Nothing beats the crunch of perfectly crispy buffalo wings – especially when they come out of the air fryer with way less oil and mess than traditional frying. My Air Fryer Buffalo Wings have become our go-to for game days and lazy weeknight dinners because they’re seriously foolproof. The secret? Patting those wings bone-dry and letting the air fryer work its magic at 400°F. You get that signature crispiness without the greasy aftermath, and they’re ready in about half an hour from fridge to table. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never want to deep-fry wings again.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
These wings are my absolute favorite way to get that perfect crispy texture without all the fuss. Here’s why they’ll become your go-to recipe too:
- Crispy perfection every time: The air fryer gives you that deep-fried crunch with just a tablespoon of oil – no soggy wings here!
- Easy cleanup: No messy oil to deal with afterwards (I hate that part of traditional frying). Just wipe out your air fryer basket and you’re done.
- Ready in under 30 minutes: From fridge to table faster than delivery – perfect for those sudden wing cravings.
- Healthier but just as delicious: All the flavor of traditional buffalo wings with way less guilt. You’ll feel good about eating these!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Here’s all you need for these crispy, saucy wings – simple ingredients with big flavor:
- 1 lb chicken wings (split flats and drumettes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
That’s it! Just 8 ingredients standing between you and wing heaven.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Okay, let’s get these wings crispy and saucy! I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and these steps never fail me. Just follow along and you’ll have perfect wings in no time – I promise they’re easier than they look.
Step 1: Prep the Wings
First things first – grab some paper towels and pat those wings DRY. I mean really dry – this is the secret to getting that perfect crunch. Then toss them with olive oil until they’re lightly coated (your hands work best for this). Sprinkle on the garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper, and massage it all in like you’re giving the wings a little spa treatment. Every nook should be seasoned!
Step 2: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F – don’t skip this step or your wings won’t crisp up right. When it’s hot, arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket. No stacking! They need space to get crispy all around. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip each wing (I use tongs) and cook another 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is golden and crispy, and the juices run clear if you poke one. If your air fryer runs hot, check a minute early – nobody likes burnt wings!
Step 3: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
While the wings cook, mix your buffalo sauce with melted butter in a big bowl. When the wings come out piping hot, toss them immediately in the sauce until each one is gloriously coated. Serve right away while they’re still crispy – the steam coming off these bad boys is practically begging you to dig in!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
After making these wings more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll guarantee perfect results every time:
- Dry them like you mean it: Seriously, spend extra time patting those wings dry – moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Give them breathing room: Overcrowding the basket leads to steamed wings instead of crispy ones. Cook in batches if needed.
- Watch the clock: Air fryers vary – start checking at 10 minutes if yours runs hot. Extra minute or two can make all the difference.
- Temp check for safety: When in doubt, use a meat thermometer – wings should hit 165°F at the thickest part.
Follow these simple tips and you’ll be the wing master in no time!
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic buffalo version, try these fun twists – they’re all winners in my book!
- Honey Garlic Glaze: Swap the buffalo sauce for a sweet-savory mix of honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce (trust me, it’s addictive)
- Dry Rub Wings: Skip the sauce entirely and coat with a mix of brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne before air frying
- Spicy Mayo Drizzle: Toss cooked wings in a creamy blend of mayo, sriracha, and lime juice – perfect for heat lovers!
The beauty of wings? You can make them taste different every time! If you enjoy these savory options, you might also like this air fryer honey garlic pork chops recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These wings scream party food! I always serve them with crisp celery sticks, cool ranch or blue cheese dressing (the tang cuts through the heat perfectly), and extra buffalo sauce for dipping. They disappear FAST at game day gatherings – I usually make a double batch because someone always goes back for thirds. Pro tip: keep napkins handy – things get deliciously messy!
Storing and Reheating
Leftover wings? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When those cravings hit again, just pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes – they’ll come out almost as crispy as when they were fresh. I sometimes add a quick fresh drizzle of buffalo sauce after reheating to bring back that saucy goodness. Perfect for midnight snacks (not that I’d know anything about that…).
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings FAQs
I get asked these questions all the time when I make these wings – here are my tried-and-true answers:
Can I use frozen wings? Absolutely! Just add about 5 minutes to the cook time and check for doneness. I like to thaw mine halfway first for more even cooking, but straight-from-frozen works in a pinch.
How can I make them less spicy? Easy fix – just use more butter than buffalo sauce in your coating mixture. Start with 2 tablespoons butter to 1/4 cup sauce and adjust to taste. The butter really mellows out the heat.
Can I bake these instead? Sure, you can bake at 425°F for about 45 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get quite as crispy as the air fryer version, but they’ll still be delicious!
Nutrition Information
Just so you know what you’re biting into – these nutrition facts are estimates per serving (about 1/2 lb of wings): 320 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated), 28g protein, and 4g carbs. The numbers might shift a bit based on your exact ingredients, but one thing’s certain – these wings pack way less guilt than the deep-fried version while delivering all that crispy, saucy goodness! For more low-guilt options, check out this air fryer street corn chicken rice bowl.
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings in Just 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Crispy and flavorful buffalo wings made in an air fryer with less oil and mess.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken wings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken wings with paper towels.
- Toss wings with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12 minutes, flip, then cook another 12 minutes until crispy.
- Mix buffalo sauce and melted butter.
- Toss cooked wings in the sauce mixture.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure wings are dry for crispiness.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American