Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Flavorful and Easy Recipe

October 13, 2025March 2, 2025 by Madison

Get ready to elevate your game day snacking with my easy recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings! With just a few simple steps, you’ll turn basic chicken wings into a spicy, flavorful treat that everyone will love. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, these wings are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game day snack.
Healthier Alternative: Air frying allows you to enjoy crispy wings without the guilt of deep frying, cutting down on excess oil and calories.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of buffalo sauce and spices creates a mouthwatering flavor that is sure to impress your guests.
Versatile Serving Options: These wings can be paired with various dips and sides, making them a great addition to any meal or party spread.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 pounds chicken wings

– 1 tablespoon baking powder

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

– Celery sticks and ranch dressing for serving

You need fresh chicken wings for this recipe. I love using 2 pounds for a good meal. Baking powder is key. It helps the wings get extra crispy. You only need 1 tablespoon.

For flavor, use simple seasonings. Garlic powder and onion powder each need 1 teaspoon. Smoked paprika adds a nice touch with 1 teaspoon. Don’t forget salt and black pepper. You’ll want 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

The sauce is what makes these wings special. You will need 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. Mixing in 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter gives a rich flavor.

For serving, I recommend pairing the wings with celery sticks. Ranch dressing is the perfect dip. It cools the spice from the buffalo sauce.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to cook. This recipe is simple and full of flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Wings

1. Drying the chicken wings

Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is key to getting that crispy skin. Removing excess moisture helps the wings fry better.

2. Seasoning process

In a large bowl, mix together the baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the wings to the bowl. Toss well until the wings are fully coated with the seasoning. This blend adds great flavor!

Cooking in the Air Fryer

1. Preheating instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the wings cook evenly and get crispy.

2. Cooking time and flipping tips

Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through cooking. This helps them brown and crisp up nicely on both sides.

Saucing the Wings

1. Mixing buffalo sauce with butter

While your wings cook, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

2. Tossing wings in sauce

Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the wings. Toss until each wing is coated in the sauce. This adds a delicious kick to your wings.

Final Crisp (Optional)

1. Instructions for additional crispiness

For extra crispiness, return the sauced wings to the air fryer. Cook them for an additional 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This step is great if you love that perfect crunch.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Perfect Crispiness

To get those wings crispy, start by drying them well. Use paper towels to remove moisture. This step is key for crispiness. Next, mix baking powder with your spices. The baking powder helps create that crunchy texture we all love.

When cooking, heat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the wings in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. You might need to cook in batches if your fryer is small. Flip the wings halfway through to ensure both sides get golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

To make your wings look great, use a large platter. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the wings for a pop of color. Arrange celery sticks around the wings in a fan shape. This adds a nice touch.

For dipping sauces, ranch dressing is a classic choice. You can also try blue cheese dressing or a spicy aioli. These add extra flavor and fun to the meal.

Equipment Recommendations

For crispy wings, I suggest using a quality air fryer. Some top brands are Philips, Ninja, and Cosori. They heat evenly and give great results.

Don’t forget some essential tools. A good set of tongs helps you flip the wings easily. A large bowl is useful for mixing the wings with the sauce. These tools make your cooking process smooth and fun!

Pro Tips

Dry the Wings: Make sure to pat the wings dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure they become crispy in the air fryer.
Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry the wings in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can prevent them from getting that perfect crispy texture.
Flavor Booster: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for an extra kick of heat if you like your wings spicier.
Rest Before Serving: Let the wings rest for a few minutes after air frying before tossing them in sauce. This helps keep them crispy.

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can change the flavor of your buffalo wings easily. Use different types of buffalo sauce. If you like heat, try a spicy sauce. If you prefer mild, use a milder sauce. You can also mix sauces to find your perfect taste.

Besides buffalo sauce, you can add other seasonings. Try using lemon pepper or Cajun spice for a twist. You can also use herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh taste. Experimenting with flavors keeps your wings exciting.

Cooking Method Alternatives

If you want to cook your wings differently, the oven is a great choice. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spread the wings on the rack in a single layer. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

Grilling wings is another fun way to cook them. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Toss the wings with oil and seasoning, then grill for 20-25 minutes. Turn them often for even cooking and a nice char.

Healthier Options

To make your wings lighter, skip the butter in your buffalo sauce. You can use hot sauce mixed with vinegar for flavor. This keeps the taste while cutting calories. You can also use skinless chicken wings for fewer calories.

Adding fresh veggies as a garnish is a tasty option. Try sliced carrots or bell peppers. You can also swap ranch dressing for Greek yogurt or a lighter dip. These choices help make your wings healthier without losing flavor.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your wings fresh, let them cool first. This step is key to keeping them crispy. Place the wings in a single layer on a plate to help them cool down quickly. Once cool, transfer them to an airtight container. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These will keep your wings tasting great for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

Reheating Instructions

For the best results, reheat your buffalo wings in an air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use an oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for around 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through to keep them evenly heated. Enjoy your delicious wings!

FAQs

How long to cook chicken wings in an air fryer?

Cook chicken wings in an air fryer for 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The exact time depends on wing size. For small wings, 25 minutes should work well. Larger wings may need the full 30 minutes. Always flip the wings halfway to help them cook evenly and get nice and crispy.

Can I use frozen chicken wings in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings in an air fryer. Just keep in mind they will take longer to cook. Start by cooking them at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 to 35 minutes. Flip them halfway through. If they are stuck together, you may need to separate them after a few minutes of cooking. This way, they can cook evenly.

What is the best sauce for buffalo wings?

