Ultimate Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Posted on November 15, 2025

air fryer buffalo chicken wings - featured image

The irresistible smell of crispy, spicy buffalo wings sizzling in the air fryer is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. I still remember the first time I ditched the deep fryer—what a game-changer! These air fryer buffalo chicken wings deliver all the crunch and flavor without the mess or extra grease. If you’re ready for finger-licking goodness with minimal effort, this recipe will become your new favorite. Trust me, you’ll never look at wings the same way again.

This recipe is perfect for game days, casual family dinners, or anytime you’re craving classic comfort food with a spicy kick. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a solo treat, these wings are guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, using an air fryer cuts down on cooking time and cleanup—who doesn’t love that?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, including prep time. Perfect for last-minute cravings!
Healthier Alternative: Skip the deep fryer and enjoy crispy wings with less oil.
Big Flavor: The buffalo sauce is bold, spicy, and tangy—everything you want in a wing.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game night, a party, or a casual dinner, these wings steal the show.
No Mess: Cooking in the air fryer means less grease splatter and easier cleanup.

What really sets this recipe apart is the air fryer technique. It creates that crispy skin we all love without deep frying. Plus, the homemade buffalo sauce is perfectly balanced, not overly salty or vinegary—just pure deliciousness. You’ll want to put it on everything!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. You may already have most of these in your kitchen!

Chicken Wings: About 2 pounds of fresh or thawed wings, separated into drumettes and flats. (Pat them dry for extra crispiness!)
Baking Powder: Helps create a crispy texture without frying. (Don’t worry, you won’t taste it.)
Salt: A little seasoning goes a long way.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth to the wings.
Paprika: For color and a hint of smokiness.
Buffalo Sauce: Use your favorite brand or make your own with hot sauce, melted butter, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Butter: Unsalted butter for the buffalo sauce—gives it that silky texture.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for authentic buffalo flavor.
Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: For dipping (because you can’t have buffalo wings without it!).

If you’re out of baking powder, cornstarch works as a substitute. And for a dairy-free option, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative.

Equipment Needed

Air Fryer: A basket-style or oven-style air fryer works great; just make sure your wings fit in a single layer.
Mixing Bowls: For tossing the wings in baking powder and seasoning.
Silicone Tongs: Perfect for flipping the wings without scratching your air fryer basket.
Small Saucepan: To make the buffalo sauce.
Wire Rack or Plate: For resting the wings after cooking.

If you don’t have an air fryer, an oven set to convection mode can achieve similar results. Just be prepared for a slightly longer cooking time.

Preparation Method

Prep the Chicken Wings: First, pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve that crispy texture.
Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
Cook the Wings: Arrange the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. (They should be golden brown and crispy.)
Make the Buffalo Sauce: While the wings are cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce until fully combined. Taste and adjust heat level as needed.
Toss the Wings: Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss until they’re completely coated.
Serve: Plate the wings and garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

If you notice the wings aren’t crisp enough, let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The air fryer timing may vary slightly depending on your specific model.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Pat the Wings Dry: Removing moisture before seasoning is key to achieving crispy skin.
Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the wings in a single layer so the air fryer can circulate heat evenly.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Starting with a hot air fryer ensures even cooking and better results.
Flip Halfway: Flipping the wings ensures they crisp evenly on both sides.
Adjust Sauce Heat: Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it extra spicy.

And if you’re like me, you’ll want to make a second batch—these wings disappear fast!

Variations & Adaptations

Low-Sodium Option: Use unsalted butter and a low-sodium hot sauce to reduce sodium levels.
Garlic Parmesan Wings: Swap buffalo sauce for a mix of melted butter, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Honey BBQ Wings: Replace buffalo sauce with a blend of BBQ sauce and honey for a sweet and smoky twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your baking powder and hot sauce are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

I once tried adding a dash of honey to the buffalo sauce for a slightly sweet-spicy combo—it’s surprisingly good!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Buffalo chicken wings are best served hot and crispy right out of the air fryer. Arrange them on a platter with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for the ultimate experience.

Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crunch. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: 280
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 2g

Chicken wings are a great source of protein, and using less oil makes them a healthier option compared to traditional fried wings. If you’re watching your carb intake, these are a perfect choice—just be mindful of the dipping sauces and added butter.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a foolproof way to make crispy, flavorful wings, this ultimate air fryer buffalo chicken wings recipe is for you. With less mess, less time, and maximum flavor, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser. I love how versatile this recipe is—you can tweak the sauce to suit your taste and experiment with different flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they crisp up properly.

How do I prevent the wings from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil before adding the wings, or use parchment paper designed for air fryers.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

How can I make the wings less spicy?

Reduce the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce and add a bit more butter for a milder flavor.

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken tenders or drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.

Pin This Recipe!