So you’re craving buffalo wings—the crispy, spicy, saucy kind—but deep frying feels like too much commitment (and cleanup)? Same. These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings are my go-to when I want big flavor without wrecking my kitchen or my patience. They’re crunchy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated in that classic buffalo sauce we all secretly love licking off our fingers.
Mom-approved for easy cleanup, wife-approved for flavor, and grandmom-approved because “why would we fry when we don’t have to?”
Why This Recipe Is Awesome
- Ultra crispy without deep frying. The air fryer works magic.
- Quick and easy. Perfect for weeknights, game day, or random cravings.
- Big buffalo flavor. Spicy, tangy, buttery goodness.
- Crowd-pleaser. Kids, adults, neighbors—everyone shows up for wings.
- Less mess. No oil splatters, no lingering fried smell.
It’s basically bar-style wings… minus the bar tab.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (for crispiness, trust me)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Buffalo Sauce
- ½ cup hot sauce
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: pinch of sugar or honey to balance the heat
For Serving (Optional but encouraged)
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Dry the wings.
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step matters more than you think—dry wings = crispy wings. - Season like you mean it.
In a large bowl, toss wings with baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure every wing is coated evenly. - Preheat the air fryer.
Set it to 380°F (193°C) and preheat for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps crisp the skin right away. - Arrange the wings.
Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them—give them space to breathe and crisp. - Air fry to crispy perfection.
Cook for 24–26 minutes, flipping halfway through. Wings should be golden brown and crispy all over. - Make the buffalo sauce.
While wings cook, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust heat if needed. - Sauce them up.
Transfer hot wings to a bowl and toss immediately with buffalo sauce until fully coated. - Serve hot.
Plate with celery, carrots, and plenty of dip. Napkins are not optional.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the baking powder. That’s how you get sad, rubbery skin.
- Overcrowding the basket. Wings need airflow, not a group hug.
- Forgetting to flip. Uneven crispiness is a crime.
- Saucing too early. Sauce after cooking, not before.
- Not drying the wings. Moisture = soggy disappointment.
Thinking “eh, it’ll crisp anyway” is how wing dreams die.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Extra spicy: Add cayenne or a splash of hotter hot sauce.
- Mild buffalo: Use less hot sauce, more butter.
- Honey buffalo: Add 1–2 tablespoons honey to the sauce.
- Garlic buffalo: Add minced garlic or garlic butter to the sauce.
- Boneless option: Use chicken tenders, reduce cook time slightly.
IMO, classic buffalo is perfect—but honey buffalo is dangerously good.
Tips for Extra Crispy Air Fryer Wings
- Dry them well. I’m saying it again because it matters.
- Use baking powder, not baking soda. Big difference.
- Flip halfway. Even browning every time.
- Cook in batches if needed. Crowding ruins crispiness.
- Sauce right before serving. Keeps wings crunchy.
Bold tip: If your wings aren’t crispy enough, add 3–5 extra minutes—air fryers vary.
For more chicken cooking tips, don’t miss my full air fryer chicken recipe guide.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need oil?
Nope. The chicken fat renders beautifully on its own.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw and dry them first for best results.
How spicy are these?
That depends on your hot sauce. Adjust to your heat tolerance.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp.
Are these keto-friendly?
Yes, just skip any added sugar in the sauce.
Can I make them ahead of time?
You can cook the wings ahead, then reheat and sauce right before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings are crispy, saucy, and dangerously easy to make. They’re perfect for game day, family movie night, or those “I just want wings” moments that hit out of nowhere.
Make a batch, grab some napkins, and don’t worry if they disappear fast—that just means you nailed it. 🍗🔥
