These crispy air fryer chicken wings with a bold, flavorful keto dry rub are exactly what weeknight dinners and game day snacks were made for—no deep fryer, no messy oil, just juicy wings with a crispy skin that delivers every time. Best part? They’re keto-friendly, low-carb, and ready in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love These Keto Chicken Wings
- Naturally low-carb and packed with flavor—no sugar, no breading, just perfectly seasoned wings.
- Budget-friendly—buy whole wings in bulk and break them down yourself to save big.
- Crispy without frying—thanks to the air fryer, you get that golden crunch without the mess or calories of deep frying.
- Perfect for parties or quick dinners—pair them with a dip and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Whole chicken wings – or pre-cut flats and drums if you want to skip the knife work.
- Keto dry rub – you can use your favorite blend, or mix up a quick one with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Keto Style)
Break down the wings
If starting with whole wings, use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut them into drumettes and flats. Trim off the wing tips if desired.
Season with dry rub
Toss the wings in a large bowl with your keto dry rub. Make sure every piece is coated evenly. You can also toss them in a zip-top bag for less mess.
Air fry until crispy
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Place the wings in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd them. Cook for 25 minutes until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. No need to flip!
Serve & enjoy
Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy buffalo mayo.
Pro Tips for Perfect Wings
- Sharp knife = safer cuts: Cutting wings is easier (and safer) with a really sharp knife. Dull blades are more likely to slip.
- Leave them whole: Don’t feel like cutting? You can air fry whole wings too.
- Check the temp: Always make sure your wings reach 165°F internally.
- Dry rub sticking trouble? A little avocado oil will help the seasoning cling better and crisp up beautifully.
Oven Instructions (If You Don’t Have an Air Fryer)
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Season wings with dry rub and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Easy Variations & Substitutions
- Boneless option: Use chicken tenders and cut into nugget-size bites for boneless “wings.”
- Spicy kick: Add cayenne or red pepper flakes to the dry rub.
- Different seasonings: Try lemon pepper, garlic herb, or Cajun spice blends.
What to Serve with Keto Wings
- Classic celery and carrot sticks (if your carb count allows)
- Air fryer broccoli or zucchini fries
- Cauliflower mash or loaded cauliflower bites
- Keto ranch or blue cheese dip
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 390°F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Microwave option: Heat for 1 minute on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture—but the skin won’t be as crisp.
FAQs
Do you season wings before or after air frying?
Always season before cooking. The dry rub needs time to cook into the skin for the best flavor.
How do you get the seasoning to stick?
Toss the wings in a small amount of oil (like avocado oil) to help the seasoning adhere and promote browning.
How long should the rub sit before cooking?
You can cook immediately after seasoning, or let them sit for 30 minutes for deeper flavor. Either way works!
Why are wings served with celery?
It’s a tradition dating back to the original Buffalo wing recipe from the 1960s—cool, crunchy celery balances out spicy wings perfectly.
Final Thoughts
These air fryer chicken wings with keto dry rub are everything you love about restaurant wings—just made healthier and more budget-friendly right at home. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just satisfying your own craving, this easy recipe checks all the boxes: crispy, juicy, bold, and low in carbs.
Keto Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These air fryer chicken wings come out perfectly crispy every time—no oil splatter, no deep frying. Just juicy meat, crackly skin, and a bold keto-friendly dry rub that’s packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 7 whole chicken wings, separated into wingettes and drumettes
- 1 tablespoon dry rub seasoning
Instructions
- Start by cutting each whole chicken wing into two parts—flats and drumettes. You can discard the tips or save them for stock if you’d like.
- Place the cut wings in a mixing bowl. Add your dry rub seasoning and toss the wings well, making sure every piece is coated all over.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Keep a little space between each one so they crisp up properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you’ll probably need to cook them in batches.
- Set the air fryer to 390°F and cook the wings for about 25 minutes. No need to flip—they’ll get nice and crisp on all sides.
- Once they’re done, take the wings out and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce or eat them just as they are.
Nutrition Information
Yield
3Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 174Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 77mgSodium 1633mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 14g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.