There’s something irresistible about a plate of Buffalo wings. That combination of crisp, golden skin, tender juicy meat, and a tangy sauce that keeps you reaching for “just one more.” Traditionally, wings are deep-fried to achieve that coveted crunch, but thanks to the air-fryer, you can enjoy all the flavour and texture you love with far less oil and fuss with these air fryer buffalo wings.
Air frying works by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer without needing to submerge anything in oil. For chicken wings, that means you get the same satisfying bite and rich flavour, but they’re a little lighter, a little less greasy, and a lot easier to make in your own kitchen. Plus, clean-up is so much simpler. No vats of oil to dispose of, just a quick wipe-down of the basket.
Buffalo sauce is a simple but genius creation. A mixture of hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is the classic), melted butter, and sometimes a touch of sweetness to balance the heat. The result is a sauce that’s bold, tangy, and just spicy enough to give you that warm, satisfying kick without overwhelming your tastebuds. Tossed with crispy wings fresh from the air fryer, it clings so beautifully, coating each bite in a glossy layer of flavour.
These Air Fryer Buffalo Wings are so perfect for game day, movie nights, casual get-togethers, or even as a weekend treat for the family. They pair perfectly with crunchy celery sticks and a cooling blue cheese or ranch dip. And they disappear quickly, so you might want to make extra! Once you’ve tried this fuss-free air fryer version, you’ll wonder why you ever made them any other way.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 20 minutes
SERVES 2-4 people
KIT you will need an air-fryer
Ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
1kg (2.2 lbs) chicken wings, separated into drumettes and wingettes
1 tbsp baking powder (NOT baking soda, helps with crispiness!)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp garlic powder
Half a tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Buffalo sauce:
60g unsalted butter
120ml Frank’s RedHot Original or similar hot sauce
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
1 tsp white vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
Method
Start by separating your chicken wings into drumettes and wingettes, if they aren’t already cut. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut through the joint. You can also remove the wing tips if you like, or save them for making stock. Place the wings on a plate lined with kitchen paper and pat them thoroughly dry. Removing as much moisture as possible is one of the key steps to achieving crispy skin in the air fryer.
So in a large mixing bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Baking powder (not baking soda!) changes the pH level of the skin slightly, which helps it crisp up beautifully in the hot air fryer. Add the wings to the bowl and toss well until every piece is evenly coated in the seasoning mixture. You can use your hands or a pair of tongs to ensure the coating gets into every nook and cranny.
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for a few minutes. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket, making sure they’re not touching. Overcrowding will prevent even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Air fry for 25 to 28 minutes, turning the wings halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden, crispy skin on all sides.
While the wings cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the hot sauce, honey (if using), and vinegar until smooth and well combined.
Transfer the cooked wings to a clean bowl, pour over the Buffalo sauce, and toss to coat. So serve immediately with celery sticks and a creamy dip.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
1. Dry the wings thoroughly
Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Patting your wings dry with kitchen paper before seasoning helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. If you have time, you can also let them sit uncovered in the fridge for 30-60 minutes before cooking to dry them out even more.
2. Use baking powder (not baking soda!)
Baking powder is the secret ingredient for achieving that irresistible crunchy texture without deep frying. It raises the pH of the chicken skin slightly, allowing it to brown and crisp more effectively. Just make sure it’s aluminium-free to avoid any metallic aftertaste.
3. Don’t overcrowd the basket
For evenly cooked, crispy wings, arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches rather than piling them on top of each other. So this ensures the hot air can circulate freely around each wing.
4. Adjust the spice level
Buffalo sauce is famous for its heat, but you can easily tweak it to your liking. Use a milder hot sauce if you’re not a big fan of spice, or add extra hot sauce (or even a pinch of cayenne) if you want more of a kick.
5. Keep the wings warm between batches
If you’re cooking in batches, place cooked wings on a baking tray in a warm oven (around 100°C/210°F) while you finish the rest. This keeps them hot without drying them out.
6. Serve immediately
Buffalo wings are at their absolute best when fresh from the fryer, with crisp skin and hot sauce still glistening. Pair them with crunchy celery sticks and a cooling blue cheese or ranch dip for the ultimate flavour contrast.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Air Fryer Buffalo Wings, you’ll want to try my other easy, flavour-packed air-fryer recipes that are perfect for sharing, snacking, or adding to a game day spread.
Air Fryer Chicken Kiev
Golden, crispy breadcrumbs and a delicious garlic butter filling make this a comforting classic that’s surprisingly quick to cook in the air fryer. Perfect for a midweek dinner that feels a little bit special.
Air Fryer Chicken Croquettes
These crispy croquettes are stuffed with creamy chicken filling and are a fantastic way to use up leftover roast chicken. Great for parties or as a starter before a main meal.
Air Fryer Hunters Chicken
A classic recipe that combines tender chicken with a savoury sauce, topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese. So it’s the epitome of comfort food.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
A family favourite that’s so much better when made from scratch. These nuggets are crunchy, flavourful, and ideal for dipping in ketchup, mayo, or honey mustard.
Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
Juicy and tender on the inside, golden and crisp on the outside – these chicken burgers are a healthier alternative to fried, and they’re ready in less than 20 minutes.
These recipes are all quick, easy, and use simple ingredients you probably have at home. Pair a few of them together for the ultimate party platter or mix and match for fuss-free weeknight dinners.
Want more easy air-fryer recipes like these? Then join the AirFryerUK Club to unlock members-only content including custom meal plans, shopping lists, and my biggest ever recipe collection. It’s everything you need to level up your air fryer game.
Or buy my best selling cookbooks directly from my Amazon shop and bring even more air-fryer goodness into your kitchen!