Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe

Craving crispy, spicy wings without the mess of deep-frying? These Air Fryer Buffalo Wings are the perfect solution! With tender meat, a crispy exterior, and a tangy buffalo sauce, these wings are ideal for game day or any casual gathering. 🍗🔥

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Buffalo wings are a classic American dish that has been a staple at parties, sports bars, and family gatherings for decades. These air fryer buffalo wings deliver the same bold flavor and crispiness of traditional fried wings, but with less oil and less hassle, making them a healthier yet equally delicious option.

The History Behind Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings originated in Buffalo, New York, in 1964, where they were first served at the Anchor Bar. Since then, they have become a national favorite, particularly during sporting events like Super Bowl Sunday. Traditionally, buffalo wings are deep-fried and tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce made from hot sauce and butter. This air fryer version gives you all the flavor and crispiness of the original with a fraction of the oil.

Why These Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Are a Must-Try

Air frying buffalo wings gives you that perfectly crispy exterior without the need for deep frying. The result is wings that are juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and coated in a finger-licking buffalo sauce. Plus, cooking in the air fryer means less oil, less cleanup, and a healthier option for enjoying your favorite wings.

Main Ingredients of Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully selected to ensure maximum flavor and texture:

• Chicken Wings (2 pounds, drumettes and flats): The main ingredient, chicken wings provide a juicy, flavorful bite. Choose wings that are similar in size for even cooking.
  • Tip: Pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure they get crispy in the air fryer.
• Baking Powder (1 tablespoon): Baking powder helps the skin crisp up in the air fryer without needing extra oil.
  • Tip: Make sure to use baking powder, not baking soda, as baking soda can give the wings a bitter taste.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Basic seasonings like salt and pepper enhance the flavor of the chicken wings, allowing the buffalo sauce to shine.
• Buffalo Sauce (½ cup): A classic buffalo sauce is made from hot sauce and melted butter. You can adjust the level of heat depending on your preference.
  • Substitution: For a milder version, use a mild hot sauce or mix in more butter to mellow out the spice.
• Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Butter adds richness to the buffalo sauce and helps it cling to the wings.
  • Tip: You can use ghee or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
• Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Garlic powder adds a subtle flavor to the wings before they’re tossed in buffalo sauce.
  • Substitution: If you prefer fresh garlic, mince 1 clove and add it to the buffalo sauce for extra flavor.
• Celery Sticks and Carrot Sticks (for serving): Classic accompaniments to buffalo wings that add a refreshing crunch.
  • Tip: Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Benefits of Ingredients

• Chicken Wings are a great source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
• Buffalo Sauce provides a balance of spice and tang, and using the air fryer reduces the need for extra oil, making these wings a healthier option.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Wings: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for ensuring crispy wings. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
   • Tip: Drying the wings thoroughly before air frying helps remove moisture, which can make the wings soggy instead of crispy.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the wings cook evenly and get crispy from the start.
   • Tip: If your air fryer doesn’t need preheating, you can skip this step, but preheating typically results in crispier wings.
3. Cook the Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
   • Tip: For extra crispy wings, cook them for an additional 5 minutes at the end.
4. Make the Buffalo Sauce: While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in the hot sauce and whisk until well combined. If you want a spicier sauce, add more hot sauce; for a milder sauce, add more butter.
   • Tip: You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat or a tablespoon of honey for a sweet-spicy combination.
5. Toss the Wings in Sauce: Once the wings are done cooking, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss until the wings are evenly coated in the sauce.
   • Tip: For extra saucy wings, reserve some of the sauce to drizzle over the wings just before serving.
6. Serve: Transfer the buffalo wings to a serving platter and garnish with celery and carrot sticks. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
   • Tip: For an added touch, sprinkle the wings with a little chopped parsley or green onions before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: To achieve the crispiest wings, make sure to cook the wings in a single layer. Overcrowding the air fryer can result in uneven cooking and soggy wings.
• Double the Batch: If making a large batch, you can keep the cooked wings warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you cook the remaining wings.
• Serve Immediately: Buffalo wings are best enjoyed hot and crispy, so serve them right after tossing in the buffalo sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

Can I use frozen wings in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen wings. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes. It’s best to thaw the wings beforehand for even cooking.

How do I make the wings less spicy?
To make the buffalo wings less spicy, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce and increase the amount of butter. You can also serve the wings with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing to help mellow the heat.

Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the wings ahead of time and reheat them in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes to crisp them up before serving. Wait to toss them in the buffalo sauce until just before serving for the best texture.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover wings?
The best way to reheat buffalo wings is in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will help them regain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the wings soggy.

Can I bake these wings instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake the wings in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer, however, will give you a crispier result with less cooking time.

These Air Fryer Buffalo Wings are crispy, juicy, and coated in a tangy buffalo sauce that will satisfy any wing craving. Made in the air fryer, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional fried wings without sacrificing flavor!

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