If you’re craving the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive, this Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe has got you covered. Imagine wings that are golden and crunchy on the outside yet tender and juicy inside, all coated in that vibrant, tangy Frank’s Red Hot sauce that makes buffalo wings iconic. What’s truly wonderful about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare in your air fryer, cutting down on the mess and the oil but keeping every bit of the flavor and texture you love. Whether it’s game day, a casual dinner, or just a craving that strikes, these wings bring a crowd-pleasing punch that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple, but each one plays a vital role in building that exquisite balance of flavor and texture for your Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe. From the fresh wings to the sharp buffalo sauce, you really only need a handful of essentials.
- Chicken wings (1 pound, split into drummettes and flats): Fresh wings get crispy quicker and absorb sauce better than frozen ones.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without overpowering flavor.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): The groundwork seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
- Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce (1/4 cup): The heart of the buffalo flavor providing that tangy, spicy kick.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and smoothness to the buffalo sauce, balancing the heat.
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing (for serving): Cool and creamy dips that complement the heat perfectly.
- Celery sticks (for serving): A crisp, refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the wings.
How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer and Wings
Start by spraying your air fryer basket with a little non-stick cooking spray to keep the wings from sticking. Preheat your air fryer to a sizzling 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which sets the stage for achieving that coveted crispy skin. Meanwhile, pat your wings dry with paper towels—this step is key to making sure your wings crisp up rather than steam.
Step 2: Season and Oil the Wings
Place the dried wings in a roomy prep bowl and add the olive oil along with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss everything together so each wing is coated evenly. This simple seasoning creates a flavorful foundation and helps the skin become perfectly crispy in the air fryer.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Cook them for 10 minutes, then flip each wing over using tongs to ensure even crispiness all around. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes or until the wings reach your preferred level of golden, crispy goodness. Remember, cooking times may vary slightly based on wing size, so keep an eye on them.
Step 4: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
While the wings cook, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl by heating it in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid overheating. Once fully melted, stir in the Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce to create that signature buffalo sauce that’s rich, spicy, and just the right amount of tangy.
Step 5: Toss Wings in Sauce and Serve
When the wings are perfectly cooked, remove them from the air fryer and immediately toss them in the buffalo sauce bowl. Coating them while hot ensures every bite is full of that iconic flavor. Serve the wings right away to enjoy the crispiest skin, accompanied by your favorite blue cheese or ranch dressing and crunchy celery sticks.
How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of dried parsley can brighten up the plate, adding color and a subtle freshness. A dash of extra hot sauce on the side lets guests dial up the heat to their liking, making the wings customizable and fun to eat.
Side Dishes
Celery sticks and creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing are classic partners that provide cooling relief from the heat of the wings. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing the wings with crispy fries, a crisp garden salad, or even some garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe on a rustic wooden board piled high for a casual vibe, or arrange them neatly on a platter lined with parchment paper for a more polished look. Offering multiple dipping sauces and colorful vegetable sticks alongside can turn your wings into a lively snack platter perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Air Fryer Buffalo Wings leftover, don’t worry—they keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
Buffalo wings freeze beautifully. Arrange the cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months, making them a convenient option for quick snacks or meals.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the wings back into your air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method restores much of that original crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the skin crisp, though it works in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen wings, but it’s best to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and air frying. This helps achieve crispier skin and even cooking.
What if I like my wings less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of Frank’s Red Hot sauce or mix it with some melted butter to tone down the heat without losing the characteristic buffalo flavor.
Can I make these wings without butter?
Butter adds richness to the buffalo sauce, but if you want to avoid it, you can substitute with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when wings are cooked through?
The wings should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. They will also look golden and crispy with juices running clear when pierced.
Is it necessary to flip the wings during air frying?
Flipping ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides, but if your air fryer has good air circulation, you might get away without flipping. However, flipping is generally recommended for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about mastering an Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe that delivers that perfect mix of crispy skin and spicy, buttery sauce with minimal fuss. This recipe brings all the flavor and texture you want with the ease and convenience of air frying. Whether you’re feeding just yourself or a hungry crowd, these wings are destined to become a favorite go-to. So don’t wait—fire up that air fryer and get ready for some unforgettable wings!
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Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Buffalo Wings made with a perfect balance of spicy Frank’s Red Hot sauce and buttery goodness. These wings are easy to prepare, air fried to perfection, and served with classic blue cheese or ranch dressing and crunchy celery sticks for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Wings
- 1 pound chicken wings (split into drummettes and flats)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Serving
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing
- Celery sticks
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and preheat the air fryer to 400°F to ensure wings cook evenly and develop a crispy texture.
- Prepare the wings: Dry the chicken wings thoroughly using paper towels, then place them in a large bowl. Toss the wings with olive oil, salt, and pepper generously to season and help crisp the skin during cooking.
- Air fry the wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes at 400°F, then use tongs to flip the wings and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until they are crispy, golden, and cooked through. Adjust time for wing size if necessary.
- Make the buffalo sauce: While the wings cook, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in short intervals until fully melted. Stir in Frank’s Red Hot Original Sauce until well combined.
- Toss wings in sauce and serve: Remove cooked wings from the air fryer, add them to the bowl with buffalo sauce, and toss thoroughly to coat each wing. Serve immediately with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks on the side for a classic buffalo wing experience.
Notes
- Pat the wings dry thoroughly to ensure maximum crispiness.
- If you prefer spicier wings, add more Frank’s Red Hot sauce to the butter mixture.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking and crispiness.
- Serve wings immediately after tossing in the sauce to retain crispiness; longer sitting will soften the skin.
- Use tongs to flip wings safely and easily during cooking.
