweet contrast, but I haven’t tested those enough to swear by them. Sometimes I even toss the wings in a little extra hot sauce after cooking if I want more kick, but that’s just me.
FAQ:
Can I make these in the oven? You could, but they won’t be quite as crispy or quick as in the air fryer.
What if I don’t have baking powder? It helps with crispiness, but you can skip it and still get tasty wings—just a bit less crunch.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer to bring back some crisp.
Ready to try a lighter, tastier wing? Scroll down, save this recipe, and get cooking—you won’t miss the grease.