Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

These crispy, spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings are the ultimate game-day snack or party appetizer. Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp, golden brown chicken wing that's drenched in a tangy, buttery buffalo sauce. The heat from the hot sauce tingles on your tongue, while the cool, creamy blue cheese dressing served alongside tames the flames.

These wings aren't just crazy tasty, they're also a healthier alternative to traditional deep fried wings. That's right, by using an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect crunch without all the extra oil and guilt. A quick toss in a 2-ingredient wing sauce and they're ready to devour.

Whether you're hosting a rowdy viewing party, feeding a hungry crowd, or just craving a zesty snack, these Air Fryer Buffalo hot Wings always hit the spot. 

this recipe

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Healthier than deep-fried- wings Air frying uses much less oil than traditional deep frying, resulting in crispy chicken wings that are lower in fat and calories but still deliciously crispy. You can enjoy the classic buffalo wing flavor without the guilt!
• Super quick and easy to make- With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have restaurant-quality wings ready in under 30 minutes. The air fryer does most of the work, so it's perfect for game day snacks or a quick weeknight dinner.
• Perfectly crispy skin every time- The circulating hot air in the air fryer crisps up the skin beautifully, giving you that satisfying crunch in every bite. No need to worry about soggy wings here!
• Customize the spice level to your liking- By making the wing sauce yourself, you can easily adjust the heat to your preference. Like your tasty wings extra spicy? Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne. Prefer a milder flavor? Use less hot sauce or balance it out with extra butter.
• Impress your friends and family- Serve up a platter of these air fryer buffalo wings at your next gathering and watch them disappear. No one will believe they weren't deep-fried! You'll be crowned the wing master in no time.

What You Need To Make Air Fryer Buffalo Wings 

• Chicken Wings: The star of the show! Use fresh or thawed wings for the best texture. Separate them into flats and drumettes for even cooking.
• Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the chicken. Adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
• Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce: This classic hot sauce brings the signature buffalo flavor and just the right amount of heat. You can substitute it with your favorite brand.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps the sauce cling to the wings and adds richness. Use unsalted so you can control the overall saltiness of the dish.

How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Wings

1. Prep the Wings: Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture and helps them get extra crispy. Season the wings with pepper and salt.
2. Air Fry the Wings: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren't overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 20 minutes, flippe the wings halfway through cooking.
3. Increase the Heat: Turn the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Continue cooking the wings for 5-8 more minutes, until they're golden brown and crispy. The exact time will depend on the size of your wings and your air fryer model.
4. Make the Sauce: While the wings are cooking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a large bowl, whisk together the Frank's Red Hot sauce and butter until well combined.
5. Toss the Wings: When the wings are done, transfer them to the bowl with the wing sauce. Use tongs or a spoon to toss the wings until they're evenly coated in the sauce.
6. Serve your air fryer buffalo wings immediately while they're hot and crispy. Pair them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and some celery and carrot sticks on the side. Enjoy!

Mistakes To Avoid When Making Buffalo Wings Recipe

Not patting the wings dry before seasoning

- Patting the wings with paper towels removes excess moisture from the surface. This helps the wings get crispier in the air fryer and allows the seasoning to adhere better. Skipping this step can lead to less flavorful, less crispy wings.

Overcrowding the air fryer basket

- Placing too many wings in the air fryer at once can cause them to steam rather than crisp up. The hot air needs to circulate freely around each wing. Cook the wings in batches if needed, keeping them in a single layer with a bit of space between each one.

Not preheating the air fryer 

- Just like with an oven, preheating your air fryer is crucial. This helps the wings start cooking and crisping immediately. If you add wings to a cold air fryer, they may cook unevenly or take much longer to crisp up.

Using the wrong sauce or not tossing it well

- Be sure to use a sauce that's specifically made for buffalo wings, like Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce. Regular hot sauce may be too thin. Also, make sure to toss the wings thoroughly in the sauce so each piece is evenly coated. Tossing just once or twice can lead to splotchy, unevenly sauced wings.

Not checking the internal temperature 

- To ensure your wings are safe to eat, always check that they've reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Color alone isn't a reliable indicator of doneness, especially with saucy wings. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check.

