How To Make Air Fryer Buffalo Wings?
Making crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings involves drying them well, lightly coating them with oil and seasoning, and then cooking them in a preheated air fryer until golden and fully cooked.
You then toss these perfectly cooked wings in your favorite classic Buffalo sauce for that irresistible tangy, spicy flavor that makes them a crowd-pleaser.
TL;DR: Craving amazing Buffalo wings without the deep-fry mess? You’re in the right place! Here’s the quick scoop:
- Pat wings dry: This is key for maximum crispiness.
- Season simply: A little salt, pepper, and baking powder (optional) works wonders.
- Air fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd for even cooking and crunch.
- Sauce them hot: Toss freshly cooked wings in a warm Buffalo sauce.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your perfectly crispy, saucy wings right away!
How To Make Air Fryer Buffalo Wings?
Making delicious Air Fryer Buffalo Wings is surprisingly simple. You’ll achieve restaurant-quality crispness right in your own kitchen with minimal oil.
Why Choose the Air Fryer for Wings?
Many home cooks swear by the air fryer for wings. We found that it creates an incredibly crispy skin without the need for excessive oil, making cleanup much easier (Mayo Clinic).
It’s also generally faster than a conventional oven and helps you get those craveable results every time. Think of it as a mini convection oven working its magic.
Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list of fancy items to get started. Just a few core ingredients will bring these wings to life, letting their natural flavors shine.
For the Wings:
- 2-3 pounds chicken wings (flats and drumettes)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (aluminum-free, optional, but helps with crispness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like avocado or grapeseed)
For the Classic Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce (or your preferred hot sauce)
- 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, adds depth)
Prepping Your Chicken Wings for Success
Preparation is where the magic starts for truly crispy wings. Don’t skip these steps if you want that perfect crunch.
Pat Them Dry, Dry, Dry!
This is probably the most important step. Use paper towels to thoroughly pat your wings dry. Any moisture on the skin will steam instead of crisp, so make them as dry as possible.
Seasoning Your Wings
In a large bowl, toss the dried wings with the neutral oil, salt, pepper, and the optional baking powder. The baking powder works by raising the pH level on the chicken skin, breaking down proteins, and creating a more porous surface for ultimate crispiness (Cook’s Illustrated research shows this). Ensure each wing is lightly and evenly coated.
The Air Frying Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Now for the main event! The air fryer will transform these seasoned wings into golden, crispy perfection. Follow these steps for optimal results.
Here’s a quick checklist to guide you through the cooking:
- Preheat: Always preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Arrange: Place wings in a single layer, without overcrowding, in the basket.
- Initial Cook: Air fry for 15-20 minutes, then flip them over.
- Crisp Up: Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Check Temp: Ensure wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer (USDA guidelines).
- Rest: Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before saucing.
Crafting the Perfect Buffalo Sauce
While your wings are frying, you can whip up the classic Buffalo sauce. It’s incredibly easy and adds that signature tangy kick.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the hot sauce, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Keep it warm over very low heat, or gently reheat just before tossing. You want the sauce to be warm so it clings beautifully to the hot wings.
Tossing and Serving Your Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
The final step is perhaps the most satisfying. Tossing your hot, crispy wings in that flavorful sauce makes all the difference, creating a truly sensory experience.
Once your wings are out of the air fryer and have rested briefly, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm Buffalo sauce over the wings and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for that authentic sports bar feel!
Tips for Extra Crispy Air Fryer Wings
We found a few extra tricks that really make a difference. These minor adjustments can take your wings from good to absolutely amazing.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air needs to circulate around each wing. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Flip Halfway: This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides.
- Bump Up the Heat: For the last 5 minutes, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for an extra crisp finish.
- Avoid Saucing Too Early: Only sauce the wings right before serving to maintain crispness.
Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Wing Issues
Sometimes things don’t go perfectly, and that’s okay. Here’s how to fix some common problems you might encounter, helping you achieve those ideal results.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wings aren’t crispy | Wings were wet, overcrowded, or undercooked. | Pat dry thoroughly. Cook in batches. Increase cooking time or temp at the end. |
| Uneven cooking | Wings not flipped, or air fryer not preheated. | Always preheat. Flip wings halfway through. Shake basket occasionally. |
| Wings stick to basket | Not enough oil or dirty basket. | Lightly spray basket with non-aerosol oil. Clean basket well after each use. |
Flavor Variations to Try
Buffalo is classic, but you’re not limited! The air fryer is a great tool for many different wing flavors. Feel free to experiment and explore new tastes.
Consider a simple lemon pepper rub, a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, or even a spicy Korean gochujang glaze. The key is to apply the sauce after cooking to maintain the wings’ crisp exterior, allowing the flavors to truly coat the wings beautifully.
Conclusion
Making Air Fryer Buffalo Wings at home is a game-changer. You get all the crispiness and flavor of your favorite wings with less mess and fuss. By following these simple steps – from thorough drying to proper air frying and saucing – you’ll create a dish that’s sure to impress. So go ahead, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy the delicious rewards of homemade, perfectly crispy Buffalo wings. You’re now ready to be the wing master of your kitchen!
Are frozen wings good in an air fryer?
Yes, frozen wings work wonderfully in an air fryer! You’ll typically need to cook them longer, usually around 25-30 minutes at 380°F (193°C), flipping halfway. There’s no need to thaw them first, making it a super convenient option for a quick snack or meal.
How do I prevent my air fryer wings from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy wings, always pat them extremely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in single layers in batches if needed. The baking powder trick also helps draw out moisture and promote crispiness, ensuring your wings stay perfectly crunchy.
What temperature is best for air frying chicken wings?
Many experts say starting at 375°F (190°C) and then increasing to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5-10 minutes works best. This allows the wings to cook through and then achieve that ultimate crispiness without burning the outside.
Can I reheat leftover air fryer Buffalo wings?
Absolutely! To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the wings for 5-8 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. Flipping them once during reheating helps ensure they get warm and crunchy all over again.
How do I know when my air fryer chicken wings are fully cooked?
The best way to tell if your chicken wings are fully cooked is by checking their internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for chicken. Visually, they should be golden brown and the meat near the bone should not be pink.
