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Game Day Crispy Air Fryer Football Wings with Easy Ranch

air fryer crispy wings with ranch - featured image
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These Game Day Crispy Air Fryer Football Wings with Ranch are incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients and an air fryer to deliver shatteringly crisp, juicy wings with a savory ranch flavor. Perfect for game day or any gathering, they are a crowd-pleaser that rivals any sports bar wing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (about 900g) chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 packet (about 1 oz or 28g) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • For serving: ranch dressing, celery sticks, carrot sticks

Instructions

  1. Prep the Wings: If using fresh wings, pat them completely dry with paper towels. If using frozen wings, do not thaw; just remove from bag and pat off excess ice crystals.
  2. Make the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine baking powder, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk until evenly distributed.
  3. Season the Wings: Place dried wings in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle dry rub mixture over them. Use hands (wear gloves) to toss and massage seasoning into every nook and cranny. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 360°F (180°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the Wings: Lightly spray air fryer basket with oil. Arrange wings in a single layer, not touching. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. First Cook: Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 15 minutes. Flip each wing over using tongs.
  7. Second Cook: Increase temperature to 400°F (200°C). Cook for another 10-15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Wings are done when deep golden brown and skin looks tight and crispy.
  8. Check for Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer; internal temperature should reach 175°F (80°C) in thickest part of drumette. Meat should pull away easily from bone.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove wings from air fryer and let rest on a wire rack for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately with ranch dressing, celery, and carrots.

Notes

For extra crispy wings, after first cook at 360°F, let wings rest in basket for 5 minutes with air fryer off before final high-heat blast. Do not skip drying the wings or using baking powder. Avoid overcrowding the basket. Let wings rest on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer wings, crispy wings, game day wings, ranch wings, chicken wings, football wings

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/game-day-crispy-air-fryer-football-wings-with-easy-ranch/