Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe

Master how to make the best homemade air fryer buffalo wings with this easy baking recipe. These crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside wings deliver authentic buffalo flavor with less oil and mess. The secret is in the special spice rub and double-cooking technique for restaurant-quality results every time.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

25 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 kg chicken wings, split at joints, tips removed</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp garlic powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp onion powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml hot sauce (Frank's RedHot or similar)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60g unsalted butter</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp honey</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp apple cider vinegar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp garlic powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 320 calories

🥑 Fat: 22 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 9 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 2 g

🍭 Sugar: 1 g

🍗 Protein: 28 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 125 mg

🧂 Sodium: 780 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Paper towels</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Large mixing bowl</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Small saucepan</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Tongs</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving crispy skin in the air fryer. Place the wings in a large bowl. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a small bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. The baking powder is the secret ingredient that helps create a crispy exterior by raising the pH level of the skin, allowing it to brown and crisp more efficiently. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Sprinkle the dry mixture over the wings and toss until evenly coated. Make sure each wing is thoroughly covered for consistent results. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the wings start cooking immediately when placed in the basket, promoting better crisping. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not touching or overcrowded. This allows hot air to circulate around each wing. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Cook the wings at 180°C for 12 minutes. Flip the wings using tongs, then increase the temperature to 200°C and cook for another 10-12 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 75°C. The two-temperature method allows the wings to cook through first, then crisp up beautifully. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> While the wings are cooking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the hot sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until everything is well incorporated. The butter helps mellow the heat while adding richness to the sauce. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> When the wings are done, transfer them to a large clean bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the wings and toss until evenly coated. The hot wings will absorb the sauce better than if they were cold. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> For extra crispiness, you can return the sauced wings to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 200°C to set the sauce slightly. This creates a delicious tacky texture on the outside while keeping the wings juicy inside. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Serve immediately while hot with your choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing, along with celery and carrot sticks on the side. The wings are best enjoyed fresh when they're at their crispiest! </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe?

This recipe uses chicken wings, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, hot sauce (preferably Frank's RedHot), unsalted butter, honey, apple cider vinegar, and optional cayenne pepper for extra heat.

How to cook Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Buffalo Wings by first coating dried wings with a baking powder-spice mixture, then air frying at 180°C for 12 minutes, flipping, and cooking at 200°C for another 10-12 minutes until crispy. Meanwhile, prepare the buffalo sauce with melted butter, hot sauce, honey and spices, then toss the cooked wings in the sauce.

Why use baking powder when making chicken wings in an air fryer?

Baking powder is crucial as it raises the pH level of the chicken skin, helping it break down proteins more efficiently during cooking. This results in a much crispier exterior without deep frying, creating that sought-after crunchy texture that rivals restaurant wings.

Can you stack chicken wings in an air fryer?

No, stacking wings in an air fryer is not recommended. For optimal crispiness, arrange wings in a single layer with space between each piece. This allows hot air to circulate around the entire wing, cooking them evenly and ensuring each wing achieves that perfect golden-brown, crispy exterior.

What's the best dipping sauce to serve with buffalo wings?

Traditional accompaniments include blue cheese dressing or ranch dip, which provide cooling relief from the spicy buffalo sauce. For alternatives, try honey mustard, garlic aioli, or a creamy avocado dip. Always serve with crisp celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing contrast.

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