Craving classic buffalo wings but without the mess of deep-frying? Look no further! This recipe for Air Fryer Buffalo Wings brings you all the crispiness and bold flavor you love, made incredibly easy. Get ready for perfectly golden wings with minimal oil, ready for your next game day, party, or a delicious snack. These easy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings are truly a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
These wings are a game-changer for homemade appetizers! You’ll love them for several reasons:
- Restaurant-Quality Crispness: The air fryer delivers an incredibly crispy exterior, just like your favorite sports bar.
- Significantly Quicker: Forget long deep-frying sessions. Your Air Fryer Buffalo Wings cook in a fraction of the time.
- Healthier Alternative: Enjoy delicious wings with far less oil than traditional methods, making them a lighter choice.
- Packed with Authentic Flavor: Our simple sauce combines classic ingredients for that unmistakable tangy, spicy buffalo taste.
- Simple Ingredients, Minimal Fuss: You need common pantry staples and minimal effort for maximum flavor.
- Perfect for Parties: These wings are a hit at any gathering, from game nights to casual get-togethers.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Making fantastic Air Fryer Buffalo Wings starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
- 4 pounds chicken wings (about 16 whole wings, yielding 32 flats and drumettes)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
- 1/2 cup Ken’s chunky blue cheese dressing
- 3 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese or Gorgonzola (optional, for extra flavor)
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken Wings: Always opt for fresh wings if possible. You can buy them pre-cut or easily separate whole wings into drumettes and flats yourself.
- Buffalo Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is the iconic choice for classic buffalo flavor. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauce if you prefer a different heat level or profile.
- Seasoning: Adjust the amounts of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Butter: If you only have salted butter, that works perfectly fine. Just be mindful of the overall salt content, as Frank’s RedHot is already quite salty.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: Store-bought options like Ken’s are super convenient. For an extra special touch, you can easily whip up a homemade blue cheese dressing.
Essential Equipment
You don’t need a lot of fancy tools to make incredible Air Fryer Buffalo Wings. Here’s what you’ll use:
- Air fryer (basket or oven style)
- Large mixing bowls
- Tongs or silicone spatulas
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sheet pan (for warming cooked wings or serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Buffalo Wings every time.
Prep the Chicken Wings
Rinse your chicken wings under cold water if desired. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels; this is crucial for crispiness. Transfer the dried wings to a large mixing bowl. According to the USDA, safe handling practices for raw poultry are essential to prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illness. Make sure to disinfect your sink and countertops afterwards for food safety.
Season & Marinate
Season the wings with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. There’s no added salt here, as the Frank’s RedHot sauce provides plenty of sodium. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated with all the spices. For the best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or even better, refrigerate overnight.
Air Fry for Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation. Cook for 22-25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through cooking. Twenty-five minutes will yield exceptionally crispy wings, while 22 minutes provides a juicier interior with a slightly less crisp skin. I typically fit 16-18 wings per batch in my air fryer.
Keep the finished Air Fryer Buffalo Wings warm on a sheet pan in a warming drawer or an oven set to 170°F (75°C) while you cook the remaining batches. Alternatively, you can cook, toss, and serve them in batches as they are ready.
Prepare the Classic Buffalo Sauce
While the wings cook, melt the unsalted butter completely in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, whisk the butter together with the Frank’s RedHot sauce until the mixture is well combined and emulsified into a smooth, vibrant buffalo sauce.
Toss & Serve
When all the Air Fryer Buffalo Wings are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a big mixing bowl (a large stainless steel bowl works perfectly). Pour the prepared buffalo sauce generously over the hot wings. Gently toss the wings with a wooden spoon or tongs until each piece is fully coated in the delicious sauce. Wear an apron, as tossing can sometimes cause splatters!
If you cooked a large batch, you might toss the wings in smaller portions to ensure even coating. Serve your hot Air Fryer Buffalo Wings immediately with the blue cheese dipping sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful wings is easy with a few simple tricks.
Achieving Ultimate Crispy Texture
Always pat your chicken wings extremely dry before seasoning them. Excess moisture steams the wings instead of crisping them. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this prevents proper air circulation. Flipping the wings halfway through ensures even cooking and browning on all sides for maximum crispiness.
