Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
These wings get properly crisp in the air fryer thanks to one small trick: a light dusting of baking powder before cooking. Toss them in a quick butter and hot sauce glaze and serve with celery and your favourite dip for game night or an easy Friday dinner.
Updated
- Prep Time
- 10 mins
- Cook Time
- 25 mins
- Total Time
- 35 mins
- Servings
- 4 servings
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings at a glance
Pat 1 kg of chicken wing pieces dry, toss with baking powder, salt and garlic powder, then air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 22-25 minutes, shaking halfway, until crisp and 74°C (165°F) inside. Toss in melted butter mixed with hot sauce and serve right away with celery and blue cheese or ranch dip.
- Total time
- 35 mins
- Calories
- 470 per serving
- Protein
- 38 g
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Air frying
Ingredients
Wings
Buffalo sauce
Equipment
Air fryer · Large bowl · Small saucepan · Instant-read thermometer
Quick Directions
- 1
Dry and season
Pat the wings very dry with paper towel.
- 2
Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- 3
Make the sauce
While the wings cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- 4
Toss and serve
Tip the hot wings into a clean bowl, pour over the sauce and toss to coat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect air fryer buffalo chicken wings.
- 1
Dry and season
Pat the wings very dry with paper towel. Toss them in a large bowl with the baking powder, salt, garlic powder and pepper until every piece is lightly coated.
- 2
Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the wings in a single layer with a little space between them, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 22-25 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the wings halfway, until deep golden and crisp. The thickest drumette should read 74°C (165°F).
- 3
Make the sauce
While the wings cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the hot sauce and honey, if using, until smooth, then take it off the heat.
- 4
Toss and serve
Tip the hot wings into a clean bowl, pour over the sauce and toss to coat. Serve straight away with celery sticks and dip.
Recipe Tips
- Use baking powder, not baking soda. Baking soda leaves a soapy, metallic taste.
- For extra-crisp skin, leave the seasoned wings uncovered on a rack in the fridge for 1-8 hours before cooking.
- Sauce the wings just before serving; they soften if they sit in the sauce.
Variations
- Honey garlic wings: swap the buffalo sauce for 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari and 2 grated garlic cloves, simmered for 2 minutes.
- Lemon pepper wings: toss the cooked wings in 2 tbsp melted butter with 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1 tsp cracked black pepper.
- Milder wings: use half hot sauce and half melted butter.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 470 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Saturated fat | 13 g |
| Fibre | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 1350 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Refrigerate leftover wings within 2 hours in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer
- Freeze cooked, unsauced wings for up to 2 months.
- Reheat
- Reheat in the air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 5-6 minutes until hot to the centre and crisp again.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings FAQs
How long do chicken wings take in the air fryer?
Split chicken wings take 22-25 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Shake the basket halfway, and check the thickest piece reaches 74°C (165°F) before saucing.
Why do you add baking powder to wings?
Baking powder raises the pH of the skin and draws out moisture, which helps it blister and crisp in the air fryer. Use a small amount and make sure it is baking powder, not baking soda.
Can I cook frozen wings in the air fryer?
Yes. Air fry frozen wings at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes, separate them and season, then cook another 15-20 minutes until crisp and 74°C (165°F) inside.
Are buffalo wings gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your baking powder and hot sauce are labelled gluten-free. Most cayenne pepper hot sauces are, but check the label.
