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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe with Tangy Buffalo Sauce

crispy air fryer chicken wings - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy chicken wings cooked in an air fryer and coated in a tangy, flavorful buffalo sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes (fresh or thawed, skin on)
  • 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Buffalo Sauce:
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley or celery sticks

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and place in a large bowl.
  2. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper evenly over the wings. Toss well to coat every piece lightly.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  4. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Air fry the wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Add 2-3 more minutes if extra crispiness is desired.
  6. While the wings cook, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  7. Transfer cooked wings to a clean bowl and toss gently with the buffalo sauce to coat thoroughly.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and celery sticks if desired.

Notes

Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid metallic taste. Pat wings dry thoroughly for best crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Toss wings gently in sauce to keep crust intact. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based alternative or olive oil. Wings can be reheated in air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken wings, buffalo wings, crispy chicken wings, game day recipe, easy chicken wings, tangy buffalo sauce