Air Fryer Buffalo Wings: Crispy, Saucy Perfection!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)

📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025

The Ultimate Game Day Snack Made Easy!

Who doesn’t love a plate of perfectly crispy, saucy buffalo wings? That irresistible blend of heat, tang, and savory chicken is pure magic, especially on game day or for a casual get-together. But let’s be honest, deep-frying can be a messy affair, and oven-baked wings sometimes miss that crucial crispy factor. Enter the air fryer, your new best friend for achieving restaurant-quality Air Fryer Buffalo Wings without all the fuss! In just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a platter of juicy, tender wings with an unbelievably crunchy skin, drenched in that iconic spicy sauce. Get ready to elevate your snack game and impress everyone with these unbelievably Crispy Chicken Wings – they’re a true crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortlessly Crispy: The air fryer circulates hot air, giving you that coveted crunch without excessive oil.
• Quick & Convenient: Much faster and less messy than traditional deep-frying.
• Healthier Alternative: Uses significantly less oil, making them a lighter option.
• Flavor-Packed: We’ll get that perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and rich buffalo flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From football Sundays to weeknight appetizers, these wings are always a hit!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (flats and drumettes), patted very dry
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
• For the Buffalo Sauce:
• 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Hot Sauce
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• For Serving:
• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks
• Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing

How to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

1. Prep the Wings: Ensure your chicken wings are completely dry. Use paper towels to pat them thoroughly. This is crucial for maximum crispiness! In a large bowl, toss the dried wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cornstarch (if using). Make sure each wing is evenly coated.
2. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
3. Air Fry the Wings: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary. Air fry for 15 minutes, then flip the wings and continue to air fry for another 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For the ultimate crispy texture, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 3-5 minutes.
4. Make the Buffalo Sauce: While the wings are cooking, prepare your buffalo sauce. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine Frank’s RedHot Original Hot Sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper (if using). Microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through and well combined. Whisk until smooth.
5. Toss and Serve: Once the Air Fryer Buffalo Wings are perfectly crispy, transfer them to a large clean bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the wings and toss gently until every piece is beautifully coated. Serve immediately with fresh celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite blue cheese or ranch dressing. These Crispy Chicken Wings are best enjoyed hot!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

• Sweet & Spicy: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to your buffalo sauce for a sticky, sweet heat.
• Garlic Parmesan: Skip the buffalo sauce and instead toss the air-fried wings in melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
• Lemon Pepper: For a zingy, non-sauced option, toss the cooked wings in lemon pepper seasoning.
• Dry Rub Delight: Before air frying, coat wings in your favorite dry rub (like smoky paprika, brown sugar, chili powder mix) instead of the simple salt/pepper combo.
• Dipping Sauces Galore: Beyond blue cheese and ranch, try a creamy avocado dip, a spicy sriracha mayo, or a cool cucumber dill sauce.
• Classic Pairings: Don’t forget the classic sides! A side of cool, crisp celery and carrot sticks provides the perfect contrast to the spicy wings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen wings?

A: Yes, but you’ll need to cook them longer. Cook frozen wings at 380°F (195°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, then follow the instructions for tossing in sauce and possibly crisping at a higher temperature for a few minutes.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftover wings?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

Q: What if my wings aren’t getting crispy?

A: Ensure your wings are patted *very* dry before seasoning. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this steams the wings instead of frying them. Also, a light coating of cornstarch can help.

Q: Can I make the buffalo sauce ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! The buffalo sauce can be made a few days in advance and stored in the fridge. Gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before tossing with the freshly cooked wings.

Reader Reviews

Jessica L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“These are hands down the best air fryer wings I’ve ever made! So crispy and the sauce recipe is spot on. My family devoured them for game night. Will definitely be making these again and again!”

Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Great recipe, very clear instructions. The wings turned out super crispy, just like from a restaurant. My only minor thing is I like my sauce a bit spicier, so I added extra cayenne next time. Still fantastic!”

Sarah P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’m a total air fryer newbie and this recipe was so easy to follow. The wings were perfect – juicy inside, crunchy outside, and that buffalo sauce is addictive! My new go-to for Air Fryer Buffalo Wings. Highly recommend!”

Ready to Take Flight?

There you have it – a foolproof guide to crafting the most delicious, perfectly crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings right in your own kitchen! Forget the deep fryer, ditch the soggy oven wings, and embrace the magic of the air fryer for this classic appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a spicy snack, or just looking to master the art of Crispy Chicken Wings, this recipe is your ticket to success. Give it a try, and prepare for a standing ovation!

Recipe Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.