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Old Bay is not just for crab cakes! These dry-rubbed air fryer Old Bay wings are spicy, savory, and extra crispy, thanks to our trusty air fryer.

Spicy, zesty air fryer Old Bay wings are perfect for game day.

As a Baltimorean, I am a fan of Old Bay anything. Crab chips, crab cakes, Old Bay margaritas. You name it. If it has Old Bay in it, I’m here for it. These air fryer Old Bay wings are no exception. They’re rubbed with lots of Old Bay seasoning and finished with fresh parsley and lemon juice for a spicy, fragrant, crispy wing you’ll want on every game day spread.

How to make Air Fryer Old Bay Wings

I developed this recipe alongside my standard Air Fryer Chicken Wings and Air Fryer Malaysian Curry Wings, so many steps are the same!

What you need

Cut chicken wings: You can buy a pack of cut chicken wings or grab the whole wings and cut them yourself. Reserve the tips for broth or stock. Two pounds of cut chicken wings yields 10 to 12 drumettes and flats, so you’ll need 5 to 6 whole wings for this recipe.
Baking powder: As I’ve mentioned in all my air fryer chicken wings posts, baking powder is a MUST. It’s the secret to crispy chicken skin. Baking powder’s chemical properties help break down the proteins in the chicken skin. This process pulls out the moisture from the chicken skin. It’s almost like speedrunning a dry brine. Pulling out that excess moisture makes the skin more prone to even browning and crisping up under heat. You only need a scant amount, about ½ teaspoon for a pound of chicken wings.
Old Bay Seasoning: Don’t skip the Old Bay Seasoning! If you can’t find it, the closest approximation you could get is Cajun seasoning, but it won’t be exactly the same.
Fresh parsley and lemon wedges: I serve the Old Bay wings with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

How to make it

Step 1: Pat the wings dry and season them with lemon pepper, salt, and baking powder. Add the neutral oil and toss to coat.
Step 2: Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF.
Step 3: Arrange the wings in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Do NOT overcrowd the basket. Cook them in batches if needed. Air fry for 15 minutes. Flip and air fry for 13 to 15 minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Ensure the wings have reached 165ºF when tested with an instant-read thermometer.

Step 5: Once the wings are out of the air fryer, transfer them to a serving platter. Finish with freshly minced parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Then you’re ready to dig in! My recommendation? Make a game day spread with all sorts of wing flavors, like Air Fryer Buffalo Wings, Air Fryer Malaysian Red Curry Wings, or Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings.