There’s something irresistible about air fryer buffalo wings. They’re spicy, crispy, and shockingly easy to make at home—without all the greasy mess of deep frying. Whether you’re hosting game night, cooking up a quick appetizer, or just craving bold flavor, these wings never disappoint. In this post, we’ll cover everything from how long to cook wings, when to sauce them, and how to make them crisp to perfection. We’ll even answer the big question: to flour or not to flour? If you’re looking for finger-licking wings that are simple, flavorful, and totally addictive, you’re in the right place.
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Air Fryer Buffalo Wings That Bring the Heat and Crunch
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These air fryer buffalo wings are crisp, saucy, and finger-licking good—ready in just 30 minutes without deep frying.
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken wings
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
½ cup Frank’s RedHot
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder (for sauce)
Optional: 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
2. Pat wings dry and toss with baking powder and seasonings.
3. Arrange wings in a single layer and air fry for 24 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. In a bowl, mix hot sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder.
5. Toss hot wings in the buffalo sauce.
6. Air fry again at 400°F for 2 more minutes if desired.
7. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
Make sure wings are dry before air frying.
Use baking powder (not soda) for crispy skin.
Reheat leftovers at 350°F for 5–6 minutes in the air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 wings
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Cravings & Crispy Beginnings – Why Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Just Hit Different
The memory behind the spice
Growing up, Sundays meant one thing in our house: football and wings. My mom would crank up the oven, and I’d hover in the kitchen, waiting for that unmistakable smell—tangy hot sauce meeting buttery goodness. But deep-frying? That was reserved for special occasions. It was messy and time-consuming. So when I first tried air fryer buffalo wings, it was a game-changer. That same bold flavor, but in half the time and with way less cleanup. The first batch came out of the air fryer golden, crispy, and sizzling. I tossed them in the same Frank’s RedHot and butter blend we always used. It tasted like home—only faster and lighter.
The best part? They weren’t greasy. I didn’t need to line a baking sheet or deal with splattered oil. Just perfectly crisp wings in under 30 minutes. Now, they’re a weekly staple. My husband requests them almost every Friday night with a side of air fryer sweet potato cubes or a refreshing pineapple cucumber salad to cool down the spice. Once you try them, it’s hard to go back.
Why air fryer wings beat the deep fryer
When it comes to flavor and convenience, the air fryer has changed the wing game. Unlike traditional frying, air frying uses hot circulating air to crisp up the skin without needing loads of oil. That means less fat, fewer calories, and more crunch. Plus, there’s no guesswork—most air fryer models cook wings evenly with just a flip halfway through.
Here’s a quick side-by-side to show why air fryer buffalo wings have taken over:
| Feature | Air Fryer | Deep Fryer |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy Skin | Yes | Yes |
| Grease | Minimal | Heavy |
| Cook Time | 20–25 minutes | 15–20 minutes |
| Clean-Up | Easy | Messy |
Using the air fryer also keeps your kitchen cool—no hot oil bubbling away. And if you’re like me, that convenience makes all the difference on busy nights. Want to mix things up? Try pairing your wings with baked boneless chicken thighs or a batch of jammy eggs as a side snack. It’s comfort food made simple.
Mastering the Method – How to Cook Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Just Right
Timing matters when cooking air fryer buffalo wings
Getting that perfect crunch on air fryer buffalo wings comes down to smart timing. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F, then cook your wings for about 24 minutes, flipping them at the halfway mark. For even crispier results, raise the temperature to 400°F for the final 5 minutes. This method delivers juicy wings with a crackly skin every single time.
Whether you’re cooking for a game day crowd or just yourself, air fryer buffalo wings are incredibly quick and satisfying. The goal is to cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F, but also to get that golden brown color that screams “crispy.”
If you’re new to making air fryer buffalo wings, seasoning is your best friend. Use garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and salt for a base layer of flavor. A little dry rub gives your wings a great taste even before the sauce goes on. Add a side of air fryer sweet potato cubes or even jammy eggs to round out the plate.
