Buffalo wings are a beloved classic, and with the convenience of an air fryer, they become even
easier to prepare without sacrificing flavor.
Our comprehensive guide will take you through every step to ensure you achieve crispy, delicious
buffalo wings that will rival any traditional recipe.
Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
To create the best air fryer buffalo wings, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- Celery sticks and blue cheese dressing (for serving)
Preparing the Chicken Wings
1. Pat Dry and Season
Begin by thoroughly patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. In a large bowl, toss the wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and baking powder. The baking powder is a secret ingredient that helps make the wings extra crispy.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is essential for even cooking and achieving that desirable crispy skin.
Cooking the Wings in the Air Fryer
3. Arrange the Wings
Place the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overcrowded, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly. You may need to cook the wings in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
4. Cook the Wings
Cook the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The wings should be golden brown and crispy when done. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Making the Buffalo Sauce
5. Prepare the Sauce
While the wings are cooking, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey (if using) in a small bowl. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Tossing the Wings in Sauce
6. Coat the Wings
Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss until they are evenly coated. Ensure each wing is fully covered in the sauce for maximum flavor.
Serving Suggestions
7. Serve Immediately
Serve the buffalo wings hot, alongside celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. These accompaniments provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy wings.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
- Use Fresh Chicken Wings: Fresh wings will yield the best texture and flavor. If using frozen wings, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
- Do Not Skip the Baking Powder: This ingredient is key to achieving a crispy exterior.
- Shake the Basket: If your air fryer basket allows, give it a shake halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
- Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the hot sauce and butter ratio to your preference. For spicier wings, add more hot sauce; for milder wings, increase the butter.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
By following this guide, you can easily make restaurant-quality buffalo wings at home using your air fryer. These wings are perfect for game day, parties, or any time you’re craving something spicy and delicious. Enjoy the convenience and flavor of air fryer buffalo wings with our detailed recipe and tips.
