If you’re craving that perfectly crispy, tangy, and spicy snack, this Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe is going to be your new best friend. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can whip up wings that are juicy on the inside and irresistibly crunchy on the outside, all coated in that iconic bold buffalo sauce. It’s quick, satisfying, and a total game changer for anyone who loves classic comfort food without the hassle of deep frying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays an important role in creating wings that are crispy, flavorful, and well balanced. From the seasoning to the sauce, everything comes together effortlessly to make your taste buds dance.
- 1 pound chicken wings (split into drummettes and flats): Fresh wings give you that ideal mix of meat and skin that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the wings crisp up and adds a subtle, healthy richness.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavor of the chicken.
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce: The classic buffalo sauce base with the perfect spice and tang.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and mellows the heat just enough for a balanced buffalo flavor.
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing: Perfect for dipping and balancing the spicy wings.
- Celery sticks: Adds crisp freshness and a nice textural contrast.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Air Fryer
Start by spraying your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray so the wings won’t stick. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit—it’s that high heat that ensures the skin gets wonderfully crispy without drying out the meat.
Step 2: Season the Wings
Pat the wings dry using paper towels, which is a crucial step for crispiness. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. I like to be generous with seasoning because it brings out the natural chicken flavor and gives the wings that crave-worthy bite.
Step 3: Air Fry Until Crispy
Place the wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket—crowding will steam them and ruin the crispiness. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the wings using tongs for an even cook. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, or until the wings reach a golden crisp and the internal temperature is safe. Adjust the time slightly if your wings are on the smaller or larger side.
Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals to avoid burning. Once melted, stir in Frank’s Red Hot sauce until smooth and well combined. This sauce is the star that gives classic buffalo wings their signature flavor.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Once cooked, immediately transfer the hot wings to the bowl with buffalo sauce. Toss well to coat each wing evenly. Serve the wings right away because the skin gets softer as it cools, and nobody wants soggy buffalo wings. Pair with blue cheese or ranch dressing and crunchy celery sticks for the perfect finish.
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add that final touch which can take your Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe to the next level. Chopped green onions or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley bring color and an appealing freshness that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
Wings are pretty much a party favorite, so sides like crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a cool cucumber salad are classics that pair perfectly. If you want to go bigger, consider some crispy fries or a simple coleslaw to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the wings stacked on a rustic wooden board with dipping bowls strategically placed around. Use colorful napkins and a variety of dipping sauces like extra buffalo sauce, blue cheese, ranch, or even a garlic aioli for an exciting spread everyone will dig into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), place the wings in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days. When stored properly, the flavors remain strong, but the skin may soften.
Freezing
To freeze leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe, arrange the cooked and cooled wings on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and are perfect for quick cravings.
Reheating
Reheat wings in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes to bring back their crispy skin. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make wings soggy. If you do microwave, pair it with a quick blast in the air fryer for crunch!
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking so they crisp up properly and cook evenly.
Do I need to flip wings in the air fryer?
Flipping halfway through cooking is important for even crispiness on all sides, so I definitely recommend it.
How spicy is this buffalo sauce?
Using Frank’s Red Hot sauce provides a nice medium heat with plenty of tang, but you can always adjust the sauce quantities or add a bit of honey to tone down the heat.
Can I bake these wings instead of using an air fryer?
You can, but the air fryer is what really gives that crispy texture without frying. Baking will work but may require longer cooking time and might not be as crispy.
What dipping sauce goes best with these wings?
Classic blue cheese or ranch dressings are the traditional go-tos and complement the spicy buffalo flavor beautifully while cooling down your palate.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves big flavor and crispy texture without the mess of traditional frying. It’s simple, quick, and makes every bite packing that iconic buffalo punch. Grab your air fryer, pick up some wings, and give it a go—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy this classic dish!
Print
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Buffalo Wings cooked to perfection with a spicy Frank’s Red Hot sauce and buttery coating, served with classic blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks. This quick and easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality wings in under 30 minutes using an air fryer for a healthier twist.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 1 pound chicken wings (split into drummettes and flats)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Serving
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing
- Celery sticks
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) to ensure the wings cook evenly and develop a crispy skin.
- Prepare Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place them in a large mixing bowl, then toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, seasoning generously to enhance flavor and promote crispiness.
- Cook Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each wing using tongs. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes or until the wings are crispy and cooked through. Adjust cooking time if wings are smaller or larger.
- Make Buffalo Sauce: While the wings cook, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl using short intervals. Once melted, stir in Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce until thoroughly combined, creating the classic buffalo sauce.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: Remove the cooked wings from the air fryer and immediately add them to the bowl with buffalo sauce. Toss well to coat each wing evenly. Serve immediately alongside blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks for a traditional wing experience.
Notes
- Ensure wings are dry before seasoning and cooking for maximum crispiness.
- Cooking times may vary based on air fryer model and wing size; adjust accordingly.
- Serve wings immediately after tossing in sauce to maintain crisp texture.
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing complements the heat and adds creaminess.
- Celery sticks add a refreshing crunch and balance the spicy flavors.
