Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe

<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>

<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>

<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>