Get ready for the ultimate game day or party snack: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings! These wings are everything you crave—crackling-crisp on the outside, juicy-tender within, and slathered in tangy, buttery buffalo sauce. Thanks to the air fryer, you can skip the messy deep frying (and tons of oil) while still enjoying restaurant-quality results in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re entertaining friends or treating yourself, this irresistible classic delivers all the flavor and none of the fuss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings is how a few simple ingredients can come together for maximum flavor and crunch. Each element plays an important role, ensuring you get that golden crisp exterior, addictive spice, and finger-licking sauciness every single bite.
- Chicken Wings (2 pounds, split and tips removed): Go for fresh if you can—they’re ultimately the star and their natural rich flavor holds up to the bold sauce.
- Baking Powder (1 tablespoon, aluminum-free): This pantry hero is the secret to getting incredibly crispy skin without needing to deep fry.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a savory backbone to the seasoning blend that keeps you coming back for another wing.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor and brings subtle sweetness.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For the tiniest peppery kick and balance.
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of smoky color and aroma.
- Frank’s RedHot Sauce or other buffalo-style hot sauce (1/2 cup): The signature heat and tang—use your favorite!
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Makes the buffalo sauce creamy, glossy, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Optional: Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish: Bring a pop of fresh flavor and vibrant color to your platter.
- Optional: Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving: The classic cool, creamy dip to tame the spice and take your wings over the top.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F for five minutes. While the machine is heating up, pat your chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Dry wings are absolutely crucial—they let the baking powder coating do its work, giving you ridiculously crisp skin. Pat, pat, pat!
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a large bowl, combine the wings with the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Toss until every nook and cranny of each wing is evenly coated. This spice blend is the base of amazing Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings flavor, so don’t skimp on the mixing!
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch or crowd each other. Good spacing equals extra crispiness! If necessary, cook in batches instead of piling them up—your patience will be rewarded with crunch.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Cook your wings at 400°F for 24 to 26 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown color and super crispy skin. Depending on your air fryer and wing size, peek in at the 20-minute mark for doneness and color.
Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the wings cook, whisk together the Frank’s RedHot (or your buffalo sauce of choice) and melted butter in a large clean bowl. This combo is what gives Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings that tangy, buttery, spicy goodness you crave!
Step 6: Toss and Serve
As soon as the wings are done, transfer them into the large bowl with your buffalo sauce. Toss until thoroughly coated in that fiery, shiny sauce. Serve immediately while they’re hottest and crispiest—don’t forget a side of ranch or blue cheese for dipping!
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Garnishes
Scatter chopped parsley or green onions over your platter of Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings for a vibrant, fresh look. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or a light zest of lemon also adds an unexpected lift and delightful contrast against the spicy coating.
Side Dishes
Pair your wings with classic celery and carrot sticks for a cool, crunchy contrast. For a heartier spread, serve alongside potato wedges, coleslaw, or even a fresh, crisp salad. And don’t forget the ranch or blue cheese dip—the ideal companion for every spicy bite!
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation! Try threading wings onto skewers for easy sharing at parties, or serve them in lined mini baskets for a sports bar vibe. Stack them high on a platter, bowl of dipping sauce in the center, and plenty of napkins for that authentic, messy enjoyment!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover wings (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll lose a bit of their initial crunch but will still pack all the same bold flavor.
Freezing
Freeze cooked, cooled Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings in a single layer on a sheet pan, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For best crispiness, reheat wings in the air fryer at 380°F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through and crackly again. You can also reheat in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes, turning once. Avoid the microwave unless you’re in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen wings, but make sure to thaw them fully and pat dry before seasoning—excess moisture will inhibit crispiness. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Is baking powder necessary for crispy air fryer wings?
Baking powder is the not-so-secret ingredient that creates micro-bubbles in the skin for an extra crisp finish. If you skip it, your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings will still taste great but might be less crunchy.
What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
Frank’s RedHot is classic, but feel free to use any buffalo-style sauce you love! You can even make your own by mixing hot sauce with melted butter, adjusting spice to your taste.
How do I make these wings less spicy?
For milder wings, use a mild buffalo sauce, add more butter to the sauce mix, or serve with extra creamy dip to mellow the heat. You can also try a honey buffalo sauce for a touch of sweetness.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just cook the wings in batches or as many as your air fryer basket can fit in a single layer, then toss all together with the sauce at the end so every wing gets the perfect coating.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s easy, fast, and totally delicious, I can’t recommend Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings enough. They transform simple ingredients into something utterly crave-worthy—crisp outside, juicy inside, and full of irresistible buffalo flavor. Make a batch soon and watch them disappear in minutes!
Print
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings are the perfect game day snack or party appetizer. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, they are sure to be a hit with your guests.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce or other buffalo-style hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped parsley or green onions
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the wings: Pat the chicken wings dry and toss with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the wings: Cook the wings in the air fryer at 400°F for 24–26 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make the buffalo sauce: Whisk together hot sauce and melted butter.
- Toss the wings: Toss the cooked wings in the buffalo sauce until coated.
- Serve: Serve the wings hot with your favorite dipping sauce and garnishes.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, let them air dry in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours after seasoning.
- You can adjust the heat level by using a milder or hotter buffalo sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 wings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 910 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
