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Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings: Best Easy Recipe

crispy air fryer buffalo chicken wings - featured image

These crispy air fryer buffalo chicken wings deliver shatteringly crispy skin with tender, juicy meat underneath, all without deep frying. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and a secret method for perfect crunch every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings (party wings, drumettes and flats)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • For serving: celery sticks, carrot sticks, blue cheese or ranch dressing

Instructions

  1. Prep the Wings: Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. If time allows, let them sit uncovered in the fridge for an hour to dry out further.
  2. Season the Wings: In a large bowl, whisk together baking powder, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Add the dried wings and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes.
  4. Arrange the Wings: Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd; work in batches if needed.
  5. First Cook: Cook at 380°F for 12 minutes.
  6. Flip and Increase Heat: Using tongs, flip each wing over. Increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C).
  7. Second Cook: Cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the wings are deep golden brown and the skin is crispy. Internal temperature should reach 175-180°F for best texture.
  8. Make the Buffalo Sauce: While the wings cook, combine hot sauce, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk until smooth and warm. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
  9. Toss and Serve: Transfer the hot wings to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over them and toss gently until every wing is coated. Serve immediately with celery, carrots, and your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Dry the wings thoroughly for maximum crispiness. Do not skip the baking powder. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Use an instant-read thermometer for best texture. Keep the sauce warm for even coating. Serve immediately to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer buffalo wings, crispy chicken wings, buffalo wings, game day appetizer, easy wing recipe