Let me tell you, folks, there’s nothing quite like a plate of piping hot, crispy buffalo wings to elevate a game day or chill night in. But let’s be honest; traditional deep-fried wings can leave you feeling a little greasy and sluggish. That’s why I’m obsessed with this air-fryer version! These wings are a revelation. They come out perfectly golden brown and crispy on the outside, with juicy, tender chicken on the inside. Plus, the air-fryer cuts down on the fat content without sacrificing any flavor. It’s a win-win!

This Crispy Air-Fryer Buffalo Wings recipe is also straightforward to throw together. The hardest part might be waiting for the wings to cook! But fear not; that wait will be worth it when you take that first glorious bite.

 

So, ditch the takeout menus and greasy spoons, and let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through the entire process step-by-step.

 

Ingredients for Crispy Air-Fryer Buffalo Wings

•   1 ½ teaspoons paprika
•   ½ teaspoon garlic powder
•   ½ teaspoon onion powder
•   ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
•   3 ½ to 4 pounds chicken wings, separated at the joint (optional)
•   ½ cup Buffalo-style hot sauce (I love Frank’s RedHot, but use your favorite!)
•   2 tablespoons unsalted butter
•   ¼ cup ranch dressing (for dipping)
•   2 carrots, cut into sticks
•   1 celery stalk, cut into sticks

Instructions for Crispy Air-Fryer Buffalo Wings

•   Spice Up Your Life (Without the Heat): In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This is your dry rub, giving the wings that delicious savory kick.
•   Pat and Season: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps ensure the skin gets nice and crispy. Then, toss the wings in the dry rub mixture until evenly coated.
•   Air-Fryer Magic: Preheat your air-fryer to 400°F (200°C). Here’s the key: you don’t want to overcrowd the basket. This is important for getting those beautiful crispy wings. So, you might need to cook the wings in batches. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket, ensuring none are touching. Air-fry for 20 minutes, flip the wings and cook for another 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Pro Tip

Keep an eye on the wings towards the end of cooking time. Every air fryer cooks a little differently, so you want to make sure they stay cooked and do not dry out.

• Get Saucy: While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat and whisk in the hot sauce. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce depending on your heat preference. Is it mild? Start with ½ cup and add more to taste. Want it scorching? Go for the entire cup!
• Toss and Serve: Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the air-fryer and toss them in the hot sauce mixture until they’re evenly coated.
• Game Time!: Plate your wings with the carrot and celery sticks for dipping, and remember the ranch dressing for those who need a cooling touch. Gather your friends and family, grab your favorite beverage, and enjoy these delicious, healthy wings!

Serving Size and Prep Time

This recipe makes enough wings for a crowd (think 6-8 people), but you can easily adjust the quantities depending on how many you’re feeding. The prep time is about 10 minutes, and the cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer, but it’s typically around 35-40 minutes.

 

Side Dish

These wings are delicious on their own, but if you’re looking for some extra sides, here are a few ideas:

• Blue cheese dressing (for the traditional touch)
• Celery sticks with peanut butter (a sweet and salty combo that cuts through the heat)
• Veggie crudités with hummus
• Loaded baked potato wedges

 

Conclusion

These Air-Fryer Buffalo Wings are a game-changer. They’re crispy, flavorful, and much better for you than their deep-fried counterparts. They’re perfect for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a full-blown football party. So ditch the guilt and fire up your air fryer – you won’t regret it!