Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

If you love finger-licking, crispy, and flavorful wings, then this Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Trust me, these wings come out beautifully crispy without the mess of deep frying and pack that classic spicy buffalo kick you crave. Whether you’re gearing up for game day, a casual get-together, or just a treat-yourself kind of night, these wings deliver big on flavor and convenience. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through every step, with insider tips that guarantee success every time.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple but flavorful, using well-known pantry staples that work harmoniously with chicken wings. I always recommend fresh spices and a good quality hot sauce because they make all the difference.

• Chicken wings: Look for whole wings to get a nice mix of flats and drumettes; this recipe covers a big batch perfect for sharing.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that’s better than plain paprika.
• Garlic powder: Gives that savory punch without having to chop fresh garlic.
• Onion powder: Enhances overall flavor with a touch of sweetness.
• Dried thyme: A little herbaceousness to round out the seasoning.
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked if possible, for the best bite.
• Butter: Melted to mix seamlessly into the sauce and add richness.
• Frank’s hot sauce: The soul of buffalo wings, delivering that iconic tangy heat.
• Ken’s chunky blue cheese dressing: Perfect for dipping, or serve with extra crumbled cheese for more texture.
• Blue cheese or gorgonzola (optional): Crumbled on top or folded into the dip for a creamier, cheesier finish.

Variations

I love how flexible this Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe is—whether you’d like to turn up the heat or keep things mild, there’s room for your personal spin. It’s all about making it your own!

• Extra spicy: When I first tried this, I bumped up the Frank’s hot sauce by an extra quarter cup and tossed in some cayenne pepper for a serious kick. My spice-loving family went nuts for it!
• Garlic parmesan: Swap out the buffalo sauce for a mix of melted butter, garlic powder, and freshly grated parmesan—super addictive and a nice change of pace.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free blue cheese dressing and double-check your hot sauce brand; otherwise, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Smoked wings: Add a little liquid smoke to the marinade or try a smoked paprika blend to deepen the flavor profile without a smoker.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season Your Wings

Start by rinsing your chicken wings under cold water if you like, then pat them thoroughly dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so don’t rush this step! Once dry, toss wings in a big bowl with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. There’s no need for added salt because Frank’s hot sauce is quite salty already. Ideally, marinate these for 30 minutes, but overnight is even better if you’ve got the time—it lets those spices soak deep inside.

Step 2: Air Fry in Batches

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). I like to cook about 16-18 wings at a time, depending on your air fryer’s size—don’t overcrowd them, or you’ll lose that crunch. Cook for about 22-25 minutes. I prefer 25 minutes because the skin gets super crispy; but if you like juicier wings, 22 minutes works well too. Once a batch is done, transfer the wings to a warming drawer or set your oven to 170°F to keep them warm while you cook the rest.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Buffalo Sauce

While your wings air fry, melt the butter and whisk it together with Frank’s hot sauce until smooth and well emulsified. This combo makes the perfect buffalo sauce—you’ll want to drown your wings in it, trust me.

Step 4: Toss Wings in Sauce and Serve

When your wings are cooked and still hot, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over them in batches and toss with a wooden spoon or tongs. Heads up, the sauce can splatter a bit, so I usually wear an apron for this part! Serve immediately alongside that creamy blue cheese dressing—extra crumbled blue cheese on top is a delicious optional touch.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of simple garnishes here. I always sprinkle extra crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola cheese on top for an indulgent hit of creaminess and visual appeal. A few chopped fresh chives or parsley added a bright touch and a pop of color that makes the wings look irresistible.

Side Dishes

For sides, celery sticks and carrot sticks are classic Buffalo wing companions—I like to serve these chilled to contrast the spicy heat. Creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side is a must. If you’re feeling hearty, crispy fries or a simple side salad complement these wings perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

One time for a party, I arranged the wings on a big platter with little bowls of blue cheese dip, hot sauce, and ranch dressing around them. Adding celery and carrots like a colorful border made the platter really pop. For game day, I even served the wings in mini paper boats—fun and easy to grab. Presentation can be casual or festive—it’s all good as long as you have plenty of napkins nearby!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftover wings cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days. If you notice the skin softens a bit, don’t worry—that can be fixed when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing cooked wings by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheating wings in the air fryer works wonders to bring back that crispiness—set it to 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. You can also reheat in a conventional oven at 375°F on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the skin crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe combines the ease of air frying with the crave-worthy flavors of classic Buffalo wings. When I first made these, I was blown away by how crispy and juicy the wings came out without needing a deep fryer. My family goes crazy for them every time, and they’ve become my go-to for quick gatherings or cozy nights in. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and eating this recipe as much as I do—so grab your air fryer and wing it with me!

Print