When it comes to game-day snacks, party appetizers, or just satisfying a spicy craving, Buffalo Wings are in a league of their own. These fiery, tangy, buttery wings are the perfect balance of crispiness and heat — and now, thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy them without the mess or excess oil of deep frying.
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings give you that restaurant-style crunch you love, but with far fewer calories. The air fryer crisps up the chicken wings beautifully, and then they’re tossed in a classic homemade Buffalo sauce made with hot sauce and butter. The result? Wings that are crispy, juicy, spicy, and absolutely irresistible.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it takes something iconic — the Buffalo wing — and makes it simpler, healthier, and even more delicious. The air fryer gives the wings that perfect crunch, while the Buffalo sauce clings to every crevice, ensuring each bite bursts with tangy, buttery heat.
There’s something magical about the combination of crispy chicken and spicy sauce — it’s comfort food and party food all in one. I also love that this version is virtually mess-free and ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This dish is a must-try for any food lover because:
- It’s crispy and juicy without being deep-fried.
- The Buffalo sauce delivers the perfect tangy-spicy flavor.
- It’s quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes.
- It’s customizable — make it mild, medium, or extra hot.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for parties, dinners, or game nights.
Once you try these wings, you’ll realize the air fryer was made for recipes like this.
Preparation & Cooking Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings (2 lbs wings)
- Calories: ~340 kcal per serving (including sauce)
Course and Cuisine
- Course: Appetizer / Snack / Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or spray oil)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp baking powder (optional – for crispier skin)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- ⅓ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp white vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp honey or brown sugar (optional, to balance heat)
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels.
- Separate them into flats and drumettes if not pre-cut. Discard the tips or save them for making broth.
Step 2: Season the Wings
- In a large bowl, add the wings.
- Drizzle olive oil over them and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder.
- Mix well to evenly coat the wings with seasoning.
The baking powder helps draw out moisture from the skin, giving that irresistible crunch!
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Air Fry the Wings
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
- Arrange wings in a single layer (no overlapping).
- Air fry for 25–28 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through.
- Cook until golden, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Whisk in hot sauce, garlic powder, vinegar, and honey (if using).
- Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust for spice, tang, or sweetness.
Step 6: Toss the Wings
- Once the wings are done, place them in a clean mixing bowl.
- Pour the warm Buffalo sauce over the wings.
- Toss well to coat evenly — every wing should glisten with spicy sauce!
How to Serve
Serve your Air Fryer Buffalo Wings hot and saucy with:
- Dipping sauces: Classic blue cheese dressing or cool ranch dip.
- Sides: Celery sticks, carrot sticks, or fries.
- Drinks: Cold beer, lemonade, or soda to balance the heat.
These wings are perfect for:
- Game-day parties
- Family dinners
- Movie nights
- BBQs and potlucks
Recipe Tips
- Dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning — moisture prevents crisping.
- Preheat the air fryer for the best texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket — cook in batches if needed.
- Toss in sauce right before serving to maintain crispiness.
- Adjust heat levels by changing the type or amount of hot sauce.
- For extra crispy wings, air fry for an additional 3–4 minutes.
Variations
- Garlic Parmesan Buffalo Wings
- Toss wings in half Buffalo sauce, half garlic butter, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
- Honey Buffalo Wings
- Add 2 tbsp honey to the Buffalo sauce for a spicy-sweet glaze.
- Extra Spicy Wings
- Use extra-hot sauce or mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Lemon Pepper Buffalo Wings
- Add lemon zest and black pepper to the sauce for a zesty twist.
- BBQ Buffalo Fusion
- Mix Buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce (half and half) for a smoky-spicy flavor.
Freezing and Storage
- To Store:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - To Reheat:
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–6 minutes until crispy again. - To Freeze:
- Arrange cooked, cooled wings on a tray and freeze for 1–2 hours.
- Transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Special Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
- Small saucepan (for sauce)
- Basting brush (optional)
Conclusion
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings are the perfect blend of spicy, tangy, buttery, and crispy goodness — all made effortlessly in your air fryer. They’re lighter than deep-fried versions but every bit as satisfying.
These wings are perfect for any occasion — from casual snacking to big celebrations — and they’ll always be the first dish to disappear from the table. Once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for every craving, party, or game night.
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
When it comes to game-day snacks, party appetizers, or just satisfying a spicy craving, Buffalo Wings are in a league of their own. These fiery, tangy, buttery wings are the perfect balance of crispiness and heat — and now, thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy them without the mess or excess oil of deep frying.
Ingredients
For the Wings:
For the Buffalo Sauce:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings : Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Separate them into flats and drumettes if not pre-cut. Discard the tips or save them for making broth.
-
Step 2: Season the Wings : In a large bowl, add the wings. Drizzle olive oil over them and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder. Mix well to evenly coat the wings with seasoning. The baking powder helps draw out moisture from the skin, giving that irresistible crunch!
-
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer : Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
-
Step 4: Air Fry the Wings : Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange wings in a single layer (no overlapping). Air fry for 25–28 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through. Cook until golden, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
-
Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce : In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Whisk in hot sauce, garlic powder, vinegar, and honey (if using). Stir until smooth and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust for spice, tang, or sweetness.
-
Step 6: Toss the Wings : Once the wings are done, place them in a clean mixing bowl. Pour the warm Buffalo sauce over the wings. Toss well to coat evenly — every wing should glisten with spicy sauce!