Overcrowding & Batch Cooking
For truly crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings, cook them in small batches if needed. Leave enough space between each wing in the air fryer basket. This crucial step allows the hot air to circulate freely around every piece, resulting in that coveted golden, crunchy skin. Patience with batch cooking pays off!
Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings Alternative
No air fryer? No problem! You can still achieve delicious buffalo wings in your oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 45-55 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Broil for the last 5 minutes if you want extra crispiness.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Make your Air Fryer Buffalo Wings a complete meal or customize them to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with classic accompaniments. Crunchy celery sticks and carrot sticks are always a great counterpoint to the spicy heat. Extra blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side offers a cooling dip. A light side salad also pairs wonderfully, balancing the richness of the wings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results when reheating, pop them back into your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will help bring back their crisp texture, preventing them from becoming soggy in the microwave.
Flavor Variations
While classic buffalo is fantastic, don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Lemon Pepper Wings: Toss cooked wings with melted butter, lemon juice, and plenty of lemon pepper seasoning.
- Garlic Parmesan Wings: After air frying, toss wings with melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Spicy BBQ Wings: Use your favorite spicy BBQ sauce instead of buffalo sauce for a smoky, sweet, and tangy twist.
Nutrition Information
This nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients provided and is intended as a general guideline. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. These Air Fryer Buffalo Wings offer a good source of protein.
| Name | Value | Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 476 kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g | 1% |
| Protein | 32 g | 64% |
| Fat | 37 g | 57% |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g | 70% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6 g | |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13 g | |
| Trans Fat | 1 g | |
| Cholesterol | 150 mg | 50% |
| Sodium | 896 mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 332 mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1 g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1 g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 880 IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 16 mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 75 mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2 mg | 11% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, you can use frozen wings, but they need to be thawed completely first. Pat them thoroughly dry before seasoning and air frying for the best crispy results. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Do I need to use oil in the air fryer?
For these Air Fryer Buffalo Wings, you don’t typically need much, if any, added oil. The chicken skin renders its own fat, which helps create crispness. A very light spray of oil can enhance browning but is often optional.
How spicy are these wings?
This recipe uses Frank’s RedHot, which has a moderate heat level, providing a classic buffalo tang with a kick. You can adjust the spiciness by using more or less hot sauce, or choosing a milder or spicier brand.
How do I prevent smoky air fryer?
To prevent a smoky air fryer, ensure excess fat drains away from the wings during cooking. Some air fryer baskets have a drip tray. Regularly clean your air fryer to remove accumulated grease, which can cause smoke.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Buffalo Wings are the ultimate solution for anyone craving crispy, flavorful wings with minimal effort. The air fryer method makes achieving that perfect crunch incredibly easy and significantly healthier than traditional deep-frying. With bold buffalo flavor and simple steps, you’ll be making these crowd-pleasers again and again. Give this easy recipe a try and elevate your snack game.
The Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY is widely credited with inventing the original Buffalo wing in 1964. Don’t forget to share your delicious Air Fryer Buffalo Wings creations with us!
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings: The Ultimate Game Day Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse and pat dry chicken wings, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl; remember to disinfect your sink and countertops afterward.
- Season the wings with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper, then marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Air fry the wings in batches at 400°F (200°C) for 22-25 minutes until crispy, and keep the finished wings warm in an oven or warming drawer.
- While the wings cook, whisk together the melted butter and Frank’s hot sauce until well emulsified.
- For the dipping sauce, combine Ken’s blue cheese dressing with crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola, if desired.
- Once all wings are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl, pour the sauce over, and toss thoroughly with a wooden spoon or tongs before serving with the blue cheese sauce.
Nutrition
Notes
- Disinfect your sink and countertops after handling raw chicken.
- No extra salt is needed as Frank’s hot sauce is quite salty.
- Air frying for 25 minutes yields crispier wings, while 22 minutes results in a juicier, slightly less crisp wing.
- Wear an apron when tossing the wings to prevent splatter.
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