If you are craving crispy, spicy wings that pack a flavorful punch without the mess of deep frying, this Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. These wings come out perfectly crunchy on the outside and juicy inside, coated in that classic tangy buffalo sauce that keeps you coming back for more. Whether it’s game day, a casual dinner, or just a snack craving, mastering this recipe means you can enjoy restaurant-quality wings in your own kitchen easily and fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple ensures each element shines through, giving you that perfectly balanced flavor and texture with minimal fuss. Every ingredient plays its part from crisping to seasoning to that effortless sauciness.
- 1 pound chicken wings (split into drummettes and flats): The star of the dish, these cuts cook evenly and get nice and crispy in the air fryer.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the wings crisp up beautifully and enhances browning without overpowering flavors.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring out the meat’s natural flavor and balance the heat of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce: That iconic buffalo wing sauce base with perfect heat and tang.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, mellowing out the spice and creating that classic buffalo wing glaze.
- For serving: blue cheese or ranch dressing, celery sticks: Traditional accompaniments that provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the spiciness of the wings.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by spraying your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and preheat the air fryer to 400°F. This high heat setting is perfect for crisping the wings while sealing in their juices.
Step 2: Season the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels—this is key to achieving maximum crispiness. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it forms the essential savory backdrop for the saucy finish.
Step 3: Air Fry the Wings
Place the wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Cook for 10 minutes, then use tongs to flip the wings over and cook an additional 10 minutes. The result? Perfectly golden, crisp-skinned wings. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on wing size for an ideal doneness.
Step 4: Mix the Buffalo Sauce
While the wings cook, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl by heating it in short intervals. Once melted, stir in the Frank’s Red Hot sauce until smooth. This luscious buffalo sauce will coat the wings with the right blend of spicy, tangy, and buttery goodness.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
When the wings come out crispy and hot, immediately toss them in the buffalo sauce bowl, coating each wing evenly. Serve your Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe straight away to enjoy the crispy skin before it softens. Pair with blue cheese or ranch dressing and crunchy celery sticks to complete the classic experience.
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Traditional sides like blue cheese or ranch dressing add a creamy contrast to the spicy wings, cooling down the heat and enhancing every bite. Celery sticks not only provide a fresh crunch but also help cleanse the palate between wing bites.
Side Dishes
Complement your buffalo wings with crispy fries, a fresh garden salad, or even some baked macaroni and cheese. These sides soak up extra sauce and round out your meal beautifully whether it’s a casual snack or hearty dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the wings stacked on a large platter with dipping sauces in small bowls around the edges. You can also skewer the wings for easy grab-and-go finger food at parties. Wrapping celery sticks and blue cheese dressing in small cups next to the wings elevates the plating and keeps everything neat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate and tossing just before serving helps maintain a crispier texture.
Freezing
If you want to set some wings aside for longer, freeze cooked, unsauced wings in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They stay good for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe leftovers is back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 375°F to revive the crisp skin. If you prefer, warming in an oven on a baking sheet also works well. Re-toss in buffalo sauce just before serving for that fresh saucy bite.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and crispy skin without steaming.
Can I adjust the spice level of the buffalo sauce?
Yes! You can tone down the spice by using less hot sauce or adding more butter. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hotter sauce.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these wings in a conventional oven at 400°F, turning halfway through until crispy, but the air fryer will give you the best crunch with less oil.
How do I know when the wings are fully cooked?
Wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have crispy, golden skin. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on wing size and your air fryer model.
Can I make the buffalo sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the buffalo sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before tossing with the freshly cooked wings.
Final Thoughts
You honestly can’t go wrong with this Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe. It’s simple, quick, and absolutely delicious—perfect for impressing friends, satisfying those wing cravings, or just treating yourself to a restaurant-quality snack at home. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with your air fryer all over again.
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 coated in classic spicy buffalo sauce, perfect for a quick appetizer or game day snack. These wings are cooked to perfection using an air fryer for a healthier alternative to traditional frying, offering a crunchy exterior and tender inside served with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks.
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 to ensure the wings will cook evenly and develop a crispy skin.
- Prepare Wings: Dry the chicken wings thoroughly with paper towels to remove any moisture, then place them in a large bowl. Toss wings with olive oil, salt, and pepper generously to season and help crisp the skin during cooking.
- Cook Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip each wing using tongs to promote even cooking. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes or until the wings are crispy and cooked through. Adjust time if wings are unusually small or large.
- Make Buffalo Sauce: While wings cook, melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in short intervals. Once melted, stir in the Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce until well combined to make the classic buffalo sauce.
- Toss and Serve: Immediately after cooking, transfer the hot wings to the bowl with buffalo sauce and toss thoroughly to coat each wing evenly. Serve right away with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks. Note that the skin will soften if left sitting for too long.
Notes
- Ensure wings are patted dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Cooking times may vary based on wing size and air fryer model; monitor wings during the last 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately for best texture as the sauce softens the crispy skin over time.
- Substitute butter with a vegan margarine for a dairy-free version, adjusting diet suitability.
- Adjust hot sauce amount to your preferred spice level.
