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–+ servings

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

Shatteringly crisp air-fried wings tossed in a tangy, buttery Buffalo sauce with just the right kick. Simple techniques deliver pub-style results at home—no deep fryer needed.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

For the wings

  • 2.25 lb chicken wings, flats and drumettes separated
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp aluminum-free baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

Buffalo sauce

  • 1/3 cup Frank’s RedHot Original sauce
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/8 tsp fine salt

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Pat the wings very dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss them with kosher salt, black pepper, baking powder, and onion powder until evenly coated. Set aside for 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce and heat the air fryer.
  • Make the Buffalo sauce: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together melted butter, Frank’s RedHot, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), and a pinch of salt until glossy. Taste and adjust salt if needed; set aside.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Lightly mist the basket with nonstick spray if your fryer tends to stick.
  • Arrange wings in a single layer in the basket with a little space between pieces. Air-fry at 380°F for 12 minutes, pausing once halfway to shake or turn the wings. Tip: Don’t crowd—air needs to circulate for maximum crispiness.
  • Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook 6–8 minutes more, until the skin is deep golden and a thermometer reads at least 170°F at the thickest part (wings taste best a bit higher than 165°F).
  • Transfer wings to a clean bowl and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the Buffalo sauce over them; toss to lightly glaze. Return wings to the air fryer and cook 2 minutes at 400°F to set the glaze.
  • Toss the hot wings with the remaining sauce until every piece is evenly coated. Serve immediately with celery sticks and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

For extra-crispy skin, leave the seasoned wings uncovered in the fridge for 30–60 minutes before cooking. Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–6 minutes.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.