How to Make Buffalo Wings in an Air Fryer

Buffalo wings are a game-day favorite, a go-to party snack, and an all-around delicious dish that’s hard to resist. The perfect combination of crispy skin, juicy meat, and tangy heat makes them an irresistible treat. But what if you could enjoy restaurant-quality Buffalo wings at home with a fraction of the oil and mess? Enter the air fryer—a game-changer for home cooks who want crispy, flavorful wings without deep-frying.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making Buffalo wings in an air fryer, from preparation to serving. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a healthier version of this classic dish!

Why Use an Air Fryer for Buffalo Wings?

The air fryer is an excellent tool for cooking wings because it delivers the crispy texture of deep-fried wings without excessive oil. Here’s why you should consider making Buffalo wings in an air fryer:

• Healthier Option: Air fryers use hot air circulation to create a crispy texture, reducing the need for large amounts of oil.
• Faster Cooking Time: Unlike baking, which can take up to an hour, air-fried wings cook in about 25-30 minutes.
• Easy Cleanup: No messy oil splatters or greasy pans to deal with.
• Perfect Crispiness: The air fryer’s rapid air circulation ensures your wings have that signature crispy exterior while staying juicy inside.

Ingredients for Air-Fried Buffalo Wings

To make the perfect Buffalo wings, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a slightly sweet balance)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Wings

Before cooking, it’s crucial to dry your wings as much as possible. Use paper towels to pat them dry, removing excess moisture will help them crisp up.

Once dry, toss the wings in a bowl with baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. The baking powder is the secret ingredient that helps achieve that signature crispy texture without deep-frying.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the wings get crispy faster.

3. Cook the Wings

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Arrange the wings in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap (cook in batches if needed).
• Air fry at 380°F for 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Increase the temperature to 400°F (205°C) and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

4. Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the wings are cooking, prepare the sauce:

• In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
• Stir in the hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and honey (if using). Mix well and remove from heat.

5. Toss and Serve

Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the Buffalo sauce over them. Toss until they’re evenly coated.

For extra-crispy wings, you can return them to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes after tossing them in the sauce.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Buffalo wings with classic sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a generous side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

• Don’t Skip the Baking Powder: This ingredient helps break down proteins on the chicken skin, creating a crispier texture.
• Cook in Batches: Overcrowding the air fryer basket will lead to uneven cooking. Give each wing some space for the best results.
• Use Fresh Wings: Frozen wings contain excess moisture, which can prevent crispiness. If using frozen wings, thaw and pat them dry first.
• Adjust the Heat Level: Love extra heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of extra hot sauce to the Buffalo sauce.

Variations to Try

Looking to mix things up? Here are a few fun ways to customize your air-fried wings:

• Garlic Parmesan Wings: Toss the wings in melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan instead of Buffalo sauce.
• Honey BBQ Wings: Swap the hot sauce for BBQ sauce and add a tablespoon of honey for a sweet and smoky flavor.
• Lemon Pepper Wings: Coat the wings in melted butter and lemon pepper seasoning for a tangy, peppery twist.

Final Thoughts

Making Buffalo wings in an air fryer is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to enjoy this classic dish. With crispy skin, juicy meat, and that signature tangy heat, these wings are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual dinner, a game-day snack, or a party appetizer.

Don’t feel like cooking but still craving delicious, crispy chicken? Visit La Rosa Chicken & Grill for fresh, high-quality chicken dishes, including mouthwatering wings that hit the spot every time!