If you’re craving wings with a perfect balance of fiery heat and buttery richness but want them done fast, this Instant Pot Buffalo Wings Recipe hits every mark. Combining the convenience of pressure cooking with the classic crispy finish from the broiler, it transforms simple chicken wings into a crowd-pleasing snack or meal that’s bursting with bold flavor. Whether you’re gearing up for game day or just want a seriously tasty finger food fix, these wings get you there in no time with that unmistakable buffalo zing everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to create the authentic taste, spicy aroma, and satisfying texture of classic buffalo wings. Each component plays a role, from seasoning the chicken perfectly to delivering that creamy, buttery, and tangy sauce that Buffalo wings are famous for.
- 2 pounds chicken wings (cut into flaps and drums): The star of the show, providing the perfect size and shape for juicy, crispy bites.
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory background note that enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Lends a mild smokiness and vibrant color to the wings.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Brings out the natural juices and balances the spiciness.
- â…› teaspoon black pepper: A subtle kick to complement the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- â…“ cup Buffalo sauce: The bold, spicy, and tangy coating that defines these wings.
- â…“ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and mellows the hot sauce for the perfect buffalo flavor.
How to Make Instant Pot Buffalo Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Start by lining a medium baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch drips later, making clean up a breeze. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot’s inner pot, then place the trivet inside—this keeps the wings elevated so they cook evenly and steam perfectly.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning mix builds a flavorful base that tones down the chicken’s natural richness while setting up a spice layer that blends beautifully with the buffalo sauce.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Wings
Arrange the seasoned wings atop the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set the cooker on Manual High Pressure for 10 minutes. When done, quickly release the pressure—this method tenderizes the wings perfectly, locking in moisture so every bite is juicy but ready for crisping next.
Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the wings cook, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and whisk in the Buffalo sauce until smooth. This rich, spicy sauce is the essential flavor partner for the wings, balancing heat with buttery goodness.
Step 5: Broil and Toss
Transfer your cooked wings to a large bowl, tossing them with half of the buffalo sauce to coat. Lay them in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, and broil on high for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through. This step crisps the skin to a perfect golden finish. Return the wings to the bowl and gently toss with the remaining sauce to ensure every wing is fully coated and ready to serve.
How to Serve Instant Pot Buffalo Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate the experience by adding crunch, color, and freshness. Classic choices include chopped celery sticks or carrot sticks that bring a crunchy contrast and cleanse the palate. A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives can also give the dish a pop of green and herbal brightness.
Side Dishes
Buffalo wings shine as a party star, but pairing them with creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing is key for cool balance. Crisp salads with iceberg or romaine lettuce, roasted potatoes, or crunchy coleslaw also work wonders, offering different textures and cooling flavors that complement the wings’ spicy kick.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these wings on a wooden board lined with parchment and surround them with little bowls of various dips: classic ranch, celery seed dressing, or a tangy yogurt-based option. You can also serve them as sliders or pile them on top of loaded nachos for a buffalo-inspired twist that’s great for casual get-togethers and game nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Keeping the sauce separate until reheating helps maintain the best texture without sogginess, so toss the wings in sauce just before serving again.
Freezing
Buffalo wings freeze beautifully when cooked. Place cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat wings without losing crispness, rebroil in the oven at 400°F (205°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Alternatively, a quick stint in an air fryer works wonders. After reheating, toss again with fresh buffalo sauce to restore that bold flavor and serve immediately.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this Instant Pot Buffalo Wings Recipe?
Absolutely! You can cook wings from frozen; just increase the pressure cooking time by about 5 minutes. Make sure to adjust seasoning and check doneness carefully.
Is it necessary to broil the wings after pressure cooking?
While the pressure cooking makes the wings tender and juicy, broiling crisps the skin and gives that classic texture and look that makes buffalo wings so irresistible.
How spicy are these wings?
The heat level depends on your Buffalo sauce choice. Using a traditional hot sauce and the amount here creates a medium heat, but you can adjust the sauce quantity or pick milder or hotter sauces to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?
This particular recipe is designed for quick pressure cooking. Slow cooking will work for tenderness but won’t produce the same texture and requires longer cooking times and adjustments.
What’s the best dipping sauce to serve with these wings?
Classic blue cheese dressing is the traditional favorite, but ranch dressing is a popular alternative. Both offer creamy, cooling relief from the spicy buffalo sauce and complement the wings wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about whipping up wings that are both tender and crispy in such a short amount of time. This Instant Pot Buffalo Wings Recipe makes it so easy to enjoy that perfect buffalo flavor at home without the wait or fuss. I hope you try it soon and enjoy sharing these irresistible wings that bring people together with every bite!
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Instant Pot Buffalo Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes pressure cook + 8-10 minutes broiling
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (approximately 2 pounds of wings)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Buffalo Wings recipe delivers perfectly cooked, tender chicken wings coated in a classic spicy buffalo sauce. The wings are pressure-cooked for juicy meat and then broiled to achieve a crispy, flavorful finish. Ideal for game day or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings (cut into flaps and drums)
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
Buffalo Sauce
- â…“ cup Buffalo sauce
- â…“ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Line a medium baking sheet with aluminum foil. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the inner pot of your Instant Pot and place the trivet inside to keep the wings elevated above the water.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings with garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Pressure Cook the Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings on top of the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set to cook on Manual High Pressure for 10 minutes. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release to safely release the steam.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the Buffalo sauce until fully combined. Preheat your oven broiler to high to prepare for crisping the wings.
- Toss and Broil the Wings: Transfer the cooked wings to a large mixing bowl and toss with half of the prepared buffalo sauce to coat them well. Spread the wings in a single layer on the foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the wings develop a crispy texture.
- Finish with Sauce and Serve: Return the broiled wings to the mixing bowl and gently toss with the remaining buffalo sauce for an even coating. Serve immediately with your preferred dipping dressing.
Notes
- Cutting the wings into flaps and drums promotes even cooking and crispy texture.
- Using the broiler after the Instant Pot crisp up the skin beautifully.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to taste for milder or spicier wings.
- For extra crispiness, pat the wings dry before seasoning.
- Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for a classic combo.
