Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Crispy Without Frying: The air fryer creates perfectly crispy wings without the need for deep frying.
• Healthier Option: Less oil means fewer calories, but all the flavor remains.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and fast cooking, these wings are ready in less than 30 minutes.
• Perfect for Game Day: These spicy wings are great for any gathering, especially when served with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

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Key Ingredients

• Chicken Wings: Fresh or frozen chicken wings that are cut into drumettes and flats.
• Buffalo Sauce: A combination of hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) and melted butter creates the classic buffalo sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a bit of savory flavor to the wings before cooking.
• Paprika: Adds flavor and helps with color and crisping.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the flavor of the wings.
• Butter: Melted butter is mixed with hot sauce to create the buffalo sauce.

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How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

• If using frozen wings, make sure they are fully thawed and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the wings crisp up in the air fryer.

Step 2: Season the Wings

• In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken wings with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper until the wings are evenly coated.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Wings

• Place the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if necessary.
• Air fry the wings at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The wings are done when they are crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce

• While the wings are cooking, melt 1/4 cup of butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in 1/2 cup of your favorite hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot) until fully combined.

Step 6: Toss the Wings in Sauce

• Once the wings are crispy and cooked through, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss them until evenly coated.

Step 7: Serve

• Serve the buffalo wings immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing, and some celery sticks on the side.

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Tips for the Best Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

1. Pat the Wings Dry: Removing excess moisture from the wings ensures they get crispy in the air fryer.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the wings in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy. If you have a small air fryer, cook the wings in batches.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat.
4. Customize the Heat: Adjust the spiciness of the buffalo sauce by adding more or less hot sauce depending on your heat preference.
5. Reheat in the Air Fryer: If you have leftovers, reheat the wings in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 400°F to regain their crispiness.

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Recipe Variations

• BBQ Buffalo Wings: Swap out half of the buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce to add a smoky sweetness to the wings.
• Honey Buffalo Wings: Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy combination.
• Extra Spicy Wings: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce for an extra kick of heat.
• Dry Rub Wings: Skip the buffalo sauce and coat the wings with a mix of your favorite dry spices, such as cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make frozen wings in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen wings in the air fryer. Increase the cooking time by 5-7 minutes and make sure to flip them halfway through. Be sure to cook the wings until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. How do I store leftover wings?

Store leftover buffalo wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 400°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness.

3. Can I use a different sauce instead of buffalo sauce?

Yes! You can use BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or any sauce you prefer to coat the wings after cooking.

4. What can I serve with buffalo wings?

Serve your buffalo wings with celery sticks, carrots, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping

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