This air fryer buffalo wing recipe is a healthier twist on the classic, delivering the same spicy flavor with less oil. The wings come out perfectly crispy, and the rich, tangy buffalo sauce makes them addictive. Let your air fryer do the work and enjoy your crispy buffalo air fryer wings at home!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Healthier but just as delicious – Air frying gives you crispy wings with less oil than traditional deep-frying.
Crispy skin – The secret baking powder trick ensures the wings become crispy
Quick and easy – Let the air fryer do all the work..
Sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce – The buffalo sauce is perfectly balanced with butter, honey, and Frank’s RedHot.
Buffalo Wings Origin
Buffalo wings originated in Buffalo, New York, in 1964. Teressa Bellissimo, who ran the Anchor Bar with her husband, wanted to make a quick snack for her son and his friends. She decided to deep-fry leftover wings and toss them in a spicy hot sauce. The wings quickly became a popular and addictive snack.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken wings
- Main ingredient in this recipe
- 2 tsp onion powder
- Adds savory depth
- 1.5 tsp paprika
- Gives a nice smokiness
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- Adds zesty flavoring with a kick
- Salt, to taste
- Flavor enhancement
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- Helps crisp up wings
- Oil spray
- Helps cook wings without it sticking
- Buffalo Sauce
- ½ cup Frank’s RedHot
- Classic heat for buffalo sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- Adds richness
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Adds nice savory flavor
- 2 tsp honey
- Adds a touch of sweetness
Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:
Crispy Buffalo Air Fryer Wings Instructions
Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels—removing excess moisture helps them get extra crispy.
In a large bowl, toss the wings with onion powder, paprika, lemon pepper, salt, and baking powder until evenly coated.
Optional: For even crispier skin, place the seasoned wings in the fridge for 30 minutes to dry out.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange wings in a single layer and air fry at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic powder, honey, and Frank’s RedHot until smooth and well combined.
Toss the crispy wings in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
Plate the wings and enjoy immediately!
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Cooking TIps
Do not overcrowd the air fryer so you can get optimal crispiness.
Flip halfway for even cooking.
Use baking powder, not baking soda since it raises the skin’s pH levels and helps achieve the crispiness.
Use a meat thermometer if needed. Chicken is done when the internal temperature is 165F.
Ingredient Substitutions
Baking Powder –> 1/2 tsp baking soda + 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
Oil Spray –> Lightly brush the wings with oil
Wings Storage Tips
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken wings
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1.5 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- Oil spray
- Buffalo Sauce
- ½ cup Frank’s RedHot
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp honey
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels—removing excess moisture helps them get extra crispy.
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with onion powder, paprika, lemon pepper, salt, and baking powder until evenly coated.
- Optional: For even crispier skin, place the seasoned wings in the fridge for 30 minutes to dry out.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange wings in a single layer and air fry at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic powder, honey, and Frank’s RedHot until smooth and well combined.
- Toss the crispy wings in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Plate the wings and enjoy immediately!
if you enjoyed this recipe you might also like my Air Fryer Korean Honey Gochujang Wings recipe.
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