Forgetting to flip the wings

- For even browning and crisping, flip the wings over halfway through the air frying time. This simple step makes a big difference in the result. Set a timer so you don't forget!

Can I Use Frozen Wings Instead

Yes, you can cook chicken wings from frozen in the air fryer. However, for best results, it's recommended to defrost the wings first if you have the time. Defrosting allows the wings to cook more evenly and get crispier.

• Increase the cooking time by a few minutes to account for frozen wings. You may need to cook them for 25-30 minutes total, flipping halfway through.
• Make sure the frozen wings are separated and in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If they are stuck together, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes to thaw slightly, just enough to separate them.
• Season the wings with oil and your preferred spices before air frying. The oil will help the seasoning stick to the frozen wings and promote browning.
• Cook frozen wings at the same temperature as fresh - around 400°F (200°C).
• Always check that the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. Let them rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow carryover cooking.

What Can I Serve With This Recipe 

Celery and Carrot Sticks with Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing- are The classic accompaniment to buffalo wings. The cool, crunchy veggies help balance the spicy wings. Serve with creamy blue cheese or ranch for dipping.

Coleslaw- A tangy, creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the wings. Make a classic version with shredded cabbage and carrots in a mayo-based dressing.

Potato Wedges or French Fries- Crispy potatoes are a hearty side that stands up to the bold flavors of buffalo sauce. Season wedges or fries with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.

Macaroni and Cheese- Rich, cheesy mac and cheese is pure comfort food that tastes great with spicy wings. Make a homemade baked version or an easy stovetop recipe.

Corn on the Cob- Sweet, juicy corn complements the savory wings. Grill or boil ears of corn and serve with butter, salt, and pepper.

Onion RingsBattered and fried- onion rings add extra crunch to your plate. The slight sweetness works well with the spicy buffalo sauce.

Garlic BreadSoft on the inside-, crispy on the outside - garlic bread is ideal for sopping up extra wing sauce. Make your own or pick up a loaf from the store.

Green Salad- For a lighter option, serve a simple green salad on the side. Use crunchy lettuces like romaine and add tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing.

Pickles and Olives- The acidity and saltiness of dill pickles and olives cuts through the richness of the wings. Put out a platter for snacking.

Loaded Potato Skins- Top baked potato skins with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives for a decadent side that rivals the wings. The combination of textures and flavors is irresistible.

Pro Tips 

• Make sure you pat those wings dry before seasoning. This little extra step will help them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. No one wants soggy wings, am I right?
• Don't be afraid to experiment with the sauce! The recipe calls for Frank's RedHot, but feel free to use your favorite buffalo sauce or even mix in some extra spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika. Customize it to your taste buds!
• If you want to impress your guests, whip up a homemade blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. Trust me, it's worth the extra effort. 
• Don't skip the celery and carrot sticks! Not only do they add a pop of color to your plate, but they also provide a refreshing crunch between bites of spicy wings. It's all about balance, folks.

How To Store Leftovers

Cool and refrigerate

• Let leftover air fryer wings cool to room temperature, then refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
• Divide large amounts into smaller, shallower containers so they cool faster.
• Make sure your fridge is set to 40°F (4°C) or below to keep leftovers stored properly,

Package properly for the freezer

• Store the wings in an airtight container or resealable bags to avoid freezer burn.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label and date containers so you know what's inside and how long it's been frozen.
• Most leftovers can be kept frozen for 2-6 months at 0°F (-18°C).

Reheat thoroughly

• Reheat leftovers until steaming hot throughout, to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Stir midway through reheating to eliminate cold spots where bacteria can survive.
• When microwaving, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture and promote even heating. Let stand a few minutes after.
• Use a food thermometer to ensure leftovers have reached a safe temperature before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I make these wings in the oven instead?

Yes, bake the seasoned wings on a wire rack set on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss with the sauce after baking.

Q: How can I make air fryer buffalo chicken wings spicier?

A: To make air fryer buffalo chicken wings spicier, you can add additional hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the buffalo sauce mixture before coating the wings.

Q: Can I use different types of buffalo sauce for air fryer chicken wings?

A: Yes, you can use different types of buffalo sauce for air fryer chicken wings, such as mild, medium, or spicy varieties, depending on your preference for heat level.