This air fryer buffalo chicken wings recipe is quick, easy and flavorful. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer and can be tossed in any sauce you like!
Hi friends!
I’ve got a super easy recipe to share with you guys today. My husband has always been a fan of buffalo wings and recently he has gotten all 3 of my kids interested in eating them as well!
So instead of just ordering them in restaurants, I’ve set about learning how to make them at home so I can make them for dinner a few times a month. After a few tries, I’ve decided the air fryer is my favorite way to make them.
Just season, cook in the air fryer at 400 degrees, and toss in sauce. Serve with celery and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
Why Use An Air Fryer For Buffalo Wings
The air fryer is the perfect way to get the wings to crisp up and cook quickly. Once they’re cooked, you can toss them in any flavor of buffalo sauce, or whatever other sauce you prefer. These wings take less than 5 minutes to prep and are ready in less than 20 minutes in the air fryer.
I use store-bought Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wings sauce but if you want to make your own you could try this recipe for Homemade Buffalo Sauce or this Easy Homemade Buffalo Sauce.
Crispy Air Fryer Wings – Minimal Oil Required
The best part is, the air fryer can make the wings juicy and crispy, without having to fry them in oil. The key is to use baking powder. Tossing them in just 2 teaspoons of oil along with some spices and baking powder helps them crisp up in the air fryer.
Air fryer wings marinade
While all I’ve done so far is toss mine in buffalo sauce, you could also easily marinate your wings and then cook them in the air fryer. Here’s the Best Chicken Wing Marinade Recipe that you could try. Or try these Marinated Chicken Wings.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings Flavor Ideas
Not into buffalo sauce? Try one of these:
- Garlic parmesan
- Honey BBQ
- Teriyaki
- Honey Mustard
- Sweet Chili
Air fryer vs fried wings
Traditional buffalo wings that you’ll get at a restaurant will be deep fried and then tossed in buffalo sauce. In some cases, especially if you get boneless wings, they will be breaded and then deep fried. The air fryer is a method for cooking bone-in chicken wings without needed to deep fry them, making this method a healthier alternative.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Ingredients
To make air fryer buffalo chicken wings you just need to grab a few ingredients:
- Split chicken wings
- Neutral oil – I use avocado oil
- Salt and garlic powder – or other seasonings
- Baking powder – to help crisp up the skin
- Butter – unsalted
- Frank’s red hot buffalo wing sauce – or sauce of your choice
How To Make Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
With just a few simple steps, your wings will be ready to eat:
- Pat the wings dry.
- Place wings in a bowl, drizzle with oil and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with seasonings and toss again.
- Add baking powder and toss lightly.
- Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer, leaving space between them. Make in multiple batches if needed.
- Cook at 400 degrees for about 18 minutes, flipping half way through.
- Toss in sauce and enjoy!
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
Here’s the air fryer buffalo chicken wings recipe I use:
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Print Recipe
This air fryer chicken wings recipe is quick, easy and flavorful. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer and can be tossed in any sauce you like!
- Yield: serves 4-6
Ingredients
- 1.5 – 2 pounds split chicken wings
- 2 tsp oil (I use avocado oil)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup Frank’s red hot buffalo wings sauce
Instructions
- Pat wings dry with paper towels and place wings in a bowl.
- Drizzle with oil and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder and paprika and toss again.
- Sprinkle with baking powder and toss lightly.
- Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer leaving a little space between wings. Make the wings in multiple batches if needed.
- Cook at 400 degrees F for 18-20 minutes, flipping wings halfway through.
- Melt butter and mix with buffalo sauce.
- Transfer wings from air fryer to a container with a lid, add sauce, cover and shake to coat.
- Serve with celery and blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Notes
Feel free to substitute your favorite sauce
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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings FAQs
How long do you cook chicken wings in an air fryer?
I have a Ninja Air Fryer (aff link) with two drawers, so I can do a 2 pound batch of wings in 18 minutes, but if you have a smaller air fryer, you’ll likely need to do 2-3 batches so they have enough space and each batch will take 18-20 minutes.
Can you air fry frozen chicken wings?
Yes. You can use frozen chicken wings, although they may not get quite as crispy as fresh.
What temperature should you air fry buffalo wings?
I’ve found the best temperature to be 400 degrees Fahrenheit in the air fryer.
Do I need to flip wings halfway through air frying?
Yes! You’ll need to open the air fryer halfway through and flip the wings over so they crisp up nicely on all sides.
How do I make wings crispy in the air fryer?
Adding a teaspoon of baking soda helps the chicken wings get crispy in the air fryer! Don’t use baking soda. It will not have the same affect.
Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce in the air fryer?
Yes you can use store-bought sauce but you don’t need to put it on the wings until after they come out of the air fryer and are done cooking! Alternatively, if you’re using a marinade, you’ll want to put it on first and let the wings sit to absorb the flavor before cooking in the air fryer.
Are air fryer buffalo chicken wings good for meal prep? Can I reheat buffalo wings in the air fryer?
Yes! Wings are a great option to make ahead of time. You can reheat them in the mcirowave or use the air fryer to reheat them. Just pop them in at 400 degrees for 5 minutes or so.
How many wings fit in a standard air fryer?
Depending on the size, you should be able to fit about a pound of wings in a 5-6 quart air fryer.
Are air fryer buffalo chicken wings gluten-free?
This recipe for buffalo chicken wings is gluten-free. If needed, just make sure the buffalo sauce or any other sauce you’re using is gluten-free if needed.
Why aren’t my air fryer buffalo chicken wings crispy?
If you don’t pat the wings dry before adding the oil and spices, or if you don’t use the baking powder, the wings may not get as crispy as they usually would.
Game Day Appetizers
Need more appetizer ideas for your next party or gathering? Try:
- Cowboy Caviar
- Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
- Mexican Street Corn Dip
- Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites
Enjoy!
–Lindsay–