The best sauce for buffalo wings is classic buffalo sauce. You can easily make this at home! Just mix 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This mix gives the wings that rich flavor we all love. If you want to try something different, there are many options, like garlic parmesan or honey sriracha. Feel free to get creative!

You learned how to make delicious buffalo chicken wings using an air fryer. We covered the ingredients, the cooking steps, and tips for great results. You can enjoy crispy wings with different flavors. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them so they stay tasty. With the right techniques, you can impress your friends and family at any gathering. Now, get ready to enjoy your homemade buffalo wing

$- 2 pounds chicken wings - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - Celery sticks and ranch dressing for serving You need fresh chicken wings for this recipe. I love using 2 pounds for a good meal. Baking powder is key. It helps the wings get extra crispy. You only need 1 tablespoon. For flavor, use simple seasonings. Garlic powder and onion powder each need 1 teaspoon. Smoked paprika adds a nice touch with 1 teaspoon. Don’t forget salt and black pepper. You’ll want 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. The sauce is what makes these wings special. You will need 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. Mixing in 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter gives a rich flavor. For serving, I recommend pairing the wings with celery sticks. Ranch dressing is the perfect dip. It cools the spice from the buffalo sauce. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to cook. This recipe is simple and full of flavor! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Drying the chicken wings Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is key to getting that crispy skin. Removing excess moisture helps the wings fry better. 2. Seasoning process In a large bowl, mix together the baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the wings to the bowl. Toss well until the wings are fully coated with the seasoning. This blend adds great flavor! 1. Preheating instructions Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the wings cook evenly and get crispy. 2. Cooking time and flipping tips Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through cooking. This helps them brown and crisp up nicely on both sides. 1. Mixing buffalo sauce with butter While your wings cook, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. 2. Tossing wings in sauce Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the wings. Toss until each wing is coated in the sauce. This adds a delicious kick to your wings. 1. Instructions for additional crispiness For extra crispiness, return the sauced wings to the air fryer. Cook them for an additional 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This step is great if you love that perfect crunch. To get those wings crispy, start by drying them well. Use paper towels to remove moisture. This step is key for crispiness. Next, mix baking powder with your spices. The baking powder helps create that crunchy texture we all love. When cooking, heat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the wings in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. You might need to cook in batches if your fryer is small. Flip the wings halfway through to ensure both sides get golden brown. To make your wings look great, use a large platter. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the wings for a pop of color. Arrange celery sticks around the wings in a fan shape. This adds a nice touch. For dipping sauces, ranch dressing is a classic choice. You can also try blue cheese dressing or a spicy aioli. These add extra flavor and fun to the meal. For crispy wings, I suggest using a quality air fryer. Some top brands are Philips, Ninja, and Cosori. They heat evenly and give great results. Don’t forget some essential tools. A good set of tongs helps you flip the wings easily. A large bowl is useful for mixing the wings with the sauce. These tools make your cooking process smooth and fun! Pro Tips Dry the Wings: Make sure to pat the wings dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure they become crispy in the air fryer. Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry the wings in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can prevent them from getting that perfect crispy texture. Flavor Booster: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for an extra kick of heat if you like your wings spicier. Rest Before Serving: Let the wings rest for a few minutes after air frying before tossing them in sauce. This helps keep them crispy. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your buffalo wings easily. Use different types of buffalo sauce. If you like heat, try a spicy sauce. If you prefer mild, use a milder sauce. You can also mix sauces to find your perfect taste. Besides buffalo sauce, you can add other seasonings. Try using lemon pepper or Cajun spice for a twist. You can also use herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh taste. Experimenting with flavors keeps your wings exciting. If you want to cook your wings differently, the oven is a great choice. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spread the wings on the rack in a single layer. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy. Grilling wings is another fun way to cook them. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Toss the wings with oil and seasoning, then grill for 20-25 minutes. Turn them often for even cooking and a nice char. To make your wings lighter, skip the butter in your buffalo sauce. You can use hot sauce mixed with vinegar for flavor. This keeps the taste while cutting calories. You can also use skinless chicken wings for fewer calories. Adding fresh veggies as a garnish is a tasty option. Try sliced carrots or bell peppers. You can also swap ranch dressing for Greek yogurt or a lighter dip. These choices help make your wings healthier without losing flavor. To keep your wings fresh, let them cool first. This step is key to keeping them crispy. Place the wings in a single layer on a plate to help them cool down quickly. Once cool, transfer them to an airtight container. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These will keep your wings tasting great for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. For the best results, reheat your buffalo wings in an air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. If you don't have an air fryer, you can use an oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for around 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through to keep them evenly heated. Enjoy your delicious wings! Cook chicken wings in an air fryer for 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The exact time depends on wing size. For small wings, 25 minutes should work well. Larger wings may need the full 30 minutes. Always flip the wings halfway to help them cook evenly and get nice and crispy. Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings in an air fryer. Just keep in mind they will take longer to cook. Start by cooking them at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 to 35 minutes. Flip them halfway through. If they are stuck together, you may need to separate them after a few minutes of cooking. This way, they can cook evenly. The best sauce for buffalo wings is classic buffalo sauce. You can easily make this at home! Just mix 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This mix gives the wings that rich flavor we all love. If you want to try something different, there are many options, like garlic parmesan or honey sriracha. Feel free to get creative! You learned how to make delicious buffalo chicken wings using an air fryer. We covered the ingredients, the cooking steps, and tips for great results. You can enjoy crispy wings with different flavors. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them so they stay tasty. With the right techniques, you can impress your friends and family at any gathering. Now, get ready to enjoy your homemade buffalo wings!$