Air Fryer Buffalo-Style Wings

Air Fryer Buffalo-Style Wings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter for added richness)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot, for classic Buffalo flavor)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Optional Add-ons:

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra heat)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky twist)

• Chopped celery and carrot sticks (for serving)

Equipment Needed:

• Air fryer

• Mixing bowl

• Small saucepan (for the sauce)

• Paper towels or a clean kitchen towel

• Tongs

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:

   • Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Drying ensures the wings crisp properly in the air fryer.

   • If using whole wings, separate them into drumettes and flats with a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Reserve the tips for making chicken stock if desired.

2. Season and Coat the Wings:

   • Place the wings in a large mixing bowl.

   • Drizzle olive oil (or melted butter) over the wings to help the seasoning stick.

   • Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the wings. Toss until evenly coated.

   • For spicier wings, add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes. A preheated air fryer ensures even cooking and crisping.

4. Cook the Wings:

   • Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or a small amount of oil.

   • Arrange the wings in a single layer, ensuring there’s space between each piece for proper airflow.

   • Cook at 380°F for 25 minutes, shaking or flipping the wings every 8–10 minutes to promote even browning.

5. Crisp to Perfection:

   • Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes. This final step crisps the skin to perfection.

6. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:

   • While the wings are finishing, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey (if using) in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until well mixed and warmed through. Adjust sweetness and heat by adding more honey or hot sauce, depending on your preference.

7. Toss the Wings in Sauce:

   • Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour the Buffalo sauce over the wings and toss gently until they are thoroughly coated.

8. Serve:

   • Arrange the sauced wings on a platter and serve hot with celery and carrot sticks on the side. Add a small bowl of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Pro Tips for Success

• Customize the Heat: Adjust the spiciness of your Buffalo sauce by adding more hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra kick or honey for a milder, sweeter profile.

• Avoid Overcrowding: If your air fryer has a smaller basket, cook the wings in batches. Overcrowding will prevent the wings from crisping properly.

• Reheat Like a Pro: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

Storage and Reheating:

• Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat wings in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss with fresh Buffalo sauce if desired. Air Fryer Buffalo-Style Wings