If you love finger-licking, spicy, and crispy chicken wings that are incredibly easy to make, you are in for a treat with this Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe. No need to fire up the grill or deep fryer; this method uses an air fryer to deliver wings that are perfectly crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, all bathed in that classic tangy Buffalo sauce. It’s a game-changer for game days, casual dinners, or whenever you’re craving a flavorful snack that comes together quickly and with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on just a handful of ingredients that pack serious flavor. Each item has a crucial role, whether it’s seasoning the chicken perfectly or creating that addictive Buffalo sauce that clings to every crispy morsel.
- 2 pounds chicken wings: Fresh or thawed wings cut at the joint, perfect for even cooking and crispiness.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavor of the chicken.
- ½ cup Buffalo sauce: The heart of the dish, giving it that signature spicy and tangy kick.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and balances the heat in the sauce for a smooth finish.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Classic dips that provide a creamy contrast to the spicy wings.
- Carrot and celery sticks: Crunchy, refreshing sides that complement the bold flavor of the wings.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
Start by melting the unsalted butter gently in a microwave-safe bowl. Whisk it together with your Buffalo sauce so it’s perfectly combined and ready to coat the wings later. This simple step ensures your sauce is velvety smooth and deeply flavorful.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer
Give your air fryer basket a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking, then preheat it to 360°F for about 5 minutes. Preheating is key to getting those wings crispy right from the start.
Step 3: Season the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture—this step is critical for crispiness. Then, sprinkle them generously with kosher salt, which will bring out their natural flavor and seasoning.
Step 4: Arrange Wings in the Basket
Place the wings evenly spaced in the basket, making sure they aren’t touching each other. Giving them space allows the hot air to circulate around each wing for even cooking and maximum crunch.
Step 5: Air Fry the Wings
Cook the wings at 360°F for 12 minutes, then flip them over with care. Continue frying for another 12 minutes at the same temperature. Afterwards, flip once again, raise the heat to 400°F, and cook for a final 5 minutes to achieve that irresistible crispy texture on the outside without drying out the meat inside.
Step 6: Toss Wings in Buffalo Sauce
Once cooked, transfer your crispy wings to a large bowl and toss them with the melted Buffalo butter sauce until each piece is coated in that irresistible tangy mixture. This final toss brings everything together with flavor and shine.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your wings with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing and some fresh carrot and celery sticks. Dig in while they’re warm and crunchy—you’ll see why this Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe becomes a go-to favorite.
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or green onions adds a fresh pop of color and subtle flavor that brightens up the wings. If you love a little extra heat, a light dusting of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes works wonders.
Side Dishes
This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like buttery cornbread, crispy French fries, or crunchy garden salads. For a fun snack twist, pair the wings with garlic Parmesan roasted potatoes or even a baked mac and cheese for an indulgent combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual get-togethers, serve the wings on a large platter lined with parchment paper, with small bowls of various dipping sauces around. Adding colorful vegetable sticks or even some pickled jalapeños on the side adds flair and spice contrast, elevating the presentation to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any wings left (which might be rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay tasty for up to 3 days, making for a quick snack or meal the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked wings after they have cooled completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container with a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and make meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat your wings without losing their crispiness, use your air fryer again at 360°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method refreshes the texture much better than a microwave!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to ensure even crisping in the air fryer and to avoid excess moisture.
How spicy is the Buffalo sauce used?
The Buffalo sauce brings a medium level of heat that’s traditional and tangy, but you can always adjust it by mixing in more or less hot sauce or butter to suit your palate.
Do I need to flip the wings while cooking?
Flipping the wings halfway through cooking promotes even crispiness and browning, so it’s highly recommended for the best results.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
While this recipe shines in the air fryer, you can bake the wings in a hot oven, but they won’t get quite as crispy or cook as quickly.
What dips pair best with Buffalo wings?
Ranch and blue cheese dressing are classic companions that cool down the spiciness and complement the tangy sauce perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe quickly became one of my favorites because it blends convenience with that unbeatable Buffalo wing flavor we all crave. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a satisfying snack, these wings deliver every time. I can’t wait for you to try making them and adding your own twist to the classic Buffalo tradition!
Print
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Wings tossed in a classic Buffalo sauce, perfect for a quick appetizer or game day snack. These wings are cooked to perfection in an air fryer, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying with less oil and mess.
Ingredients
Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings (split at the joint and tips removed, thawed if frozen)
- Kosher salt, to taste
Buffalo Sauce
- ½ cup Buffalo sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Carrot sticks
- Celery sticks
Instructions
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce: Place the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and melt it in two 30-second intervals, whisking in between. Once melted, whisk in the Buffalo sauce until fully combined.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Season Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season generously on all sides with kosher salt for balanced flavor.
- Arrange Wings: Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch to allow hot air to circulate and crisp the skin evenly.
- First Cook Cycle: Air fry the wings at 360°F for 12 minutes. This starts the cooking process and renders fat from the skin.
- Flip Wings: Carefully flip the wings over in the basket to ensure even cooking on both sides, then air fry for an additional 12 minutes at 360°F.
- Increase Temperature and Final Crisp: Flip the wings once again, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C), and cook for a final 5 minutes or until the wings are golden and crispy on the outside.
- Toss In Buffalo Sauce: Transfer the cooked wings to the bowl with the prepared Buffalo sauce and toss thoroughly to coat each wing evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the wings with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side along with carrot and celery sticks, and enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the wings are completely thawed if using frozen for even cooking.
- Patting the wings dry helps achieve crispier skin.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust seasoning and sauce amounts based on personal preference.
- Use a thermometer to ensure internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
