Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for wings that are crispy, juicy, and loaded with flavor, you’re in the right place. This Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe is honestly a game changer—quick to make, less messy than frying, and tastes just like your favorite bar wings, but healthier. I absolutely love how these wings turn out every single time, and I’m excited to share all my tips to help you nail this at home!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients blend perfectly to give you that iconic buffalo wing flavor, with smoky, garlicky, and tangy notes. Use fresh chicken wings and good-quality hot sauce for the best results—trust me, it makes a difference!

• Chicken Wings: I like to buy whole wings and split them into flats and drumettes—it cooks evenly and is easier to eat.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth beyond the buffalo sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Essential for that savory hit in the seasoning.
• Onion Powder: Layered flavor that rounds out the spices nicely.
• Dried Thyme: This herb adds an unexpected aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the wings.
• Black Pepper: For just a pinch of heat and seasoning balance.
• Butter: Melted butter brings richness and helps emulsify the buffalo sauce.
• Frank’s Hot Sauce: The secret star of buffalo wings—don’t substitute for milder hot sauces!
• Ken’s Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing: Creamy and chunky, it’s my go-to dipping sauce base.
• Crumbled Blue Cheese or Gorgonzola (optional): For extra tang and texture in the dip.

Variations

I love that you can easily tweak this Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch things up without losing the spirit of these wings.

• Spicy Kick: When I want more heat, I add a dash of cayenne or hot chili flakes to the seasoning blend before air frying.
• Garlic Lovers: For garlic lovers like me, increasing garlic powder or adding a sprinkle of garlic salt makes the wings extra savory.
• Healthier Version: Skip the butter in the sauce and swap blue cheese dressing for ranch to lighten it up while keeping great flavor.
• Smoky BBQ Twist: Substitute half the Frank’s hot sauce with your favorite smoky BBQ sauce for a tangy-sweet combo I adore.

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Wings

Start by rinsing the chicken wings under cold water if you want, then pat them dry with paper towels—I always do because dry wings crisp better in the air fryer. Transfer them to a large bowl, then sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. I skip extra salt since Frank’s hot sauce is salty enough. Let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight in the fridge; this step totally amps up the flavor.

Step 2: Air Fry the Wings in Batches

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer without overcrowding. Depending on your air fryer size, you might cook 16-18 wings at a time. Cook for 22-25 minutes—22 minutes leaves them juicier, while 25 minutes gives more crispiness. I usually aim for 25 minutes because I love that crunch! If cooking in batches, keep finished wings warm in a low oven or warming drawer so they’re ready to eat together.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Buffalo Sauce

While wings are cooking, melt the butter and whisk it together with the Frank’s hot sauce until smooth and emulsified. This classic buffalo sauce is where the magic happens—make sure to combine well for that perfect tangy richness you know and love.

Step 4: Toss Wings in the Sauce

When the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl for tossing. Pour over the buffalo sauce and toss with tongs or a wooden spoon to coat each wing evenly. Heads up: it can splatter a bit, so I always wear an apron! If you have a big batch, toss in smaller amounts to avoid mess and ensure every wing is evenly coated.

Step 5: Prepare the Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

Mix Ken’s chunky blue cheese dressing with crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola if you want an extra creamy, tangy dip. This is the classic cool complement to spicy wings that my family can’t get enough of.

How to Serve Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe

Garnishes

I always top these wings with a sprinkle of extra crumbled blue cheese and a few chopped green onions when I’m feeling fancy. It adds a fresh crunch and just the right tang to balance the heat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on the side is a nice touch too!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are celery sticks and carrot sticks with extra blue cheese or ranch dip—classic and cooling. Sometimes, I add crispy fries or even a fresh coleslaw to round out the meal. They’re all great for mopping up any extra sauce too.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party? Try serving your buffalo wings on a big platter lined with parchment paper, surrounded by celery sticks and colorful dip bowls. I’ve even set up a “buffalo wing bar” with different sauces and toppings, which was a crowd favorite. Plus, you can bake some soft pretzels on the side for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let leftover wings cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for about 3-4 days. I always recommend separating the wings from any sauce to preserve their texture—add fresh sauce or recoat after reheating for best flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover cooked wings before and had great luck. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They last up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat wings without losing crispiness is back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This revives the crunch wonderfully. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that signature crisp! Toss with fresh buffalo sauce after reheating for maximum flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it hits all the right notes: flavorful, crispy, and easy to make. Whenever I serve these at gatherings, my family goes crazy for them—they’re a guaranteed win. Give them a try and see how simple it is to whip up your own restaurant-worthy buffalo wings at home. You won’t regret it!

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