Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings recipe offers crispy, juicy wings coated in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce, made healthier and easier with an air fryer for minimal oil and cleanup.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds 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 salt
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the wings cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Large Bowl
- Whisk
Notes
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.