These air fryer buffalo wings are the perfect party appetizer for game day!
They’re incredibly juicy with a crispy crust after a quick trip in the air fryer.
With very little oil and tasty seasoning, these wings taste just as good (if not better) than deep-fried.
The tasty dry rub with the perfect blend of seasoning makes these wings sing. Then, they get a simple treatment with a spicy buffalo sauce.
So, bust out the bleu cheese and celery because it’s time to dive into this air fryer buffalo wings recipe!
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
What I love most about this recipe is it comes together in a snap. Add the dry rub, pop them in the air fryer, and get the party started!
Here’s an overview of how to make them:
1. Prepare. Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and spray the basket with cooking oil.
2. Make the dry rub. Mix the baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion powder in a small bowl.
3. Season the chicken. Using paper towels, dry the chicken wings. Then, massage the dry rub into the skin. Be sure to get in every nook and cranny.
4. Place chicken in the basket. Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer in the basket. Leave at least 1/2-inch between each wing for even cooking.
5. Air fry. Cook the chicken wings for 15 minutes. Flip them, then cook them for an additional 10-15 minutes.
6. Make the buffalo sauce. As the wings cook, bring the butter and wing sauce to a simmer under low heat. Cook it until the butter melts and the buffalo sauce is well combined, then set it aside.
7. Get saucy! After the wings come out of the air fryer, place them in a large bowl and toss them with the buffalo sauce. Ensure they’re all evenly coated.
8. Serve. Buffalo chicken wings are best served hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Here are some quick and easy tips to ensure your chicken wings are game-day-ready.
- Get the moisture out. Moisture is the natural enemy of crispiness. Take the time to remove as much moisture from the skin as possible before adding the dry rub. If your wings are too wet, they won’t get that crispy crust.
- Be patient with them. If your wings are large, they will likely need more time in the air fryer. To avoid undercooked chicken, I recommend using a meat thermometer. Cooked chicken has an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Kick up the heat. Right before the wings are done cooking, kick up the heat to the air fryer. Raising it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes will help create a crispy crust.
- Work some batch brilliance. Leaving at least 1/2-inch of space between each chicken wing promotes even cooking. When they don’t have enough room in the basket, they’ll steam instead of fry. If you don’t have enough room in your air fryer, it’s best to work in batches.
- Divide and conquer. Separate your drummettes and flats, and cook them in separate baskets or batches. Remember, the drumettes may take a little longer in the air fryer to cook since they’re thicker.
How to Store
The great thing about air fryer chicken wings is they’re easy to store. As long as you follow these quick and easy storage tips, you can easily reheat them for a next-day snack!
- To Store: Allow the chicken wings to come to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an air-tight container. When stored in the fridge, they will start fresh for 3-5 days.
- To Freeze: Place the cooked wings on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them for at least 2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag to stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: The air fryer to the rescue! Place the frozen wings in the fridge to thaw overnight. When you’re ready to reheat them, pop them back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to Serve with Buffalo Wings
Buffalo chicken wings are an amazing party app, especially with the right dip.
You can’t go wrong with carrot and celery sticks and blue cheese dip. If you aren’t a fan of blue cheese, ranch dip is always a crowd-pleaser.
With the right side dish, you can transform this app into a full meal! I love serving spicy Buffalo wings with mac and cheese or crispy potato wedges. Or, to keep things light, try a delicious antipasto salad or broccoli raisin salad.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
Air Fryer Quesadillas
Air Fryer Meatballs
Air Fryer Frozen Fish Sticks
Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
4
servings10
minutes30
minutes420
kcalAir fryer buffalo wings are easy, crispy, and delicious! In just 30 minutes, you’ll have healthy wings that are so much better than fried.
Ingredients
2 pounds chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
- For the Dry Rub
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- For the Sauce
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the baking powder with the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Then, massage the dry rub into the wings until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil.
- Arrange the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave at least 1/2 an inch between each one.
- Cook for 15 minutes, flip the wings, and cook for 10-15 more minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat.
- While the chicken wings cook, warm the butter and wing sauce in a small pot over medium-low heat. Stir it until smooth and well combined. Set it aside.
- When the wings are crispy, carefully transfer them to a large bowl and pour the hot sauce over the top. Toss them in the wing sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve them immediately with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks. Enjoy!
Notes
- The baking powder is key to making the skin crispy. If you don’t have any, leave it out. Do not substitute with baking soda.
- Drumettes need longer to cook, so it’s best to cook them separately from the flats. Work in 2 batches for the best results.
- When working in batches, turn the oven to low and keep the cooked wings on a baking tray. Then, toss them together in the sauce when they’re all ready.
- Reduce the spiciness of the sauce by adding honey to the pot. Make it spicier with Sriracha.
- Different air fryers can vary in heat and cooking times. So, check the wings after 15 minutes.
I have a air fryer oven is it the same cooking method with it?
Hi Carolyn! Sorry for the delayed response.
I haven’t tried it myself, but from what I know about air fryer ovens:
You can keep the temperature the same, but be sure it’s preheated well.
Also, it might take longer to cook the wings since they’re usually bigger than typical air fryers.
I suggest starting with 25-30 minutes, then cooking in 5 minute intervals until they’re done.
If your air fryer oven has multiple racks, rotate them halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
Hope this helps!