Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

If you’re craving crispy, flavorful chicken wings without the mess of deep frying, this Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings recipe is your new best friend. Juicy on the inside, perfectly crisp on the outside, and coated in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce, these wings are a game-changer for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. Using an air fryer cuts down on oil and cleanup, making it a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice any of that classic wing deliciousness.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Buffalo wings are a beloved classic, but traditional deep-frying can be time-consuming and heavy on oil. This recipe uses an air fryer, which delivers that coveted crispy texture with a fraction of the oil, making it lighter and easier to prepare. Plus, the buffalo wing sauce adds just the right kick of heat and flavor without overpowering the natural juiciness of the chicken. Whether you’re serving them for a party or a casual dinner, these wings come together quickly and are endlessly satisfying. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality wings from the comfort of your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms) chicken wings split into flats and drummettes
• 1 teaspoon oil (use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 recipe buffalo wing sauce (see below for a quick homemade version)

Quick Homemade Buffalo Wing Sauce:

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

How To Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings

Start by patting the wings dry with paper towels. This step is essential for getting crispy skin. Once dry, place them in a large bowl.

Step 2: Season the Wings

Add 1 teaspoon of oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper to the wings. Toss well to ensure every piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the wings cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.

Step 4: Air Fry the Wings

Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time. This ensures even crispiness on all sides.

Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the wings cook, prepare the buffalo wing sauce by whisking together hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 6: Toss Wings in Buffalo Sauce

Once the wings are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Immediately pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss until they are thoroughly coated.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your buffalo chicken wings hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing, and fresh celery sticks for a classic touch.

Expert Tips

• Make sure to dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning to maximize crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
• Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure they crisp up on all sides.
• Adjust the buffalo sauce heat level by adding more or less hot sauce according to your preference.
• For extra crispy wings, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Let the wings rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps the skin stay crispy.
• Use a good quality hot sauce to enhance the flavor of your buffalo sauce.

Variations and Customizations

• Mild Buffalo Wings: Reduce the amount of hot sauce and add a little honey for a sweeter, milder flavor.
• Garlic Parmesan Wings: Skip the buffalo sauce and toss wings in melted butter mixed with garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese.
• Spicy BBQ Wings: Mix your favorite BBQ sauce with a bit of hot sauce for a smoky, spicy twist.
• Asian-Inspired Wings: Toss wings in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a splash of sesame oil for an umami-packed alternative.
• Extra Crispy: Lightly dust the wings with baking powder before air frying to achieve an ultra-crispy texture.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover buffalo chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the wings back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the skin soggy. Leftover sauce can be refrigerated separately in a sealed container for up to a week.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken wings in the air fryer?

Yes! You can cook frozen chicken wings in the air fryer. Increase the cooking time by about 5-7 minutes and make sure to flip them halfway through. For best results, pat the wings dry after thawing to ensure crispiness.

Is it necessary to toss the wings in sauce immediately after cooking?

Yes, tossing the wings in sauce right after cooking helps the sauce stick better while the wings are hot. This ensures every bite is coated with delicious buffalo flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the wings in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still be delicious.

Can I make the buffalo sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Buffalo sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before tossing with the wings for the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings are a flavorful, crispy, and easy-to-make recipe that will quickly become a favorite for any occasion. With minimal oil and fuss, you get all the satisfying heat and texture of classic buffalo wings right from your air fryer. Whether you stick to the traditional buffalo sauce or experiment with variations, these wings are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a delicious treat anytime. Get ready to savor every bite!