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Crispy Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe for Perfect Crunch Every Time

crispy buffalo air fryer chicken wings - featured image

Quick and easy crispy buffalo chicken wings made in the air fryer with a perfect crunchy skin and flavorful buffalo sauce. Ideal for game day, gatherings, or last-minute cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes, fresh or thawed
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (not baking soda)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) hot sauce (classic Frank’s RedHot recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Pat the 2 pounds of chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
  2. In a large bowl, toss wings with 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika until evenly coated.
  3. Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  4. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping wings halfway through at about 12 minutes. Add 2-3 minutes more if needed to ensure golden brown and crispy skin.
  5. While wings cook, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add ½ cup hot sauce and optional 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar. Stir until smooth and warm, then remove from heat.
  6. Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl and toss gently with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
  7. Serve wings hot with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side.

Notes

Pat wings very dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Use baking powder, not baking soda, for best crunch. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Flip wings halfway through cooking to brown evenly. Check internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

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