Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Crispy, tangy, and packed with just the right amount of heat, these Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings are my go-to for game days, casual gatherings, or even a cozy night in with my family.

I’ve been tinkering with this recipe for a while, trying to nail that perfect balance of crunch and bold flavor without the mess of deep frying.

The air fryer makes it so easy to get that restaurant-style crispiness, and the homemade buffalo sauce brings a fiery kick that keeps everyone coming back for more.

I love how quick this recipe comes together—perfect when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.

Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a plate of wings, this recipe will hit all the right spots.

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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings

These wings are a total crowd-pleaser, delivering bold flavors and crispy texture without the guilt of deep-fried versions.

The air fryer cuts down on oil while still giving you that satisfying crunch, and the buffalo sauce is a perfect mix of spicy, tangy, and buttery goodness.

They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and ideal for any occasion, from game nights to backyard barbecues.

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Crispy Without Frying: The air fryer gives you golden, crunchy wings with minimal oil.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds.
• Crowd Favorite: Perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners.
• Healthier Option: Less oil means you can enjoy wings guilt-free.

Read Also: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create bold, spicy wings. You’ll need pantry staples and a few key items to make the magic happen.

• 2 lbs (900g) chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup (120ml) hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)

Read Also: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to whip up these wings, but having the right tools makes the process smooth and stress-free.

• Air fryer (at least 4-quart capacity)
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet (optional, for prep)
• Paper towels (for patting wings dry)

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings

Follow these detailed steps to make perfectly crispy and spicy wings. Each step is broken down to ensure success, even if you’re new to cooking.

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings

• Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve maximum crispiness.
• If the wings aren’t already split, use a sharp knife to separate the flats and drumettes, discarding the wing tips or saving them for stock.
• Place the wings in a large mixing bowl.

2. Season the Wings

• Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
• Sprinkle 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper over the wings.
• Toss the wings thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

• Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
• If your air fryer doesn’t require preheating, skip to the next step.

4. Cook the Wings

• Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
• Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through using tongs.
• Check that the wings are golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).

5. Make the Buffalo Sauce

• In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1/2 cup hot sauce, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 tbsp honey (if using), and 1 tsp cayenne pepper.
• Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, about 2-3 minutes.
• Alternatively, combine the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

6. Toss the Wings in Sauce

• Transfer the cooked wings to a clean mixing bowl.
• Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss gently with tongs to coat evenly.
• Ensure every wing is fully coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.

7. Serve Immediately

• Place the sauced wings on a serving platter.
• Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and sides (see Serving Suggestions below).

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Tips for The Best Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings

These tips will help you elevate your wings to the next level, ensuring they’re crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.

• Pat wings dry thoroughly to remove moisture for maximum crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure wings reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
• Toss wings in sauce right before serving to keep them crispy.
• For extra crunch, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes after saucing.
• Use fresh chicken wings for the best texture and flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

These wings are versatile and pair beautifully with classic sides and dips. They’re perfect for game day spreads or casual dinners, adding a spicy kick to any meal.

• Serve with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a crunchy, cooling contrast.
• Pair with ranch dressing or blue cheese dip to balance the heat.
• Try alongside Air Fryer Classic French Fries for a classic combo.
• Add Deviled Eggs for a protein-packed appetizer spread.
• Include BLT Pasta Salad for a refreshing, summery side.

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Variations of Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings

Switch things up with these creative twists on the classic recipe while keeping the bold buffalo flavor you love.

• Mild Buffalo Wings: Reduce cayenne pepper to 1/4 tsp for less heat.
• Garlic Parmesan Buffalo Wings: Add 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese and 1 tsp minced garlic to the sauce.
• Honey BBQ Wings: Replace hot sauce with BBQ sauce and increase honey to 2 tbsp.
• Lemon Pepper Buffalo Wings: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning to the sauce.
• Teriyaki Buffalo Wings: Mix 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce with the buffalo sauce for a sweet-spicy fusion.

Read Also: Air Fryer Curly Fries with Paprika Recipe

Storage and Reheating

These wings are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store and reheat them to maintain their flavor and texture with these tips.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze cooked wings in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wings soggy.
• If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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Nutritional Facts

These values are approximate and based on a serving size of 4 wings (about 200g).

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 0g

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Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

While these wings are indulgent, some ingredients offer surprising health benefits, making this a slightly lighter take on a classic comfort food.

• Chicken Wings: High in protein, supports muscle growth and repair.
• Olive Oil: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats, good for heart health.
• Garlic Powder: Has anti-inflammatory properties and may boost immunity.
• Cayenne Pepper: Boosts metabolism and may aid digestion.
• Hot Sauce: Contains capsaicin, which may help with pain relief and metabolism.

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FAQs About Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings

1. Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen wings, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them dry before seasoning. Frozen wings can release excess water, which affects crispiness.

2. How do I make the wings less spicy?

Reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/4 tsp or omit it entirely. You can also add more honey to the sauce to balance the heat with sweetness.

3. Can I make these wings in the oven instead?

Absolutely! Bake at 425°F (220°C) on a baking sheet with a wire rack for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.

4. What’s the best dipping sauce for these wings?

Ranch dressing or blue cheese dip are classic choices. For a homemade option, try my Texas Roadhouse Ranch Salad Dressing.

5. How do I prevent the wings from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil before adding the wings.

Read Also: Air Fryer Avocado Egg Rolls Recipe

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings have become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure they’ll find a place in yours too.

The crispy texture, bold flavors, and ease of the air fryer make this recipe a winner for any occasion.

I love how they bring everyone together, whether it’s for a game day spread or a casual weeknight dinner.

Give this air fryer spicy buffalo chicken wings recipe a try, and let me know in the comments how it turned out or share your favorite way to enjoy them!

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