Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

These Buffalo Chicken Wings are crispy, saucy, and easy to make in the air fryer. They’re perfect to serve at your next football party. Dip them in blue cheese or ranch dressing for a classic game day appetizer.

These air fryer Buffalo wings are quick to make and always come out crispy and juicy. I used to think that chicken wings would be too messy to make at home, but the air fryer makes it SO easy.

We take Buffalo wing sauce very seriously in our house, so after numerous test recipes, this version is our absolute favorite. In fact, we’ve made them three weekends in a row. They’re simply that good!

Traditionally, Buffalo wings are deep fried with oil, then sauced with lots of butter. These are a healthier version but still have that restaurant flavor.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Ingredients

Chicken wings: I use the wingettes and drumettes to make this recipe. They’re similar in size, which means they cook more evenly.

Seasoning: I use a dry rub on these wings made of kosher salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

I’ve made them without adding any seasoning, just the Buffalo wing sauce, but the dry rub adds good flavor.

Baking powder: This helps create a super crispy skin on the chicken wings without deep frying them in oil.

I learned about this technique from Cooks Illustrated and American’s Test Kitchen and it’s been a total game changer for homemade chicken wings.

Franks Original Red Hot Sauce: I highly recommend using Franks Original Red Hot Sauce. It gives these Buffalo wings that classic restaurant flavor.

Unsalted butter: This makes the sauce creamy and slightly tones down the heat from the Franks hot sauce.

White vinegar: This adds a tangy bite to the chicken wings, which cuts through the richness of the butter.

Cayenne pepper: If you like it super spicy, you can adjust the heat level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.

How to make air fryer Buffalo chicken wings

Make the dry seasoning. In a small bowl, add the kosher salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and baking powder. Mix until combined.

Prep the chicken wings. Use a paper towel to pat the chicken wings dry. This will help the seasoning stick to the chicken wings better so they can get nice and crispy in the air fryer.

Add the wings to a large bowl and toss them with the dry seasoning until they’re evenly coated.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. My air fryer takes 3 minutes to preheat. Once the air fryer has preheated, place the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer. (You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer).

Cook the wings for 15 to 22 minutes, flipping once halfway through, or until crisp and cooked through. (My air fryer takes 22 minutes).

Make the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the Franks Red Hot Sauce and white vinegar and whisk to combine. Let simmer for a few minutes until the sauce ingredients are combined.

Sauce the wings. Transfer the cooked chicken wings to a large bowl and pour the sauce over the wings.

Toss until they’re evenly coated. Serve hot with blue cheese or ranch dressing and a side of celery and carrot sticks.

What to serve with buffalo wings

I like to keep it simple and serve these buffalo wings with a dipping sauce (such as ranch or blue cheese dressing) and celery and carrot sticks.

If you plan to serve this as an appetizer or snack for a party, below are some popular sides and foods you can pair alongside these wings.

• Coleslaw
• Baked potato wedges, French fries, or onion rings
• Greek pasta salad
• Macaroni and cheese
• Pizza
• Potato salad
• Garlic bread
• Cornbread
• Cucumber salad

Please let me know how you like this Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings recipe in the comments below! Your feedback and review encourages me to keep creating new and yummy recipes. I hope you love these buffalo wings as much as I do.

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