Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels; removing all surface moisture is the most critical step for achieving a crispy texture.
Place the dried wings in a large mixing bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until evenly coated.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the wings and toss thoroughly until every piece is well-coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
Arrange the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, as air must circulate freely around each wing.
Cook the wings at 400°F for 10 minutes.
Open the basket and use tongs to flip each wing or shake the basket vigorously to ensure even browning.
Continue air frying for another 8 to 12 minutes. The wings are ready when the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches between 175°F and 185°F for the best meat-off-the-bone texture.
Remove the wings from the air fryer and let them rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow the skin to fully crisp up.