Introduction
Are you craving restaurant-quality buffalo wings without the hassle of deep frying or the long wait of oven baking? Airfryer Buffalo Chicken Wings deliver that perfect combination of crispy exterior and juicy interior, all while being healthier than traditional deep-fried versions. The beauty of making these wings at home is that you can control the heat level and customize the flavors to your preference. Plus, with an air fryer, you’ll achieve that coveted crispy texture with significantly less oil and in half the time of conventional methods. Let’s dive into this game-changing recipe that will transform your home cooking experience!
Ingredients List
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split at joints with tips removed
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (not baking soda)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is traditional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Thinly sliced green onions
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping
Substitution tip: For a milder sauce, replace half the hot sauce with BBQ sauce. Dairy-free? Use coconut oil instead of butter for the sauce.
Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes for drying wings if possible)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
These air fryer buffalo chicken wings, crispy air fryer wings, buffalo air fryer wings save you approximately 25 minutes compared to oven-baked wings and eliminate the 15-minute oil heating time required for deep frying. Even better, there’s virtually no cleanup compared to the messy aftermath of traditional frying methods!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. The drier the wings, the crispier they’ll become! Place them in a large bowl and toss with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. The baking powder is the secret ingredient that creates that restaurant-style crispy skin, so don’t skip it!
Pro tip: For extra crispy results, let the seasoned wings rest uncovered in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to further dry the skin.
Step 2: Preheat and Arrange
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching. You’ll likely need to cook them in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd! Leaving space between the wings allows the hot air to circulate properly, creating that perfect crispy exterior.
Step 3: Cook the Wings
Cook the wings at 380°F for 10 minutes. Then, flip the wings and increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Pro tip: Shake the basket halfway through the second cooking period to ensure even crisping.
Step 4: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
While the wings are cooking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Whisk until fully combined and warm. Remove from heat and set aside.
Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, add 1/2 teaspoon of honey to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Transfer the cooked wings to a large heat-resistant bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss until evenly coated. For a more intense flavor, let the wings sit in the sauce for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Pro tip: Reserve some sauce on the side for dipping or for those who prefer extra saucy wings!
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (5-6 wings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 26g (8g saturated)
- Fiber: 0g
- Vitamin A: 10% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 5% Daily Value
- Calcium: 2% Daily Value
- Iron: 6% Daily Value
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Lower Calorie Option: Use chicken breast cut into strips instead of wings, and air fry at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes.
- Keto-Friendly: This recipe is already keto-friendly! Just ensure your hot sauce doesn’t contain added sugars.
- Gluten-Free: Double-check that your hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.
- Vegan Alternative: Substitute cauliflower florets for chicken. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, coat with the same seasonings, and air fry at 380°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway. Use vegan butter for the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these wings on a platter garnished with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles. Accompany with:
- Traditional celery and carrot sticks
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing in small dipping bowls
- A side of cooling cucumber slices to balance the heat
- Sweet potato fries for a complete meal
- A light beer or citrusy cocktail to complement the spicy flavors
Presentation tip: Line your serving platter with parchment paper for an easy cleanup and drizzle extra sauce in a zigzag pattern across the top for restaurant-style presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the drying process: Not thoroughly drying the wings will result in steamed rather than crispy skin.
- Overcrowding the air fryer: This prevents proper air circulation and results in unevenly cooked wings.
- Using baking soda instead of baking powder: This is a common mix-up that will ruin your wings with a metallic taste.
- Saucing the wings too early: Add the buffalo sauce after cooking, not before, or you’ll end up with soggy wings.
- Not checking internal temperature: Always ensure wings reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: Cooked wings can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze them on a baking sheet first before transferring to a freezer bag to prevent sticking.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat wings in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating as it makes the wings rubbery.
- Meal Prep Idea: Make a double batch of the dry-seasoned wings and keep half uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before air frying.
Conclusion
These Airfryer Buffalo Chicken Wings deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and significantly less oil than traditional methods. The combination of the air fryer’s convection cooking and our carefully crafted seasoning blend ensures wings that are crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside. Whether you’re hosting game day, planning a casual get-together, or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, these wings are sure to impress. The best part? You can customize the heat level and flavors to suit your preferences perfectly.
Ready to elevate your wing game? Try this recipe this weekend and share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us in your social media posts with #AirFryerWingMaster.
FAQs
Can I make these wings ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can pre-cook the wings until they’re almost done, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, air fry at 380°F for 3-5 minutes to reheat and crisp, then toss in freshly made buffalo sauce.
How do I know when the wings are fully cooked?
The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Visually, the juices should run clear, not pink, when pierced.
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
Yes, though you’ll need to adjust cooking time. Thaw completely first for best results, or add about 10 minutes to cooking time if air frying from frozen, starting at a lower temperature (360°F).
My wings aren’t getting crispy enough. What am I doing wrong?
The three most common issues are: not drying the wings thoroughly, overcrowding the air fryer basket, or not using baking powder in your seasoning. Make sure to address all three for maximum crispiness!
Is there a way to make the buffalo sauce less spicy but still flavorful?
Absolutely! Reduce the hot sauce by half and replace with melted butter and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Add 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Name: Yumi Hwag
Byline: Founder & Recipe Developer, Yumimeals
Bio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]