Best Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

Key Takeaways

Craving crispy, flavorful buffalo wings but want to skip the deep fryer? You’ve come to the right place! This guide will walk you through creating the best air fryer buffalo wings you’ve ever tasted. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right wings and achieving ultimate crispiness to making the perfect buffalo sauce and serving suggestions. Say goodbye to greasy wings and hello to a healthier, more delicious alternative!

Why Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Are a Game-Changer

For years, buffalo wings meant a trip to your favorite sports bar or firing up a deep fryer at home – messy, oily, and not exactly healthy. But the air fryer has revolutionized the wing game! Air frying offers several key advantages:

• Healthier: Significantly less oil is used compared to deep frying, reducing fat and calories.
• Crispier: The circulating hot air creates a uniformly crispy skin that rivals deep-fried wings.
• Faster: Air frying is often faster than oven baking or deep frying, perfect for those weeknight cravings.
• Less Mess: No splattering oil or dealing with large amounts of used cooking oil.
• Easy Cleanup: Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Essentially, you get the same incredible flavor and texture of traditional buffalo wings without the guilt and hassle. Making **air fryer buffalo wings** has never been easier!

Selecting the Best Wings for Your Air Fryer

The foundation of any great wing recipe starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what to look for when choosing your wings:

• Freshness: Opt for fresh, never-frozen wings whenever possible. Fresh wings will have better flavor and texture.
• Size: Look for wings that are relatively uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
• Appearance: Choose wings that are plump and have a healthy pink color. Avoid wings that look discolored or bruised.
• Type: You can buy whole wings (drumette, flat, and tip) or separated wings (drumettes and flats). Separated wings are often easier to cook and eat. I prefer separating them myself for optimal control.

Once you have your wings, pat them dry with paper towels. This crucial step removes excess moisture and helps to achieve that coveted crispy skin. Don’t skip it!

Tips for Drying Wings

Thoroughly drying your **air fryer buffalo wings** is key to achieving maximum crispiness. Use several layers of paper towels and press firmly to absorb all excess moisture. You can even let the wings sit in the refrigerator, uncovered, for an hour or two after patting them dry for even better results. This helps to further draw out moisture from the skin.

Achieving Crispy Perfection: Air Fryer Techniques

Now for the magic! Here’s how to get those wings perfectly crispy in your air fryer:

• Preheating: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking. A hot air fryer ensures the wings start cooking immediately.
• Spacing: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Overcrowding will steam the wings instead of frying them. You may need to cook in batches.
• Cooking Time: Air fry the wings for 12-15 minutes, then flip them and continue cooking for another 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Oil (Optional but Recommended): While not essential, a light coating of oil can enhance crispiness. Use a neutral oil like avocado oil or canola oil. You can spray the wings with cooking spray or toss them lightly with oil in a bowl before air frying.
• Shake Things Up (Literally!): About halfway through the cooking time, give the basket a good shake to ensure even cooking and browning.

Remember that air fryer models vary, so adjust cooking times as needed. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the wings are cooked through.

Should You Use Breading?

While some recipes call for breading, I prefer to skip it for **air fryer buffalo wings**. The air fryer does an excellent job of crisping the skin naturally. Breading can sometimes prevent the skin from getting as crispy and can add unnecessary calories. However, if you prefer breaded wings, you can lightly dredge them in a mixture of cornstarch and your favorite spices before air frying.

Crafting the Perfect Buffalo Sauce

A great buffalo wing is only as good as its sauce! Here’s a classic buffalo sauce recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce (or your preferred hot sauce)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir in the hot sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips for Buffalo Sauce:

• Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preference.
• For a thicker sauce, whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water).
• Experiment with different hot sauces to find your favorite flavor profile.
• For a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.

Once the wings are cooked, toss them in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately!

Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces

Buffalo wings are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Classic: Serve with celery and carrot sticks and your favorite dipping sauce (blue cheese or ranch dressing are traditional).
• Sliders: Use the wings as a topping for mini sliders with blue cheese crumbles and a drizzle of buffalo sauce.
• Salad: Top a salad with sliced **air fryer buffalo wings** for a spicy and protein-packed meal.
• Tacos: Shred the wings and use them as a filling for tacos with shredded lettuce, cheese, and sour cream.

Consider making your own blue cheese or ranch dressing for an extra special touch.

Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, you can use frozen wings, but you’ll need to thaw them completely before air frying. Thawing them in the refrigerator overnight is the best method. Be sure to pat them dry thoroughly after thawing to remove excess moisture.

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

Lightly spraying the air fryer basket with cooking spray or using parchment paper liners (designed specifically for air fryers) can help prevent sticking. Just ensure the parchment paper doesn’t restrict airflow too much.

Can I make the buffalo sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The buffalo sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently before tossing the wings. The flavors often meld and improve with time.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover air fryer buffalo wings?

To reheat **air fryer buffalo wings**, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at the same temperature. Avoid microwaving them, as this will make them soggy.