Keto air fryer chicken wings used to be a total mystery to me. I mean, making wings that are actually crispy without deep-frying (and keeping it keto!) felt impossible. Honestly, I used to dread the greasy mess from frying—and sometimes I’d order takeout just to avoid cleaning up. If you’ve ever tried baking wings and ended up with soggy skin…you get me, right? Luckily, once I figured out the air fryer trick, these wings turned into a regular dinner hero at my place—couldn’t keep my hands off ‘em. 
Can you eat chicken wings on keto?
Heck yes, you can! Actually, chicken wings are a fantastic low-carb option for anyone following a keto diet, as long as you skip the sweet sauces. It’s the breading and sugary coatings that mess you up, not the wings themselves. Plain chicken wings are loaded with good protein and fat, which is pretty much what every keto follower wants. I’m not saying go wild at sports bars, though. Most places slather on sauce that’s, let’s be real, half corn syrup.
So the secret is in picking—or making—those seasonings yourself. I’ve ruined perfectly good chicken wings with sticky sauces before (yikes), but after a few tries you’ll learn what works. Usually, just salt, pepper, a touch of garlic powder, and maybe smoked paprika does the trick. Stick with those, and bam, you’re golden. 
Tips for extra crispy chicken wings
Okay, this is the juicy part. Crispy keto air fryer chicken wings don’t just happen by accident. Pat ‘em dry first. Can’t stress that one enough. Any moisture at all will fight the crispy. Then, throw a little baking powder into your spice mix. Don’t go shaking the whole box, though, or they’ll taste weirdly bitter. A sprinkle will help the skin get all craggy and crisp.
If you’re feeling fancy, let the wings hang out in the fridge uncovered for an hour before air frying. Trust me, it’s worth the wait—the surface dries out so much better and that equals crunch. And honestly, don’t crowd the fryer basket. They need some room to breathe, or it’s back to Soggy Town.
I once accidentally doubled up a batch in my tiny air fryer…let’s just say, lesson learned. Take your time, work in batches if you must. It’s the only way to get the texture just right. 
“I used to think nobody could beat my favorite wing spot, but these homemade air fryer wings are next level. Crispy every single time, and I know exactly what goes in ‘em.” — Mike R., Ohio
Ingredients Needed
Lucky for us, the ingredients are almost criminally simple. You’ll need:
- Chicken wings (split into drums and flats)
- Baking powder (just a pinch, not the whole bag)
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (mix and match—go wild if you feel daring)
- Cooking spray or a bit of oil (honestly, I just use whatever’s handy)
That’s pretty much it. No weird specialty products. No nut flours or off-the-wall keto swaps. Simple is what makes these wings so stick-to-your-ribs good. Oh, and don’t forget a big bowl, or you’ll end up seasoning everything except the wings.
How to Cook Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer
First step—get your air fryer heating up. I set mine to 400°F because anything less and you don’t get that crackly skin. While that’s preheating, pat those wings super dry. Toss them in your big bowl with the seasonings and the tiny bit of baking powder. Mix by hand, if you’re feeling bold. It’s messy, but honestly effective.
Next, lay the wings in the fryer basket in a single layer. Do not pile them up. I can’t repeat this enough! Spray them lightly with oil. Set the timer for about 23 minutes, and flip the wings over roughly halfway through. Sometimes I peek in with five minutes to go. I love a good brown, almost burnt edge.
When they’re done, they sound almost hollow if you tap them with a fork. That’s how you know you nailed the “crispy” part. Pull them out—watch your fingers, they’re HOT—and let them sit for 3 minutes. I don’t know why, but that little rest seems to make the skin even crispier.
Serve and watch how quick they disappear. There’s always one guy in my family who tries to sneak an extra piece before anyone notices!
Serving Suggestions
Here’s what I usually do when I serve keto air fryer chicken wings at my house:
- Pair with celery sticks and ranch dip for that classic wing experience.
- Pile onto a big platter and sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon for a tangy twist.
- Let folks toss wings with buffalo sauce—or any other keto-friendly sauce—separately, so everyone gets what they want.
Easy peasy, and everyone ends up happy—well, except maybe the dog, if he’s hoping for leftovers.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen wings?
Sure thing. Just make sure to thaw them first and dry them super well. Otherwise, it’s a soggy mess.
Do I need to use baking powder for crispy wings?
You don’t have to, but dang, it makes a big difference. Don’t skip it unless you really have to.
What’s the best air fryer temperature?
I’ve found 400°F is the sweet spot. Lower and you’ll wait forever, higher and you risk burning.
Is there a dipping sauce that’s keto?
Absolutely. Classic ranch or blue cheese is your friend. Just double-check there’s no sugar hiding in the ingredients.
How do I store leftovers?
Toss ‘em in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes so you keep that crisp. Not as good as fresh—let’s be honest—but way better than microwaved.
Ready for the Crunch? Get Cooking!
Alright, now you know everything I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) about making keto air fryer chicken wings that blow restaurant wings out of the water. Simple ingredients, no weird steps, and a crunch you’ll remember. Want to see more variations or double-check techniques? I recommend peeking at this fantastic Keto Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe (Extra Crispy!), or get wild with different sauces over at 30-Minute Keto Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Kicking Carbs. For spice lovers, there’s always Air Fryer Buffalo Wings (low carb + keto) – Maebells too.
Take a shot—you really can’t mess these up. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll never call for wings again (unless it’s to brag). 
Keto Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, mix the wings with the baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer without stacking.
- Spray lightly with cooking oil.
- Cook for approximately 23 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness; the wings should sound hollow when tapped with a fork.
- Let them rest for 3 minutes before serving.