Place the chicken wings on a large plate, then sprinkle evenly with the baking powder, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
Toss the wings with your hands, ensuring the baking powder and seasonings fully coat them.
Let the wings stand in the refrigerator for 1 hour or up to overnight.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Season the wings with salt and black pepper, then transfer them to the air fryer basket, standing them up on end against the basket wall and each other.
Cook the wings in the air fryer until they are cooked through and crisp and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Transfer the wings to a mixing bowl and toss with the melted butter while they're hot.
Arrange the wings on a serving platter and serve warm with blue cheese dressing, celery, and carrot sticks.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Variations:
Classic Buffalo Wings:
Omit the cayenne from the recipe. After cooking, toss the wings in a bowl with ½ cup mild hot sauce and 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter until well coated. Serve hot.
Plain Wings:
Omit the cayenne, garlic powder, and butter. Cook as directed to achieve super crispy wings, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.
Wine Advice:
Pair these crispy dry-rubbed chicken wings with a refreshing beer like a lager or a pale ale to balance out the heat from the cayenne pepper and enhance the overall flavor experience. Alternatively, serve them with a chilled glass of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the richness of the chicken.