If you’re looking for the best air fryer recipes chicken wings have to offer, you’ve landed in the right spot. Air Fried Buffalo Chicken Wings are a total game-changer! These wings are crispy, juicy, and slathered in the perfect buffalo wing sauce—everything you want in a classic buffalo chicken wings recipe, but without the messy deep frying.
Whether you’re gearing up for game day, planning a snack for friends, or just craving a big plate of spicy goodness, this air fryer buffalo chicken wings recipe delivers every time. Using an air fryer not only makes cooking easier, but it also gives you that restaurant-quality crunch without all the oil. Plus, this recipe works great in any air fryer, from basket models to air fryer ovens.
From crispy air fryer chicken wings buffalo-style to spicy chicken wings recipes that pack a kick, this method is versatile enough to match any wings flavor you’re craving. These air fryer appetizers are perfect for everything from casual dinners to party platters. Whether you’re calling them air fry buffalo wings, air fryer hot wings, or just the best wings recipe crispy and flavorful, one thing’s for sure: you’ll want to make them again and again.
Homemade Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
There’s just something about buffalo chicken wings that makes them feel like the ultimate comfort food. Whether it’s game night with friends, a casual dinner, or just me treating myself after a long day, wings are always a win. I used to think you needed a deep fryer to get those crispy, saucy bites, but nope—the air fryer is a total game changer.
I’m telling you, once I started making wings in my air fryer, I never looked back. They’re crispy, juicy, and packed with that tangy buffalo flavor, without the mess or guilt of deep frying. Plus, they’re super easy to make, which is perfect for busy days when I don’t feel like spending forever in the kitchen.
Let’s dive into how to make these wings step by step. You’re gonna love them!
Ingredients
For the wings:
- 2 pounds of chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes, no tips)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (sounds weird, but trust me, it’s key)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the buffalo sauce:
- ½ cup hot sauce (I love Frank’s RedHot—it’s classic)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, but it adds a nice little sweetness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Dry the Wings:
Grab a couple of paper towels and pat the wings dry. This is super important for getting that crispy skin, so don’t skip it. - Season the Wings:
In a big bowl, toss the wings with the baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The baking powder helps the skin crisp up in the air fryer, so don’t leave it out. - Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F. If yours doesn’t have a preheat setting, just turn it on and let it run for 3–5 minutes before adding the wings. - Cook the Wings:
Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them, or they won’t crisp up properly. Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. When they’re golden and crispy, you’re good to go. - Make the Sauce:
While the wings are cooking, make your sauce. Mix the melted butter, hot sauce, and honey in a small bowl. If you like things extra spicy, add a little more hot sauce. If you want it milder, use a bit less and maybe add more butter. - Sauce ‘Em Up:
Once the wings are done, toss them in a big bowl with the sauce. Make sure they’re coated evenly—this is the messy, fun part! - Serve and Enjoy:
Plate up your wings with some celery and carrot sticks on the side. Oh, and don’t forget the ranch or blue cheese dressing. It’s not buffalo wings without a good dipping sauce!
Notes:
- For extra crispy wings, air fry an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Experiment with spice levels by adjusting the amount of hot sauce.
Why These Wings Are Awesome
First of all, they’re so easy. You don’t have to babysit a pot of hot oil or deal with splatter everywhere. Plus, they’re healthier, which means I can eat a few extra without feeling bad about it (win-win, right?). The air fryer makes the skin perfectly crispy, and the buffalo sauce is just the right balance of tangy and buttery.
Every time I make these, they disappear fast. My family can’t get enough, and if I’m honest, I can eat a whole plate by myself if I’m not careful. If you try them out, let me know how they turn out! Oh, and if you tweak the recipe or add your own spin, I’d love to hear about it. Cooking is all about experimenting and making it your own. Perfect for game days, parties, or a spicy midweek treat! Enjoy!
FAQs: Homemade Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
1. How do I get my wings extra crispy in the air fryer?
The secret is patting the wings dry before seasoning and using baking powder in the spice mix. It helps draw out moisture and creates that perfect crisp. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—air circulation is key to crispiness!
2. Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Cooking them from frozen can result in uneven cooking and less crispy wings.
3. What’s the best hot sauce for buffalo wings?
Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice, but you can use your favorite hot sauce. Want to try something spicier? Look for sauces with habanero or cayenne for an extra kick.
4. How do I prevent my wings from sticking in the air fryer?
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray before adding the wings. This helps keep them from sticking without adding too much oil.
5. How long do I cook wings in the air fryer?
Cook the wings at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you like them extra crispy, add 2–3 more minutes.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Cook the wings in batches to ensure they get evenly crispy.
7. What can I serve with buffalo wings?
Celery sticks, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing are the classics. You can also serve them with potato wedges, coleslaw, or even a fresh green salad.
8. Can I make the wings ahead of time?
Yes, but they’re best served fresh. If needed, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp them up again.
9. How do I adjust the spice level?
For milder wings, reduce the amount of hot sauce or add more butter to the sauce. For spicier wings, increase the hot sauce or mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper.
10. Can I use other sauces besides buffalo?
Absolutely! BBQ, garlic parmesan, honey mustard, or teriyaki are great options. Just toss the wings in your preferred sauce after air frying.
11. What’s the best way to clean my air fryer after making wings?
Let the basket cool, then soak it in warm soapy water to loosen any stuck-on bits. Use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to clean it. If your air fryer has dishwasher-safe parts, even better!
If you’re craving the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and saucy, these Air Fried Buffalo Chicken Wings are a must-try. This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe is a game changer, whether you’re prepping for a party, hosting game day, or just looking for a quick and satisfying dinner. Using the air fryer means you get the best air fryer wings crispy and golden without all the extra oil, and the classic buffalo wing sauce adds that zing we all love.
Buffalo Wings Recipe Card
Buffalo Wings Recipe
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds of chicken wings split into flats and drumettes, no tips
- 1 tablespoon baking powder trust me, it’s key
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup hot sauce Frank’s RedHot is a classic!
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon honey optional for a hint of sweetness
Instructions
Dry the Wings:
- Pat the wings dry using paper towels. Dry wings are crucial for that crispy texture, so don’t skip this step!
Season the Wings:
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. The baking powder ensures crispiness in the air fryer.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, let it run for 3–5 minutes before adding the wings.
Cook the Wings:
- Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly. Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They’re ready when golden, crispy, and cooked through.
Make the Sauce:
- While the wings cook, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, hot sauce, and honey. Adjust hot sauce to your spice preference.
Toss the Wings in Sauce:
- Once cooked, transfer the wings to a large bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce. Coat them thoroughly for maximum flavor.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the wings with celery and carrot sticks on the side, and don’t forget ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Dig in and enjoy!
Notes
- For even crispier wings, let them sit uncovered in the fridge for 30 minutes before seasoning.
- If you prefer a milder sauce, increase the butter or reduce the hot sauce.
Whether you call them Air Fry Buffalo Wings, Air Fry Chicken Wings, or simply the best wings recipe crispy and flavorful, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You’ll love how easy these are to make, whether you’re exploring air fryer oven recipes, experimenting with new wings flavors, or just looking for simple and delicious air fryer recipes chicken wings for a weeknight treat.
So grab your air fryer, whip up these Buffalo Wings In Air Fryer, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade crispy air fryer chicken wings buffalo-style. From spicy chicken wings recipes to classic game day chicken wings, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to share these airfryer hot wings with friends—if you don’t eat them all first!
