If you’re craving that perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive, this Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These wings come out gorgeously crisp from the air fryer with just the right kick of Frank’s Red Hot sauce mixed with buttery goodness. It’s a game-changing way to enjoy classic buffalo wings without the mess of deep frying, providing a quick, flavorful snack or meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or just a craving for something saucy and crispy, these wings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this ingredient list; each item plays a crucial role in creating the perfect flavor and texture for your wings. From the crispness that the olive oil helps develop, to the tangy zip of Frank’s Red Hot sauce, these ingredients combine effortlessly to deliver a truly satisfying experience.
- Chicken wings (1 pound): Look for a mix of drummettes and flats for a nice variety in texture and shape.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the air fryer while keeping the wings juicy.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the wings’ natural flavor.
- Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce (1/4 cup): The classic buffalo sauce that gives these wings their signature spicy kick.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and mellows the heat, creating that iconic buffalo sauce texture.
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing: Perfect for dipping and balancing the heat.
- Celery sticks: Crunchy, refreshing, and a traditional accompaniment for buffalo wings.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by spraying your air fryer basket lightly with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating ensures the wings start cooking immediately, helping to lock in juiciness and build that crispy outer layer.
Step 2: Season the Wings
Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels—this is a key step to getting that crispy skin everyone loves. Toss your wings in a large bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; this simple coating helps develop a gorgeous golden crust as they cook.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Place the wings in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Cooking in a single layer is important for even crisping, so avoid crowding. Air fry the wings for 10 minutes, then flip them using tongs and cook for another 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end—the size of your wings may vary cooking times, and you want them fully cooked but not dried out.
Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the wings are cooking, melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, stir in Frank’s Red Hot sauce until smooth and well combined. This buttery buffalo sauce is the secret to coating the wings with that unmistakable tangy heat and silky texture.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
After your wings have achieved that irresistible crispiness, transfer them to the bowl with the buffalo sauce. Toss them gently but thoroughly, ensuring every wing is coated with that luscious sauce. Serve immediately alongside blue cheese or ranch dressing and crisp celery sticks. Remember, the wings are crispiest right off the fryer; the skin will soften if they sit too long in the sauce.
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe, garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper add a burst of freshness and subtle texture contrast. A little extra celery or carrot sticks on the side not only complement the heat but bring a light, crunchy balance to the meal.
Side Dishes
Pair your buffalo wings with classic side dishes such as creamy coleslaw, crispy french fries, or even a refreshing cucumber salad. These options complement the spiciness perfectly and help create a well-rounded, satisfying plate everyone will want to dig into.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the wings on a rustic wooden board piled high with celery sticks and small ramekins of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Adding a small bowl of pickled vegetables next to the wings can also add an unexpected tangy twist that cuts through the richness beautifully. Presentation can turn a simple snack into a memorable feast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, but try to refrigerate them as soon as possible to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked buffalo wings, but be aware that the texture may change slightly after thawing. Wrap the wings tightly and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Make sure to separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your buffalo wings is in the air fryer to restore their crispiness. Heat at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes, keeping an eye on them. You can also reheat them in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best crispy texture. Cooking frozen wings without thawing might result in unevenly cooked wings.
What if I like my wings extra spicy?
You can increase the amount of Frank’s Red Hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce. Just be mindful of balancing heat with butter to keep the sauce smooth and delicious.
Can I make these wings without butter?
While butter adds that rich, classic buffalo flavor, you can substitute with margarine or even a bit of olive oil for a lighter sauce, though the taste profile may differ slightly.
Is air frying healthier than traditional frying?
Yes, air frying uses significantly less oil while still delivering a crispy texture, making this Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe a healthier alternative to deep frying without sacrificing flavor.
How do I ensure the wings stay crispy after tossing in sauce?
The skin will soften a bit once coated with sauce, but to maximize crispiness, serve immediately after tossing. If you want to keep them crisp longer, serve sauce on the side for dipping instead.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe is hands down one of my favorite easy ways to enjoy that spicy, crispy snack without the hassle of traditional frying. The combination of simple ingredients with the magic of air frying creates wings that are juicy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. I hope you give this recipe a try and share it with friends and family—it’s the perfect appetizer or indulgent treat that never fails to impress.
Print
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Buffalo Wings are crispy, spicy, and perfectly cooked using your air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Coated in tangy Frank’s Red Hot sauce and butter, they make a perfect appetizer or snack served with blue cheese or ranch dressing and crisp celery sticks.
Ingredients
Wings
- 1 pound chicken wings (split into drummettes and flats)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Serving
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing
- Celery sticks
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and preheat the air fryer to 400°F to ensure the wings cook evenly and get crispy.
- Prepare the Wings: Dry the chicken wings thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then toss them in a large bowl with olive oil and a generous amount of salt and pepper for seasoning.
- Cook the Wings: Place the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip each wing using tongs for even cooking. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes or until the wings are crispy and cooked through.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: While the wings cook, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals until fully melted. Stir in the Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce to create the classic buffalo sauce.
- Toss Wings in Sauce and Serve: Once the wings are done, transfer them to the bowl with the buffalo sauce and toss until they are fully coated. Serve immediately with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks on the side to complement the spicy wings.
Notes
- You can adjust cooking time based on wing size; smaller wings may need less time, larger wings more.
- For extra crispiness, pat wings as dry as possible before tossing with oil and seasoning.
- Serve immediately as the skin softens if left sitting in sauce too long.
- Try using different hot sauces or adding garlic powder to the seasoning for flavor variations.
