These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings are the crispy, saucy fix I crave when football’s on or I just need something hot and finger-licking fast. It’s the kind of easy appetizer recipe lighting up Pinterest boards and game day groups all over Reddit. Just 10 minutes of prep and you’re on your way to perfectly golden wingsno deep-fryer needed.
They’re juicy on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside, and tossed in that classic tangy Buffalo heat. All you need is a pack of wings, some garlic powder, and your favorite hot sauce. A few pantry staples deliver big flavor. Full details below for your new go-to wing recipe!
I grew up squinting over the oven light waiting for Dad’s wings to crisphe swore by low and slow. I’ve tested this modern air fryer update until it’s just right. You’ll love the secret trick that makes them extra crunchy without the grease and mess.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Let’s face itBuffalo chicken wings are always a hit, but these air fryer wings? They’re a total game changer. Here’s why:
Quick & Easy: No deep fryer mess or endless preheating. These wings are ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Extra Crispy: The air fryer crisps the skin beautifully without added oil or breading.
Classic Taste: Tossed in a tried-and-true combo of melted butter and Frank’s RedHot saucethey’ve got that bold, iconic Buffalo flavor.
Perfect Portions: Cook in batches depending on your air fryer sizekeep earlier batches warm in the oven without drying them out.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these flavor-packed wings:
Chicken Wings: Use whole wings and separate into flats and drumettes if needed. Pre-cut party wings also work great.
Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Thyme, and Black Pepper: These dry seasonings give the wings depth and savory flavor.
Frank’s RedHot Sauce: The essential sauce base for that Buffalo spice you love. Stick with this classic when possible.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to balance the saltiness of the hot sauce. It gives the sauce that signature silky texture.
Blue Cheese Dressing: Creamy Ken’s Chunky Blue Cheese dressing is a great store-bought option. Add extra crumbled blue cheese for more zing.
Pro Tip: Not a fan of blue cheese? Ranch dressing makes an excellent swap. Just be sure to chill it for dipping!
Ingredient
Notes
Chicken Wings
About 16 whole wings, which yield roughly 32 flats and drumettes when cut.
Smoked Paprika
Adds smoky depthuse regular paprika if needed but the flavor will be milder.
Frank’s Hot Sauce
Classic for Buffalo wingsits tangy heat blends perfectly in the sauce.
Butter
Essential for a velvety-smooth, perfectly clingy Buffalo sauce.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
Making these wings couldn’t be simpler. Here’s how to nail perfectly crispy results:
Prep the Chicken: If needed, rinse and pat your wings completely dry using paper towels. This helps crisp them up. Season evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper. For best flavor, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. This ensures max crispiness.
Air Fry in Batches: Arrange wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid stacking! Cook at 380°F for 12 minutes. Flip each wing and cook for another 10–12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra crunch, cook an additional 2–3 minutes if needed.
Make the Sauce: While the wings cook, combine melted butter and Frank’s RedHot sauce in a bowl and whisk until emulsified and smooth.
Toss & Serve: Transfer the hot, crispy wings to a large bowl. Pour Buffalo sauce over wings and toss until fully coated. Serve immediately with dressing and optional celery sticks.
Cooking Time Chart
Result
22 minutes
Juicy wings with a medium crisp
25+ minutes
Deep golden color and ultra-crispy texture
Serving & Storage Tips
Now that your wings are ready, here’s how to serve and store them like a pro:
Serving: Plate wings with fresh celery and carrot sticks plus a bowl of blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side. These are made for sharing!
Keeping Warm: Cooking in batches? Keep finished wings in a 170°F oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to maintain crispness.
Storage: Allow wings to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Best if reheated in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–8 minutes to restore crispness.
Storage Method
How Long
Fridge
Up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container
Freezer
Not recommended as freezing diminishes crispiness and may make wings soggy upon reheating
Pat Wings Dry First: Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that signature crunch without breading.
Don’t Crowd the Basket: Cook in batches to allow air to circulate fullythis is what makes them crispy, not soggy.
Toss While Hot: Coat wings with sauce immediately after cooking to help it cling and soak in flavor.
Pro Tip: Want saucier wings? Double the Buffalo sauce and drizzle a little extra over the wings before serving.
Expert Insight: Mastering Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Cooking Buffalo chicken wings in an air fryer ensures a crispy exterior without the excess oil typical of deep frying. The high, even heat helps render fat quickly, delivering wings that are perfectly cooked inside and out, while preserving that signature spicy, tangy flavor. This technique also makes cleanup easier and keeps the kitchen coolera big bonus on game days or summer nights.
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The Story Behind My Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Getting that perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat in these air fryer Buffalo wings took a few delicious experiments. I started with Dad’s old oven-roasted method, but I craved something quicker for busy nights. After lots of tweakingtiming, seasoning, even flipping techniqueI finally landed on this winning combo. It gives you that crave-worthy crunch and classic flavor with far less hassle.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings )
How long do you cook buffalo chicken wings in an air fryer?
Cook buffalo chicken wings in the air fryer for 12 minutes at 380°F, then flip and cook for another 10-12 minutes. This gives you perfectly crispy wings with juicy meat inside. For extra crispy wings, you can add 2-3 more minutes to the final cooking time. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
Do you need to preheat the air fryer for buffalo wings?
Yes, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 380°F before adding the wings helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior. This step ensures the wings start cooking immediately when they hit the hot air, creating better texture. Think of it like preheating your oven – it makes a real difference in the final result. Most air fryers heat up quickly, so this won’t add much time to your cooking process.
Should buffalo wings be in a single layer in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Arrange your buffalo wings in a single layer with space between each piece for the best results. Overlapping wings won’t get crispy and will cook unevenly since the hot air can’t circulate properly around them. If you’re cooking a large batch, it’s better to cook them in two separate batches rather than crowding the basket. This ensures every wing gets that perfect golden-brown crispiness we’re all after.
Can you use frozen wings for air fryer buffalo chicken wings?
Yes, you can cook frozen wings directly in the air fryer, but add about 5-7 extra minutes to the total cooking time. Make sure to pat them dry with paper towels once they start thawing during cooking to remove excess moisture. Frozen wings work great, but thawed wings will give you slightly better texture and more even cooking. Either way, you’ll still end up with deliciously crispy buffalo wings that taste amazing.
What temperature should I set my air fryer for buffalo wings?
Set your air fryer to 380°F for buffalo chicken wings – this is the sweet spot for getting crispy skin without drying out the meat. Some people use 400°F, but 380°F gives you more control and prevents burning while still achieving that perfect crunch. This temperature allows the fat to render properly while creating that irresistible crispy exterior. Stick with 380°F and you’ll get restaurant-quality wings every time.
Wrapping Up Your Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Experience
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings come together quickly, delivering that signature crispy skin and zesty flavor everyone expects from a great wing. You’ll love the ease and satisfying crunchno deep fryer required, just pure homemade comfort and flavor.
Craving something new? Try adding a dash of smoked chili powder for heat or doubling the Buffalo sauce for extra coverage. Leftovers crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, making them game-day gold.
If you try these wings, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Share your photos, seasoning twists, or dipping sauce picksI’m always up for hearing how they fly off your table!
Thomas Baker
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings: Irresistible and Easy!
These air fryer buffalo wings are quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they’re perfect for a spicy snack or game day treat with a homemade blue cheese dip.
