Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings – they’re seriously life-changing! I used to think you needed a deep fryer to get that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside texture, but my air fryer proved me wrong. These wings come out so crispy you’d swear they were fried, but they’re way healthier and take less than half the time to make. Perfect for when those game day cravings hit and you need something spicy, finger-licking good FAST. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to soggy oven-baked wings again. The best part? Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor – just how I like my game day snacks!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Listen, these aren’t just any wings—they’re the kind you’ll crave every weekend once you try them. Here’s why:
- Crispy magic: That air fryer gives them an unbelievable crunch without the greasy mess of deep frying. I swear, the first time I made them, I couldn’t stop nibbling straight from the basket!
- Speed demon: From fridge to plate in under 30 minutes? Yes, please. When hunger strikes (or the game’s about to start), these wings save the day.
- Guilt-free indulgence: All that crispy goodness with way less oil—my jeans thank me later.
- Flavor bomb: That spicy-tangy buffalo sauce clings to every nook and cranny. Pro tip: Double dip for extra punch!
Trust me, your snack game just leveled up.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Okay, let’s gather our wing warriors! Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crispy, spicy beauties (and yes, every single ingredient matters—I learned that the hard way when I tried skipping the baking powder once. Big mistake!). This makes enough for 4 hungry people, or just 2 if you’re feeling extra snacky like I usually am.
- 2 lbs chicken wings – get them already split into drumettes and flats, or channel your inner butcher and separate them yourself (kitchen shears work wonders!)
- 1 tbsp baking powder – NOT baking soda! This is our crispy secret weapon
- 1/2 tsp salt – I use kosher salt because it sticks better to the wings
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you’ve got it
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – because everything’s better with garlic
- 1/2 tsp paprika – for that gorgeous golden color
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce – use your favorite brand, or go wild with homemade
- 1 tbsp melted butter – unsalted, so we control the saltiness
See? Simple stuff! Now grab those wings and let’s make some magic happen. Oh, and don’t forget the napkins—you’re gonna need ’em!
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Alright, let’s get these wings from raw to rave-worthy! I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count (my friends keep begging me to bring these to every gathering), and I’ve learned all the little tricks to make them perfect every single time. Follow these steps and you’ll be the wing master of your household in no time!
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings
First things first – grab those paper towels! This might seem like a small step, but drying the wings thoroughly is CRUCIAL for getting that crispy skin we all crave. I learned this the hard way when I got lazy once – ended up with soggy wings that made me want to cry. Pat each piece dry like you’re giving them a little spa treatment.
Now, mix up your seasoning blend in a big bowl – that baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika combo. Toss those dry wings in there and massage the seasoning into every nook and cranny. I like to use my hands for this – gets the coating nice and even. The mixture should look like the wings got a light dusting of orangey-brown snow!
Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat that air fryer to 400°F – just like preheating an oven, this gives you consistent results. While it’s heating up, arrange your wings in the basket in a single layer. No stacking! I know it’s tempting to cram them all in at once, but trust me, overcrowding leads to sad, steamed wings instead of crispy ones. If you need to do batches, just be patient – it’s worth it.
Cook for 12 minutes, then flip each wing with tongs (careful, they’re hot!). Another 12 minutes and you’ll have golden brown perfection. The smell at this point is absolutely intoxicating – my neighbors always know when I’m making these! The wings should look crispy all over and the internal temp should hit 165°F if you want to check with a thermometer.
Step 3: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
While the wings are cooking, mix your buffalo sauce with that melted butter in a big bowl. The butter helps the sauce cling to the wings better and mellows out the heat a bit. When the wings come out piping hot, toss them immediately in the sauce – the heat helps them absorb all that flavor. I like to use two spoons and kind of fold the sauce over the wings gently but thoroughly.
Pro tip: Start with half the sauce mixture, toss, then add more to your desired sauciness. My brother likes his wings swimming in sauce, while I prefer a lighter coating – it’s totally customizable! And if you’re serving to spice-wimps, you can always set some plain wings aside before saucing.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Want to take your wings from great to legendary? Here are my hard-won secrets after many (many!) batches:
- Fridge trick: After seasoning, let wings sit uncovered in the fridge for 1 hour. Dries the skin out for maximum crispiness – works like magic!
- Batch basics: If doubling the recipe, cook in batches and keep finished wings warm in a 200°F oven. No one likes lukewarm wings!
- Sauce swaps: Try mixing in honey for sweet-heat, or add a splash of vinegar for extra tang. My crazy uncle even adds a teaspoon of peanut butter – weird but weirdly good!
- Crisp check: If wings aren’t crispy enough after cooking, blast them at 400°F for 2-3 more minutes. Works every time!
Now go forth and make the crispiest wings of your life!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Oh, the possibilities! These wings beg to be served with cool, crunchy celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce—I’m team ranch, but my husband swears by chunky blue cheese. For game day, I pile them high on a platter with carrot sticks, extra sauce on the side, and plenty of napkins. Pro tip: Cold beer is mandatory!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Wings
Okay, let’s be real – leftovers rarely happen with these wings in my house! But if you somehow end up with extras (superhuman willpower?), here’s what to do: Store cooled wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When the craving hits again, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes – they’ll come back to life almost as crispy as fresh! Microwave reheating is a crime against crispy wings, just saying.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings FAQs
I get asked about these wings ALL the time – here are the answers to the questions that keep popping up in my kitchen (and my DMs!):
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them first! Frozen wings steam instead of crisp up. Pat them extra dry too – that ice crystal moisture is the enemy of crunch.
How can I make them less spicy?
Easy! Use mild buffalo sauce or mix in more butter to tame the heat. My mom likes when I add a tablespoon of honey – sweetens things up nicely.
Why baking powder instead of flour?
Trust me on this one – baking powder reacts with the chicken skin to create insane crispiness without breading. Flour just makes them… weird.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Cook them plain, then refrigerate. Toss in sauce right before serving and give them a quick 2-minute air fryer blast to re-crisp.
What if my air fryer is small?
No worries – just cook in smaller batches. The wings will keep warm in a low oven (200°F) for about 20 minutes without losing crispness.
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are just estimates (I’m not a nutritionist, just a wing enthusiast with a calculator!). Here’s the breakdown per serving (about 4 wings):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g (6g saturated)
- Protein: 30g (hello, muscle fuel!)
- Carbs: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg (go easy if you’re watching salt intake)
Keep in mind – these numbers can change based on your exact ingredients (some buffalo sauces have more sugar, some chicken wings are fattier, etc.). But compared to traditional deep-fried wings that can clock in at 500+ calories per serving, I’d say we’re doing pretty good here!
Rate This Recipe
Did these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings make your taste buds do a happy dance? (I know mine did!) If you tried them, I’d LOVE to hear how they turned out for you. Leave a star rating below – it helps other wing lovers know this recipe’s the real deal. And hey, if you put your own spin on them, tell me all about it in the comments! Nothing makes me happier than hearing about your kitchen adventures.
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Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings in 30 Minutes – Irresistible!
- Total Time: 34 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Crispy and spicy buffalo chicken wings made in an air fryer. Quick, easy, and perfect for game day or snacks.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Toss the wings in the seasoning mix until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12 minutes, flip, then cook another 12 minutes until crispy.
- Mix buffalo sauce and melted butter, then toss the cooked wings in the sauce.
- Serve hot with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if needed.
- For extra crispy wings, let them sit uncovered in the fridge for 1 hour before cooking.
- Adjust the sauce spiciness by adding more or less butter.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 24 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (4 wings)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: air fryer buffalo wings, spicy chicken wings, game day snack, easy wings recipe
