Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
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Air fryer buffalo wings are the ultimate game-day snack—crispy, saucy, and ridiculously easy to make. No deep fryer, no mess, just perfectly cooked wings in a fraction of the time. Whether you like them mild or extra fiery, this recipe brings the heat with minimal effort. Grab the napkins, because things are about to get deliciously messy!
Wings are a classic appetizer and so good served with wingstop ranch or coleslaw! If you want to get crazy you can jazz things up with an Asian Zing sauce in place of buffalo!
Why You’ll Love This recipe
- Crispy without deep frying – Get that perfect crunch without all the oil.
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Perfect for game day appetizers – A must-have for football parties and tailgates.
- Crowd-pleaser – Whether for parties, family dinners, or a solo treat, these wings never disappoint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making hot wings in air fryer at home is easier than you think! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have restaurant-quality wings in no time. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Wings – Use fresh or frozen (thawed) wings. Pat them dry before cooking to get that crispy skin.
- Salt – A little seasoning goes a long way! Salt helps draw out moisture, which is key for a golden, crispy bite.
- Buffalo Sauce – I’m a big fan of Frank’s RedHot, but any favorite hot sauce works. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference!
- Butter – Melting butter into the buffalo sauce gives it that rich, velvety texture that coats the wings perfectly.
That’s it! Just four simple ingredients and a little air fryer magic, and you’ll have the best air fryer hot wings —no deep frying required.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to switch things up? Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or just craving a new twist, here are some easy ways to customize your air fried hot wings:
- Boneless Wings: Swap traditional wings for boneless chicken bites (aka chopped chicken breast). Same crispy, saucy goodness—no bones!
- Mild or Extra Spicy: Love heat? Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to your buffalo mixture. Prefer mild? Use half buffalo sauce and half BBQ sauce for a sweet-and-spicy blend.
- Different Sauces: Not feeling buffalo? Try BBQ, honey garlic, teriyaki, or even lemon pepper for a flavor twist.
- Oven Option: No air fryer? No problem. Bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
Buffalo wings are all about personal preference, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make them your own!
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe
Making buffalo wings in air fryer is incredibly simple, and you’ll never go back to deep frying again! Here’s how to get crispy, saucy wings in no time:
- Prep the Wings: Pat the wings dry with a paper towel and season with salt.
- Air Fry: Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes for even crispiness.
- Sauce Them Up: Melt butter and mix it into your buffalo sauce. Toss the hot wings in the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve & Enjoy: Grab some ranch or blue cheese, and dig in!
That’s it—crispy air fryer buffalo wings with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Perfect for game day or whenever a wing craving hits!
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Buffalo wings are best fresh, but you can absolutely make them ahead or store leftovers for later. Here’s how to keep them crispy and delicious:
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Let the air fryer buffalo chicken wings cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, place wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating for Best Results:
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy and warmed through.
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes on a wire rack for even crispiness.
- Microwave (not recommended): While quick, microwaving makes the skin soggy—so only use this in a pinch!
Make Ahead Tips:
- Prep the Wings in Advance: Pat dry, season with salt, and store them in the fridge up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Sauce Separately: If making ahead, cook the wings first and store the sauce separately. Reheat and toss in sauce just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Expert Recipe Tips:
Pat Wings Completely Dry – Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin! Use paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer – Arrange wings in a single layer to allow air to circulate for even cooking. Work in batches if needed.
Shake the Basket Every 5 Minutes – This prevents sticking and ensures all sides get crispy.
Use a Meat Thermometer – Wings should hit 165°F, but for extra crispiness, cook them until they reach 175-185°F.
Toss Wings in Sauce Right Before Serving – This keeps them crispy longer. If tossed too early, they can get soggy.
Add Baking Powder for Extra Crunch – A light dusting (about 1 teaspoon per pound) before air frying helps crisp up the skin even more.
Melt Butter into the Sauce for Restaurant-Quality Flavor – This helps the sauce coat the wings evenly for that classic buffalo wing taste.
Recipe FAQs
I don’t recommend it. Cooking buffalo chicken wings in air fryer from frozen releases extra moisture, which prevents them from getting crispy. For the best results, thaw your wings completely in the fridge overnight, then pat them dry before air frying. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but drying them thoroughly is key to avoiding soggy wings.
For ultra-crispy skin, pat the wings completely dry, avoid overcrowding, and cook them until they reach 175-185°F (higher than the minimum 165°F). A light dusting of baking powder before cooking also helps!
It depends on your air fryer model, but preheating for 3-5 minutes helps jump-start the crisping process and ensures even cooking.
If your wings are coming out soggy, it’s usually because they weren’t dried properly, were overcrowded in the basket, or weren’t cooked long enough. Make sure to cook in a single layer, shake the basket every few minutes, and cook a little longer if needed.
Reheat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes in the air fryer to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the skin soft and soggy.
Of course! Try BBQ, garlic parmesan, teriyaki, honey mustard, or lemon pepper for a delicious twist.
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Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- ¼ cup butter
Instructions
- Start by patting your chicken wings dry with a paper towel. This helps remove excess moisture, which is the key to crispy skin. Once dry, season them with a generous pinch of salt.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (if needed). Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd them! Air fry for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick. The wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is golden and crispy.
- While the wings cook, melt the butter and stir it into your buffalo sauce in a large bowl. This gives the sauce a smooth, rich texture that clings to the wings perfectly.
- As soon as the wings are done, transfer them to the bowl with the sauce and toss until fully coated. Serve immediately with blue cheese or ranch and a side of celery and carrots for the ultimate wing experience!
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
Recipe adapted from Frank’s
