Craving perfectly crispy, restaurant-style buffalo wings without the mess of deep-frying? These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings deliver incredible crunch, juicy meat, and bold flavor—with just a fraction of the oil. Whether you're preparing a game-day snack, a party platter, or a quick weeknight meal, this easy air fryer method gives you consistently delicious results every time. With simple ingredients, customizable spice levels, and reliable cooking tips, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks.

Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: About 16 wings

Ingredients

For the Wings

  • 2 pounds chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)

For the Buffalo Sauce

  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
  • 2–3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a mild sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Wings:
    Pat the chicken wings very dry using paper towels—removing moisture is the key to crispiness. In a large bowl, combine baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss wings thoroughly to coat.
  2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
    Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes to ensure an evenly hot cooking surface.
  3. Air Fry the Wings:
    Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 24–28 minutes, flipping halfway through:
    • First 10 minutes at 380°F
    • Final 10–15 minutes at 400°F for extra crispiness
  4. Make the Buffalo Sauce:
    In a heat-safe bowl, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, honey, and Worcestershire (if using). Taste and adjust for heat or sweetness.
  5. Toss & Serve:
    When wings are done, transfer to a large bowl and toss immediately with Buffalo sauce. Serve hot with celery sticks, carrot sticks, ranch, or blue cheese dressing.

Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values

  • Calories: 310
  • Protein: 24g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 840mg

Pro Tip:

If you don’t already own an air fryer—or if you're thinking about upgrading—this recipe is the perfect reason to leap. Air fryers create incredibly crispy wings with little to no oil, cut your cooking time in half, and make cleanup a breeze. They’re one of the most versatile appliances you can add to your kitchen, handling everything from wings to veggies to reheating leftovers with restaurant-quality results. Ready to take your cooking to the next level? Click below to explore top-rated air fryers that can help you make perfectly crispy Buffalo Chicken Wings anytime.

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Conclusion

These Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings offer a quick, mess-free way to enjoy classic hot wings with unbeatable crispiness. The air fryer creates golden, crackling skin while keeping the meat tender and flavorful. Whether you're customizing the spice level, doubling the sauce for extra heat, or experimenting with dry rub variations, this recipe is a crowd-pleasing staple you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for parties, game days, or weeknight cravings—these wings are sure to become one of your go-to air fryer favorites.

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