If you’re a fan of big, bold flavors and crave that irresistible crunch without the deep-fryer hassle, these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings will absolutely thrill your taste buds. Using your air fryer means less mess, less oil, and plenty of crispy, juicy wings that will vanish almost as quickly as you can make them. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-worthy batch ready for game night, parties, or maybe just a well-deserved snack. With the signature tangy-spicy sauce and golden, crispy skin, you might never go back to traditional wings again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but each ingredient has its own special role in giving Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings their signature look and flavor. Crispiness, heat, richness, and a touch of sweetness all come together in perfect harmony—it’s comfort food at its finest!
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats): The classic choice, providing the perfect balance of juicy meat and crispy skin. Separate into drumettes and flats for even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free): This is the secret to that restaurant-style crackle, helping to dry out the wing skin for unbeatable crispiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adds flavor and helps draw out moisture, enhancing the golden skin.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle garlicky hit in every bite that pairs so well with buffalo sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of warmth and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot): The classic base for Buffalo sauce—choose your favorite for perfect tang and heat.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Gives the sauce its signature silkiness and helps it cling to the wings.
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for slight sweetness): If you like a whisper of sweetness with your heat, add this in for balance.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle on top brightens up the look and adds a fresh touch.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep the Wings
Start by patting the chicken wings very dry with paper towels—this step can’t be skipped! The drier the wings, the crispier the skin will get in the air fryer. Once dried, toss them in a large bowl with the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure each wing is evenly coated; the baking powder is your secret weapon for that extra crunch you love in Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings.
Step 2: Preheat and Arrange
Give your air fryer a head start by preheating it to 400°F. This ensures the wings start cooking and crisping up the moment they hit the basket. Arrange the wings in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each piece so the hot air can circulate freely. If you need to cook in batches, it’s totally worth it for perfect results every time.
Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Pop the basket in and air fry your wings for 25 to 28 minutes. Every 8 to 10 minutes, pause and shake the basket so every wing gets exposed to all that hot circulating air. You’ll see the skins start to turn golden and the aroma will have everyone wandering into the kitchen! When the time’s up, your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings should be crisp, crackly, and ready for the grand finale.
Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the wings are sizzling, whip together the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey (if using) in a small bowl. The butter mellows out the heat just enough, and the honey adds a lovely touch if you’re into a sweet-and-spicy combo.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
As soon as the wings are done, transfer them to a clean bowl and pour that glorious buffalo sauce over top. Toss well to make sure every wing gets beautifully coated. Serve them piping hot, garnished with chopped parsley if you like—and don’t forget the traditional celery sticks and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side!
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Garnishes
A little sprinkle of chopped parsley brings a dash of fresh color and a hint of herbal flavor. For an extra restaurant-style touch, you can also add sliced green onions or a light dusting of flaky sea salt just before serving.
Side Dishes
No platter of Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings is complete without the classics: crisp celery and carrot sticks, plus a cooling dip. Ranch or blue cheese dressing is the go-to, cutting through the spicy, tangy sauce and balancing every rich, buttery bite. Want to round out your spread? Try potato wedges, coleslaw, or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try threading a few wings onto appetizer skewers or pile them high on a wooden board with an array of colorful veggies and dips. You can even serve Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings slider-style by tucking the meat into mini buns with pickles and slaw for a fun twist on the usual platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover wings (lucky you!), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents soggy skin.
Freezing
Wings freeze beautifully when you want to prep ahead. Arrange cooled Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings in a single layer on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and are great for those sudden snack attacks.
Reheating
The best way to bring wings back to crispy, just-cooked glory is straight in the air fryer itself. Heat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the wings for 5 to 7 minutes, until hot and sizzling. Alternatively, a quick blast in a hot oven does the trick too. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the skin soft.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings?
Absolutely! If starting with frozen wings, just add a few extra minutes to the initial air-frying time. Make sure to pat them dry once thawed in the first few minutes for best crispiness.
What’s the purpose of baking powder on the wings?
Baking powder raises the pH of the chicken skin, helping it brown and crisp. Just be sure to use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any off-flavors.
Is there a way to make the wings less spicy?
Definitely! Use less hot sauce, or add a bit more melted butter to mellow the heat. Honey also helps balance out spice if you want a milder wing experience.
Can I make these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings ahead of time?
You can cook the wings ahead and refrigerate them, then reheat in the air fryer until hot and crispy before tossing with sauce. Saucing them just before serving keeps them from getting soggy.
What dips pair best with Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings?
Classic blue cheese and creamy ranch are favorites, but you can also branch out with garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or even cool yogurt-based dips if you like something unique.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got an air fryer and a craving for heat, you simply have to try Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings for yourself. With golden-crisp edges, juicy interiors, and bold, tangy sauce, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Give them a go—your next gathering (or solo snack session!) is about to get much more delicious.
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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings are the perfect game day appetizer or easy snack. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Garnish:
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry and coat them with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer, arrange wings in a single layer, and air fry until golden and crispy, shaking the basket periodically.
- Make Buffalo Sauce: Combine hot sauce, melted butter, and honey in a bowl.
- Toss Wings: Coat the cooked wings in the buffalo sauce mixture.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot with celery sticks and dressing on the side.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, refrigerate wings uncovered before cooking.
- Adjust spice level to taste by modifying hot sauce or butter quantities.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of wings
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
