Buffalo chicken wings are a favorite for many, and for good reason—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold, tangy flavor. Traditionally deep-fried, buffalo wings are often loaded with unhealthy fats, but with the power of the air fryer, you can enjoy all the crunch and flavor with significantly less oil. This air fryer buffalo chicken wings recipe takes the classic comfort food to a new level of health-conscious indulgence without compromising on taste.
Air frying allows you to achieve the same crispy, golden-brown exterior you would get from deep frying, but with just a fraction of the oil. The key to perfect buffalo wings in the air fryer is all about getting the right balance of crispy skin and tender meat while ensuring that the sauce sticks perfectly without being too greasy. In this recipe, we coat the chicken wings in a mix of spices and a light layer of oil, then cook them in the air fryer until they reach the ideal level of crispiness. Once cooked, they are tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce made from hot sauce, butter, and a touch of vinegar to create that signature tangy heat.
While this recipe is relatively simple, it offers endless opportunities for customization. You can make the sauce spicier or milder depending on your preference, or even experiment with different spice blends. The result is a dish that’s perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or even a weeknight treat that will satisfy your craving for something indulgent without the guilt of deep frying.
Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 12-16 chicken wings fresh or frozen, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
- ½ cup buffalo hot sauce e.g., Frank’s RedHot
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Celery sticks optional, for serving
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing optional, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help them crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the wings and toss them in the spice mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Air Fry the Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the buffalo hot sauce and vinegar, stirring until combined and heated through.
- Toss the Wings in Sauce: Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over them. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken wings hot with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce, such as blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Video
Notes
- Frozen Wings: If using frozen wings, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
- Spicy Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to suit your heat preference.
- Crispier Wings: For extra crispiness, you can spray the wings lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
- Baking Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition
Health Benefits of Buffalo Chicken Wings
Buffalo chicken wings are often seen as an indulgence, but they can be part of a healthy diet when prepared with healthier cooking methods. Air frying these wings significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, which lowers the calorie content and helps keep fat levels in check. By using lean chicken wings and skipping the deep fryer, you reduce the intake of trans fats, which are commonly associated with heart disease.
Chicken wings are also a good source of protein, which is essential for building muscle and maintaining healthy skin, bones, and tissues. In this recipe, the buffalo sauce is made with hot sauce, butter, and vinegar, which provides a bold flavor without the need for excessive amounts of added sugar or artificial flavorings. Vinegar adds a touch of acidity, which may aid in digestion and help balance blood sugar levels.
Additionally, using olive oil for coating the wings provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease. Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika also offer antioxidant benefits, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Incorporating more air-fried recipes like these buffalo wings into your routine can allow you to enjoy satisfying, crispy meals while still nourishing your body with quality ingredients.
1 comment
These wings turned out absolutely perfect! Crispy and packed with flavor. I love that I could enjoy my favorite wings with less oil. Definitely making these again!