Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings (fresh or thawed); 0.5 cup buffalo sauce (your preferred brand); 1 tablespoon olive oil (for crispiness); 1 teaspoon salt (to taste); 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)

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By: Maria
Posted: 05/12/2025

Craving something crispy, spicy, and finger-licking good? Look no further! This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken wings recipe will satisfy your taste buds without the guilt of deep frying. Perfect for a quick snack or a game-day treat, these wings come together with ease and deliver authentic buffalo flavor in every bite.

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Every Sunday, my family has a tradition of gathering around the TV for football, and these wings have quickly become a Game Day favorite. My dad is a loyal fan of all things spicy, and since mastering this method, these wings have been declared a winner in our household. Now, I’m thrilled to share this delightful recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First, these wings are incredibly crispy without the mess and extra calories of deep frying. Using the Air Fryer is a game changer, allowing you to enjoy a healthier version of your favorite wings. Secondly, they require minimal ingredients and prep, making them a convenient and quick option for any occasion. Finally, their perfectly spicy coating is sure to please both mild and spice lovers alike.

Ingredients Notes

For this recipe, you’ll need fresh or thawed Chicken Wings, hot sauce, butter, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Opt for organic chicken if possible for the best quality. Don’t have hot sauce? Substitute with sriracha or any hot sauce of your preference. Remember, freshly chopped garlic can replace garlic powder for a more intense flavor.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Preheat your Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your wings begin cooking immediately once placed inside.

Step 2

Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure they get perfectly crispy.

Step 3

Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking. You might need to cook in batches.

Step 4

Cook the wings for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Adjust the time for smaller or larger wings.

Step 5

While wings are cooking, prepare the buffalo sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, then stir in hot sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Toss cooked wings in the sauce before serving.

Storage Options

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then store them in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. To reheat, use the air fryer again to restore crispiness, or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Variations & Substitutions

For a milder version, add more butter to the sauce to tone down the heat. Want to diversify the flavor? Add a teaspoon of honey for a sweet-spicy kick. Need a gluten-free option? Ensure your sauces are certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these wings hot, garnished with fresh parsley and side them with celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dip. They’re perfect for gameday parties, family gatherings, or as a mouth-watering appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make these less spicy?
If you’re not too keen on spicy foods, simply reduce the amount of hot sauce in the recipe. You can also add extra butter to the sauce mix to lower the spiciness level without compromising taste.

Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen wings, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 5–10 minutes. Make sure to check that the wings are cooked through before serving.

What dipping sauces go best with these wings?
Classic options include ranch dressing or blue cheese dip. For a creative twist, try a cooling cucumber yogurt dip, or a tangy barbecue sauce to complement the spicy buffalo flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the wings ahead of time. Cook the wings completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked wings in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy, or bake in the oven until warmed.

What are some good substitutions if I don’t have hot sauce?

If you don’t have hot sauce, you can substitute with sriracha, which offers a similar spicy profile, using a 1:1 ratio. For a different flavor, consider using a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce for a slightly sweeter and more complex heat. Ensure you taste and adjust the amount of sauce to your preference, as different brands vary in spiciness.

How do I know when the Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings are perfectly cooked?

The wings are perfectly cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which you can verify using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the wing. Visually, the skin should be golden brown and crispy. The meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone.

Can I double or triple this Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily scale up this recipe. However, you may need to cook the wings in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can affect crispiness. When doubling or tripling the recipe, ensure you have enough space in your air fryer and adjust the cooking time slightly, checking for doneness. You might need to increase the sauce ingredients proportionally.

What is the nutritional value of these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings?

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings are a good source of protein, thanks to the chicken. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals. Using the air fryer instead of deep frying significantly reduces the fat content compared to traditional methods. The hot sauce provides some Vitamin C, and the butter adds fat, so consume in moderation.

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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings recipe offers a crispy, tangy experience with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying methods.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wings fresh or thawed
0.5 cup buffalo sauce your preferred brand
1 tablespoon olive oil for crispiness
1 teaspoon salt to taste
0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary.
Cook for 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Toss cooked wings in buffalo sauce before serving.