There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into crispy, spicy buffalo wings, especially when they come out perfectly cooked in just 30 minutes. I’ve tried countless methods over the years, from deep frying to oven baking, but using an air fryer has quickly become my go-to technique. It’s fast, cleaner, and yields wings that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside — all while using less oil. Plus, the classic buffalo sauce gives them that iconic tangy heat that keeps me coming back for more.
Whenever I make these wings, it feels like I’m bringing a little bit of the game day experience right into my kitchen. Whether it’s for a quick snack or a party appetizer, these crispy air fryer buffalo wings are always a hit. I love how easy the process is, and that I can customize the sauce to be as mild or fiery as I like. If you’re ready to make wings that’ll impress everyone, you’re in the right place!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Wings: The star of this recipe, fresh chicken wings are essential. For best results, use whole wings cut into drumettes and flats, which ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Baking Powder: This might sound unusual, but baking powder is the secret ingredient to getting that perfect crispy skin without frying. It helps dry out the skin and create a golden, crunchy exterior in the air fryer.
Salt: Salt is crucial for seasoning the wings. It enhances all the natural flavors and helps the skin crisp up nicely.
Buffalo Sauce: A blend of hot sauce and melted butter, buffalo sauce is what gives these wings their signature spicy and tangy flavor. You can adjust the heat by choosing your favorite hot sauce or adding extra butter for richness.
Garlic Powder: A little garlic powder adds a subtle depth to the seasoning, balancing the heat with a savory note.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild kick and complements the spices perfectly.
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (hot sauce + melted butter)
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings in 30 Minutes – Irresistible!
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This step is key for achieving crispy skin. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps the wings cook evenly and get crispy quickly.
Step 3: Air Fry the Wings
Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Step 4: Toss Wings in Buffalo Sauce
Once the wings are crispy and golden, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss until each piece is coated thoroughly.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve the wings hot with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any off flavors.
- Dry your wings thoroughly before seasoning to get maximum crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — cook in batches if needed.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce heat level by mixing more or less hot sauce and butter.
- Let the wings rest for a minute after cooking for better sauce absorption.
- Serve with cooling sides like celery sticks and creamy dips to balance the spice.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning for the best crispiness.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the wings in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I make the buffalo sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Buffalo sauce can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
How do I make the sauce less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of hot sauce or add more melted butter to mellow out the heat.
Are these wings gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free hot sauce and baking powder, this recipe is gluten-free friendly.