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When you’re craving crispy, spicy wings without the mess of deep frying, these air fryer chipotle chicken wings are a must-try. Coated in a smoky chipotle-inspired spice blend and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, they come out juicy inside and crispy outside. Served with a bold firecracker ranch, these wings deliver the perfect mix of heat and flavor. Whether it’s game day or just dinner with a kick, this recipe is quick, easy and seriously satisfying.
Air fryer chipotle chicken wings are crispy, smoky and packed with bold flavor. Serve with homemade firecracker ranch for the ultimate spicy snack.
More delicious chicken ideas are slow cooker BBQ wings, chicken thigh marsala, hot honey wings, Chinese chicken salad and BBQ chicken nachos.
Why You’ll Love It
Crispy without frying: The air fryer gives perfect crunch with less oil.
Big, bold flavor: Smoky spices and a spicy ranch bring serious heat.
Fast and easy: Minimal prep and hands-off cooking.
Perfect for parties: Great for game day, gatherings or snacking.
Pairs with homemade dip: Firecracker ranch adds creamy contrast.
Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Wings Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
Cayenne pepper: Delivers heat and warmth.
Oregano: Offers a subtle herbal note.
Cracked peppercorn: Brings sharp, peppery flavor.
Smoked paprika: Adds smoky depth and vibrant color.
Garlic powder: Boosts savory flavor.
Baking powder: Helps the wings crisp in the air fryer.
Chicken wings: Meaty, juicy and perfect for air frying.
Cilantro: Adds freshness and brightness.
Garlic: Adds savory flavor.
Jalapeno: Brings spice and a fresh bite.
Sour cream: Forms the creamy base of the ranch.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and smooth texture.
Cilantro: Fresh and vibrant in the dressing.
Lime juice: Adds brightness and acidity.
Dill: Brings a classic ranch flavor.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a fiery finish.
How to Make Chipotle Buttermilk Wings
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make the ranch: Blend all ranch ingredients in a food processor, then refrigerate.
Dry and season the wings: Pat wings dry, then toss with spice blend.
Preheat the air fryer: Heat to 390°F for 5 minutes.
Cook the wings: Air fry in a single layer until crispy.
Serve: Pair with chilled firecracker ranch.
Substitutions and Variations
Use chicken drumettes: If you prefer meatier wings.
Make it milder: Reduce cayenne in both the wings and the ranch.
Swap the dip: Use your favorite store-bought ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Add a glaze: Toss finished wings in honey-chipotle sauce for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
With other appetizers: Pair up your wings with million dollar deviled eggs, a baked artichoke dip and chips or some garlic cheese twists.
With sweet treats: Whip up a batch of blueberry pie cookies or tiramisu cupcakes.
How to Store Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Wings
Store: These will keep for up to 3 days in a covered container in the refrigerator. The homemade firecracker ranch dressing should be kept it a separate container and will last about the same amount of time.
Freeze: You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat: Warm them back up in the air fryer or oven.
Top Tips
Pat wings dry: This helps them get crisp in the air fryer.
Do not overcrowd: Cook in a single layer for even crisping.
Toss midway through: Flip or shake the basket halfway for even cooking.
Let them rest a minute: This keeps them juicy when serving.
Make extra ranch: It’s great with veggies or other snacks.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings FAQs
You might be wondering why there is baking powder in the ingredients list for this ranch wings air fryer recipe. Isn’t baking powder used to make cakes and breads rise? Yes it is, but there is another use too! You can actually use baking powder or baking soda here. The alkalinity raises the pH of the chicken skin. This helps the browning process and the skin will be browner and crispier! Have you heard of this tip before – try it. You’ll be happy you did!
A lot of people love to pair spicy wings with a creamy sauce, but ranch isn’t your only option. Blue cheese dressing would be really good with these too. Hot and spicy wings fresh out of the air fryer basket and chilled blue chilled dressing or ranch are a match made in heaven.
Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Wings Recipe
Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Wings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ Teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 Teaspoon oregano, dried
- 1 Teaspoon peppercorn, cracked
- 1 Teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Teaspoon baking powder
- 2 Pounds chicken wings
- 1 Bunch cilantro
For the Firecracker Ranch
- 1 Clove garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, diced
- 2 Teaspoon sea salt
- 1 Cup sour cream
- ½ Cup buttermilk
- 1 Tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- ½ lime, juiced
- 1 Teaspoon peppercorns, cracked
- 1 Teaspoon dill, dried
- 1 Teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
Make the Firecracker Ranch
- Add all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until emulsified.
- Pour into a mason jar or covered container and place into the fridge.
Prepare the Wings
- Rub chicken wings with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Add dry ingredients to a large bowl and whisk to combine. Toss wings in the seasoning to evenly coat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 5 minutes
- Place chicken wings into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook 25 minutes. Remove from heat
- Serve with firecracker ranch.
Notes
Do not overcrowd: Cook in a single layer for even crisping.
Toss midway through: Flip or shake the basket halfway for even cooking.
Let them rest a minute: This keeps them juicy when serving.
Make extra ranch: It’s great with veggies or other snacks.
Nutrition
Air fryer chipotle chicken wings are the perfect way to get that crispy, crave-worthy texture without deep frying. With a smoky, spicy rub and creamy homemade firecracker ranch on the side, they’re ideal for serving at game day gatherings, casual dinners or anytime you want bold flavor with minimal fuss. Easy to prep and fast to cook, these wings are sure to become a go-to favorite when you need a satisfying, no-fuss recipe that delivers every time.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
These wings were crispy and spicy, and that firecracker ranch is just next-level!
No leftovers; it was that good; I want to make it again.
I made this recently and it was so perfect! So flavorful!
That is the perfect color. And it tastes equally good!
This recipe is unbelievably good! Yummmm!
These wings were really good. I usually make buffalo wings or parmesan lemon wings but I thought I’d try a new recipe. I’ll definitely make these again. They were delicious.
These are making my mouth water!