Crispy Old Bay Air Fryer Wings – A Maryland Classic Made Easy at Home

Old Bay Air Fryer Wings have a way of bringing back sunshine, laughter, and that unmistakable Chesapeake charm. Every time I sprinkle that red-and-yellow blend, I imagine summer days dockside in Maryland—boats bobbing in the harbor, cicadas humming, and the scent of Old Bay drifting over picnic blankets.

For our family, these wings have always been the signal that good times are coming: birthdays, weekend sports, or lazy Sunday afternoons. This recipe captures all that nostalgia but with the ease of the air fryer. It’s the same crave-worthy crunch and tangy zip, minus the mess and grease of traditional frying. Whether you’re reliving family memories or creating new ones, these wings are your golden ticket to connection through flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, iconic flavor in each bite – Old Bay seasoning gives wings a unique tangy-spicy punch that’s hard to forget.
• Healthy crunch, less oil – Air frying cuts fat but keeps skin crisp and golden, closer to traditional fry results.
• Effortless entertaining – Perfect for game nights, gatherings, or casual dinners; prep, air fry, plate, and watch them disappear.

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INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 2 lb whole chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats (reserve tips for stock if desired)
• 2 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning (adjust if you prefer milder or bolder flavor)
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp aluminum-free baking powder (crucial for that crispy skin)
• 1 Tbsp neutral cooking oil (like avocado or canola)

How to Make Old Bay Air Fryer Wings

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prep the wings: Start by patting your chicken wings bone‑dry. This is essential—lack of moisture means you’ll miss that coveted crisp. Sprinkle in Old Bay seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper. Add the baking powder and drizzle in oil. Then toss everything thoroughly to create a uniform coating—do it by hand, it’s simple and satisfying.
2. Marinate (optional but recommended): For extra flavor, let the seasoned wings rest in the fridge for 30–60 minutes. This melds the seasoning into the skin and enhances crispiness.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Heat to 400 °F for about 5 minutes. A hot basket helps start the crisping process immediately.

1. Air fry in batches: Spray the basket lightly with oil. Place wings in a single layer without overlapping to allow hot air around each piece. Cook for 15 minutes. Then carefully flip each wing, letting the untouched side brown evenly. Cook another 13–15 minutes, or until skin is deeply golden and internal temperature reaches 165 °F.
2. Keep them warm (if needed): If doing multiple batches, transfer cooked wings to a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 250 °F oven. This keeps them hot and crispy until everything’s cooked.
3. Serve immediately: Arrange wings on a platter. Try a light extra sprinkle of Old Bay for visual appeal and flavor pop. Serve with lemon wedges, ranch dressing, or your preferred dipping sauce.

HELPFUL TIPS

• Why baking powder matters: It reacts to help dry out the skin and raise little bubbles, giving that characteristic crunch.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Crowding creates steam rather than crisping. Work in batches if necessary.
• Make-ahead magic: Marinate wings ahead and store in the fridge (even overnight) for deeper flavor.
• Reheating: Leftovers? Heat them in the air fryer at 350 °F for about 3–4 minutes to bring back the crisp.

DETAILS

• Prep Time: 10 min (+ optional 30–60 min marinate)
• Cook Time: 28–30 min
• Total Time: ~40 min (or ~1h–1h10m with marinate)
• Yield: 10–12 wings (serves 4)
• Category: Appetizer or Snack
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American (with Maryland flavor)
• Diet: Gluten-free friendly (check that Old Bay is gluten-safe for your brand)

NOTES

• Old Bay is naturally salty—taste after seasoning and adjust accordingly.
• Be sure to use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid a metallic aftertaste and support crisp texture.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Estimated per serving (3 wings):

• Calories: ~230 kcal
• Fat: 15 g (mostly skin and oil)
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 1 g
• Sodium: variable depending on seasoning amount

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use frozen wings?
Yes—fully thaw them first or add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time. Just know the skin may not be as crisp without extra drying time.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake at 425 °F on a wire rack for 20 minutes, flip, then bake another 20 minutes. Finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to really crisp the skin.

Can I make them spicier?
Sure! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the spice mix for extra kick.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

• Refrigerate: Once cooled, transfer wings to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3–4 minutes, or re-crisp in a skillet with a light spray of oil.

Related Recipes

If you love these Old Bay Air Fryer Wings, try these next:

• Baked Honey Sesame Chicken
• Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
• Crispy Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Conclusion

Old Bay Air Fryer Wings are more than a recipe—they’re a bridge between cherished traditions and today’s busy kitchen life. With simple ingredients and easy techniques, you get that crave-worthy crunch and distinctive Maryland seasoning with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, these wings invite warmth, flavor, and togetherness to your table. Here’s to good food that brings people close—happy cooking and savor every savory, nostalgic bite.