When to add sauce to air fryer buffalo wings
IHere’s the golden rule for air fryer buffalo wings: never add sauce before air frying. Saucing wings too early causes burning, sticky messes, and soft skin. Instead, toss freshly cooked wings in sauce while they’re hot. This way, the skin stays crisp, and the flavor soaks in just right.
To make a classic buffalo sauce for your air fryer buffalo wings, try this:
- ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s is the go-to)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: a splash of honey or maple syrup for mild sweetness
Toss your hot wings in this sauce until fully coated. If you want to add even more flavor, pop them back into the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to caramelize the sauce without softening the skin.
Air fryer buffalo wings are also perfect for customizing heat levels. Go mild or extra hot—either way, they’re finger-licking good. Serve them with something cool like pineapple cucumber salad or creamy ranch dressing on the side.
Crisp Goals – Get That Crunch on Your Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Tips to make air fryer buffalo wings crispy every time
Nothing beats biting into crispy air fryer buffalo wings that crunch with every bite. But getting that perfect texture takes more than just tossing wings in and hitting start. First, make sure your wings are bone dry. Pat them down with paper towels until all surface moisture is gone. Moisture kills the crisp.
Next, dust the wings lightly with baking powder—not baking soda. Baking powder helps break down the skin and gives air fryer buffalo wings their signature crisp finish. Let your wings sit for 10–15 minutes after seasoning. This drying time is the secret weapon for extra crunch.
Arrange your air fryer buffalo wings in a single layer inside the basket. If you stack them, they’ll steam and stay soft. Give each wing space, and if needed, cook in batches. Want an added crunch boost? After saucing, pop them back into the air fryer at 400°F for 2 more minutes. This step helps the sauce stick and adds that caramelized kick.
Pair your crispy air fryer buffalo wings with simple sides like keto sides for burgers or a tangy pineapple cucumber salad for a balanced bite.
Should you flour air fryer buffalo wings?
When making traditional air fryer buffalo wings, skip the flour. Flour traps moisture and creates a softer texture—not that crispy skin you’re aiming for. Instead, go with baking powder or a simple dry rub. You’ll get the crunch without the breading.
If you’re craving breaded-style air fryer buffalo wings, a light flour dredge is okay. But know it changes the texture completely. Toss wings in seasoned flour, spray lightly with oil, and air fry. It’ll be more like fried chicken than classic buffalo wings.
For the best results, stick with the traditional method. It’s faster, lighter, and tastes like the wings you love—without the mess of deep frying. Want a unique twist? Try serving your air fryer buffalo wings with fluffy banana cottage cheese pancakes for a fun brunch or comfort-food combo.
FAQ
How long do you cook buffalo wings in the air fryer?
For best results, cook buffalo wings at 380°F for 24 minutes total, flipping halfway through. To crisp them even more, add 5 minutes at 400°F at the end. Always check that the internal temperature hits at least 165°F.
Do you put sauce on wings before or after air frying?
Always sauce after air frying. Tossing wings in sauce beforehand can lead to burnt or soggy skin. After cooking, immediately coat them in sauce while hot so it clings to the crispy exterior.
How to get wings crispy in the air fryer?
Start by patting the wings completely dry. Then sprinkle them with baking powder (not flour), which helps dry the skin further during cooking. Cook in a single layer without stacking, and use a higher temp at the end for maximum crunch.
Should I flour my wings before air frying?
If you’re aiming for classic buffalo-style wings, skip the flour. It softens the skin. For a breaded texture, a light flour coating can work, but it changes the feel. Baking powder is the better choice for traditional crispy skin.
Conclusion
Air fryer buffalo wings are more than just a quick snack—they’re a flavor-packed, crispy craving you can whip up any day of the week. Whether you’re entertaining friends, prepping for game day, or just in the mood for bold flavor with less oil, these wings deliver. You don’t need fancy tricks or complicated prep. With a few pantry staples and the right technique, you’ll get golden, crunchy wings that rival any restaurant.
Keep experimenting with spice levels, dipping sauces, and sides. Want a sweet-and-spicy twist? Try pairing with strawberry cheesecake tacos for a surprisingly fun combo. However you enjoy them, air fryer buffalo wings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never go out of style.
