These Air Fryer Outback Steakhouse Kookaburra Wings are a crispy, spicy, and flavorful copycat of the restaurant favorite—made right at home. Coated in a seasoned flour blend and cooked to golden perfection, they’re perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you’re craving wings with a bold kick. Enjoy all the taste of Outback without the deep fryer!

Bring the bold flavor of Outback Steakhouse to your kitchen with this copycat Kookaburra Wings recipe! These wings are seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, air-fried (or baked) until crispy, and tossed in a zesty, slightly spicy coating that’s full of that signature Outback taste.
Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or a fun dinner, these wings are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves restaurant-style flavor at home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- 🔥 Bold, Restaurant-Style Flavor – Tastes just like the original with a perfect kick of spice.
- 🍗 Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside – The texture is spot-on without the need for deep frying.
- 🕒 Quick & Easy to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
- 💵 Cheaper Than Takeout – Save money while enjoying your favorite wings at home.
- 🎉 Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, game nights, or weekend dinners!
Outback Steakhouse Kookaburra Wings Ingredients

- Chicken wings – Meaty and tender, perfect for crispy coating.
- Paprika – Adds smoky flavor and rich red color.
- Garlic powder – Brings a bold, savory base to seasoning.
- Onion powder – Enhances depth with subtle, sweet onion flavor.
- Cayenne pepper – Delivers a spicy kick like the original.
- Black pepper – Adds warmth and sharpness to the wings.
- Salt – Balances flavors and brings everything together.
- All-purpose flour – Helps create a light, crispy coating.
- Buttermilk (or milk + vinegar) – Tenderizes wings and helps coating stick.
- Hot sauce – Adds tang and classic wing-style heat.
- Oil spray (for air fryer) – Promotes crispiness without deep frying.
Outback Steakhouse Kookaburra Wings Recipe Air Fryer

Step One: In a large bowl, combine wings and buttermilk. Let them soak for 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge) to tenderize and add flavor.
Step Two: In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.

Step Three: Remove wings from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each wing in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
Step Four: Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees F for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place wings in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray the tops with a little oil. Set cook time for 25–28 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again for extra crispiness.
Step Five: Once golden and crispy, remove from the basket and serve with your favorite hot sauce or ranch dressing.

Outback Steakhouse Kookaburra Wings Recipe Tips
🧻 Pat Wings Dry Before Marinating – Removing excess moisture helps the marinade cling and results in a crispier texture.
🥣 Marinate for Maximum Flavor – Letting the wings soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours) adds tenderness and subtle tang.
🌬️ Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer – Space wings out in a single layer so they crisp evenly. Cook in batches if needed.
🔄 Flip & Spray Halfway – Flipping the wings and giving them another quick spray of oil ensures even browning on both sides.
🌡️ Use a Meat Thermometer – Wings are perfectly cooked when they reach 165°F internally.
🥄 Press in the Flour Coating – Lightly press the wings into the flour mixture to help the seasoning stick better.
🌶️ Adjust Spice to Your Taste – Use more or less cayenne depending on how close you want it to the real Kookaburra heat.
🧂 Don’t Skip the Salt – Proper seasoning in the flour mix brings out all the bold flavors.
🧴 Serve with Classic Dips – Pair with ranch or blue cheese for that authentic restaurant feel.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
- 🧊 Storing: Once the wings have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3–4 days.
- ❄️ Freezing: Freeze the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1–2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
- 🔥 Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for 5–7 minutes until hot and crispy. For oven reheating, bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose that delicious crunch!

Outback Steakhouse Kookaburra Wings Recipe Faqs
What makes Kookaburra Wings different from regular wings? 🍗 Kookaburra Wings are known for their bold seasoning blend, light coating, and spicy kick—closely mimicking a deep-fried texture with lots of flavor.
Can I bake these instead of air frying? 🔥 Yes! Bake at 400°F on a wire rack for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
How spicy are they?🌶️ They have a medium heat level. You can reduce the cayenne for a milder version or add more to turn up the heat.
Can I make them ahead of time? 🕒 Absolutely. Cook them ahead and reheat in the air fryer or oven for that fresh, crispy finish.
What’s the best dipping sauce to serve with them? 🥣 Ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy mayo pairs perfectly with these wings.
Can I use boneless wings instead? ✅ Yes! You can substitute with boneless chicken bites—just reduce the cooking time slightly.
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Outback Steakhouse Kookaburra Wings
Description
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings, drumettes and flats
- 1 cup buttermilk, or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine wings and buttermilk. Let them soak for 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge) to tenderize and add flavor.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove wings from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each wing in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place wings in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray the tops with a little oil.
- Cook for 25–28 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again for extra crispiness.
- Once golden and crispy, remove from the basket and serve with your favorite hot sauce or ranch dressing.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray, or Parchment Paper
Notes
- 1 cup water (cold)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 5 teaspoons brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh garlic
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Nutrition
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