Air-Fryer Buffalo Wings

Get ready for some seriously crispy buffalo wings that’ll make your whole family cheer! These air-fryer buffalo wings are perfect for game day, family dinners, or any time you’re craving that classic sports bar flavor. The best part? You get all that amazing crunch without the mess of deep frying.

Recipe Details

Timing & Servings: Prep Time: 10 minutes, Additional Time: 1 hour 10 minutes, Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes, Serves: 4 people.

Nutrition Profile: Low-Carb, Nut-Free, Healthy Aging, Healthy Immunity, Soy-Free, High-Protein, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Low-Calorie.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 302 Calories, 17g Fat, 7g Carbs, 29g Protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Paprika: You’ll need 1½ teaspoons of this beautiful red spice. It gives the wings such a gorgeous color and adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor that makes everything taste amazing.

Garlic powder: Just ½ teaspoon of this pantry staple brings that savory garlic taste without any chopping. It’s one of my favorite shortcuts for adding big flavor fast.

Onion powder: Another ½ teaspoon goes a long way here. This adds a sweet, mellow onion flavor that pairs perfectly with the other spices.

Ground black pepper: Use ½ teaspoon for just the right amount of kick. Freshly ground tastes best, but whatever you have works great.

Chicken wings: You’ll want 3½ to 4 pounds of wings, separated into flats and drumettes if they aren’t already. This gives everyone plenty to enjoy!

Buffalo-style hot sauce: A ½ cup of your favorite buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot is classic) creates that tangy, spicy coating we all love.

Unsalted butter: Just 2 tablespoons melted into the hot sauce makes it smooth and rich. This is what makes real buffalo sauce so special.

How to Make Air-Fryer Buffalo Wings

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°F and your air fryer to 375°F. Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss the wings with this spice mix until they’re coated all over. Let them sit for 10 minutes so the flavors can soak in.

Step 2: Add half the wings to your air-fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15 minutes without touching them. Flip the wings over and cook another 5 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. Check that the thickest part reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer.

Step 3: Put the first batch of wings on a baking sheet and keep them warm in the oven. Cook the second batch of wings the same way. This keeps everything hot while you finish up.

Step 4: While the second batch cooks, make your buffalo sauce. Heat the hot sauce and butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk constantly until the butter melts and everything looks smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Put all the cooked wings in a large bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over them and toss until every wing is coated. Serve right away with ranch dressing, carrot sticks, and celery sticks.

Easy and Quick Air-Fryer Buffalo Wings Version

Want to make these even faster? You can skip the 10-minute resting time for the spice rub if you’re in a hurry. The wings will still taste great! Also, if you have pre-cut vegetables, grab those instead of cutting your own carrots and celery. Every shortcut helps when you’re hungry for wings!

Serving Ideas

These buffalo wings make a complete meal when you serve them with the classic sides. The crunchy carrots and celery help cool your mouth between bites. You can also add some crispy french fries or onion rings if you want to make it extra special. A cold beer or iced tea pairs perfectly with the spicy, tangy flavors.

Storage

Store leftover wings in the fridge for up to 3 days in a covered container. To reheat them, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until they’re hot and crispy again. You can also use your regular oven at 400°F for about 5-7 minutes.

Substitutions

No buffalo sauce? You can mix ½ cup of your favorite hot sauce with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Don’t have ranch? Blue cheese dressing is the other classic choice. If you want less heat, use mild hot sauce or add an extra tablespoon of butter to tone it down.

Pro Tips

Don’t overcrowd: Cook wings in batches so air can flow around each piece. This is what makes them super crispy!
Pat them dry: Use paper towels to dry the wings before seasoning. Less moisture means crispier skin.
Sauce at the end: Always add buffalo sauce after cooking, not before. This keeps the wings from getting soggy.
Check the temp: A meat thermometer is your best friend. Wings need to hit 165°F to be safe and juicy.

FAQs

Are buffalo wings healthy?

Buffalo wings are definitely high in protein, which is great for your muscles! While they do have some saturated fat, they can still fit into a balanced diet when you enjoy them in moderation. Plus, this air-fryer version uses less oil than traditional deep-fried wings, making them a bit lighter.

What other spices can I use?

You bet you can mix things up! Try smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground chipotle chile to the spice mix. The wings will taste amazing with whatever combination you choose!

What can I serve with Air-Fryer Buffalo Wings?

The classic combo is carrot and celery sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing, and it’s classic for good reason! You can also try our Chipotle Ranch Dressing for something different. Other great sides include coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob.

How do I keep the buffalo wings warm after air-frying?

Sure! Just arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in a 200°F oven. They’ll stay warm and crispy while you cook the second batch and make your buffalo sauce. This trick works perfectly every time!

I hope you love these crispy, spicy wings as much as my family does! Let me know in the comments how they turned out for you. Did you try any fun variations? I love hearing about your cooking adventures!