Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings are a delicious and easy way to make wings. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of air frying, you can have crispy, juicy wings with that classic buffalo sauce in no time.

These wings are perfect for game day, a party appetizer, or even a weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this tasty and addictive recipe for Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings.

Air fryer wings are the ultimate party food! Serve them on a buffet table of appetizers with mozzarella slices, buffalo chicken tenders, and Southwest egg rolls.

Table of Contents

How do you cook chicken wings in an air fryer?

Chicken wings cook quickly and evenly in an air fryer. These wings cook best when you leave some room between them in the air fryer. If needed, cook these wings in batches.

These wings cook at 400°F for 20 minutes total. Keep reading for the complete instructions.

What to serve with buffalo chicken wings?

Of course, buffalo chicken wings are classically served with carrot and celery sticks. But there are sauces and other foods that pair well with buffalo wings.

Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Steak fries or curly fries
House or Caesar salad
Onion rings
Tater tots
Mac and cheese
Potato or pasta salad
Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Ingredients

2 pounds whole chicken wings cut into flats and drumettes
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1/4 cup butter, melted

Hot sauce next to a stick of butter and a plate of raw cut carrots and celery.

How to Split Chicken Wings

If your chicken wings are whole, you may want to split them before cooking them. Chicken wings are made up of 3 distinct pieces: the drumette, the wingette (sometimes called the flat), ad the tip. In most cases, the tip is discarded.

The three sections are connected by the joint capsules of the chicken. Here’s how to cut them apart:

Locate the joint that connects the wingette and the tip. Place the knife in the joint where the two bones connect and slide the knife between the bones to separate the two parts. Discard the tip or save it to make stock.
Repeat the process, finding the joint between the drumette and the wingette. Slide the knife into the joint between the two bones and press firmly to separate the two sections.
Repeat with all of your chicken wings.

Cut carefully, and watch your fingers! If you’re having trouble, you can cook your wings intact and pull them apart with your hands once they’re cooked.

A person using a knife to cut the end off a chicken wing.

A person using a knife to cut apart the chicken wings.

How to Make

STEP ONE: Prep the air fryer tray/basket. Spray the air fryer tray or basket or use parchment paper in the bottom to prevent sticking.

STEP TWO: Prep the wings. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then place the chicken wings into a mixing bowl. Add the paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and baking powder, tossing to combine. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer tray or basket.

Uncooked and seasoned chicken wings in a bowl.

Uncooked chicken wings in the air fryer basket.

STEP THREE: Air Fry. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Bake for 10 minutes, flip, then bake for another 9-10 minutes or until crispy.

STEP FOUR: Toss in buffalo sauce. Add the buffalo sauce and the butter to a mixing bowl. Stir well. Toss the cooked chicken wings into the sauce, then serve immediately.

Cooked buffalo wings in the air fryer basket.

Tips and Recipe Notes

Be sure your wings are nice and dry for the most even cooking and to get that crispy outside that everyone loves.
Season your wings well for the best flavor. If your wings are large, you may need to make a bit extra seasoning to cover them fully.
Let your wings rest for 5-8 minutes after cooking to let the juices reabsorb into the meat and for these wings to stay moist and flavorful.
Cook wings quickly. The high heat in this recipe minimizes the time the wings stay in the air fryer. That helps ensure your wings will be tender and fall-off-the-bone.

Sauced buffalo wings on a serving plate.

How to Store Leftover Chicken Wings

Leftover chicken wings make a delicious lunch or dinner. They reheat well and stay moist and tender. Place any leftovers in the fridge in a container with a lid. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

You can reheat wings in your air fryer. Set the temperature for 375°F and reheat them for 5-8 minutes, flipping half way through. You can use the oven the same way.

FAQs

How long do chicken wings cook in the air fryer?

Chicken wings will need approximately 20 minutes in the air fryer at 400°F. If your wings are smaller, they may take less time. If they’re bigger, they may take more time.

Can I air fry fully-cooked frozen wings?

Yes, you can air fry frozen wings, such as the kind you buy pre-cooked at the grocery store. Check the box for air fryer instructions, but as a general rule, frozen wings can be cooked in the air fryer at 400°F for 11-14 minutes.

Is it better to cook chicken wings frozen or thawed?

You can cook wings from frozen, but I prefer thawed wings for the best results. When your wings are thawed, they can be seasoned easier and the meat seems to lay more evenly in the basket or on the baking tray.

Overhead shot of serving dish with chicken wings and veggies.

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