I’ll be honest—there’s just something magical about biting into a chicken wing that’s perfectly crisp on the outside, yet juicy and tender inside, all drenched in tangy-spicy buffalo sauce. Growing up, game days weren’t complete without a big platter of wings, but I didn’t always love the greasy aftermath that came with deep frying. That’s where my air fryer completely changed the game. It gives me all the crunch I crave without turning my kitchen into an oil-splattered war zone.
Now, these Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Chicken Hot Wings are my go-to for parties, lazy weekend snacking, or even a quick weeknight dinner when I’m craving a little heat. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—you only need a few key ingredients and about 30 minutes to create wings that taste like they came from your favorite sports bar. Plus, the buffalo sauce clings to every crevice of the crispy skin, making each bite an explosion of flavor.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Wings:
Fresh or thawed chicken wings are the star here. You can use whole wings or split them into drumettes and flats. Choosing fresh wings will give you better texture, but frozen can work too—just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry to get that signature crispiness.
Olive Oil:
A light drizzle of olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the wings and promotes that golden, crunchy finish. It’s the perfect healthy alternative to deep frying, giving the wings a beautiful crisp without excess grease.
Garlic Powder:
This adds a subtle savory kick that deepens the flavor profile. Garlic powder distributes evenly across the wings, unlike fresh garlic, which can burn at high heat.
Paprika:
Paprika provides a mild smokiness and a gorgeous reddish hue to the wings. You can use sweet, smoked, or hot paprika depending on your personal heat preference.
Salt and Pepper:
The basic but essential seasoning duo. Salt enhances all the other flavors, while pepper brings a gentle warmth and depth.
Buffalo Sauce:
The heart of the heat. Store-bought buffalo sauce works great, or you can whip up your own using hot sauce, butter, and a pinch of garlic powder. Its tangy, spicy profile is what turns crispy wings into “Buffalo wings.”
Butter:
Mixing butter with buffalo sauce tempers the heat slightly and gives the wings that glossy, mouthwatering coating. It also helps the sauce cling to the crispy skin without making it soggy.
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Chicken Hot Wings
Step 1: Prep the Wings
Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial—removing moisture ensures the skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until every piece is evenly coated.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crisp.
Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the wings cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the buffalo sauce until fully combined, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Place the cooked wings in a large clean bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss until they’re fully coated. Serve immediately with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing if desired.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Dry the wings well before seasoning—this is the secret to ultimate crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed so air circulates evenly.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- If you prefer a milder version, increase the butter ratio in your buffalo sauce.
- Serve immediately after tossing in sauce for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the wings, then reheat them in the air fryer for 5–6 minutes before tossing with fresh buffalo sauce.
What if I don’t have buffalo sauce?
You can make your own by mixing hot sauce, melted butter, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Absolutely—just adjust the cooking time since boneless pieces cook faster.
How do I make them less spicy?
Use a mild hot sauce or add more butter to the buffalo sauce mixture.