Air-Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Cook: 25 min./batch

Makes

about 4 dozen

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023
Cayenne, red sauce and spices keep these tangy air-fryer Buffalo chicken wings good and hot, just like the originals. And the air fryer keeps these wings on the healthier side. —Nancy Chapman, Center Harbor, New Hampshire
Air-Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 25 whole chicken wings (about 5 pounds)
  • 1 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/4 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce
  • 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional: Celery ribs, crumbled blue cheese and ranch salad dressing

Directions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 300°. Cut chicken wings into 3 sections; discard wing tip sections. In batches, arrange wings in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket. Cook 10 minutes. Increase temperature to 400°; cook until chicken juices run clear and wings are golden brown, 15-20 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in hot sauce and spices. Place chicken in a large bowl; add sauce and toss to coat. Remove to a serving plate with a slotted spoon. Serve with celery, crumbled blue cheese and ranch dressing if desired.
Air-Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings Tips

How should you grease the air fryer before putting in the chicken wings?

While many air fryers—including our Test Kitchen’s favorite air fryer—have nonstick cooking baskets and trays, wings are notorious for sticking to cooking surfaces (which then, are a pain to clean). A light coating of cooking spray will give just an added layer of protection. Of course, be sure to check with your air fryer’s manual—some recommend avoiding nonstick sprays.

Do you have to flip the buffalo chicken wings while cooking them in the air fryer?

For even cooking, consider checking on the wings halfway through cooking, flipping the wings, and giving them a quick spritz of cooking spray for crispy golden color. This air fryer trick will work on plenty of other air fryer foods, too.

How can you make sure your air-fryer buffalo chicken wings are crispy?

With air fryers you want the least amount of moisture possible, so be sure to pat your chicken dry before cooking. The drier the skin, the crispier and more delicious it will be. A spritz of cooking spray will also help crisp up the wings while cooking. If you liked these air-fryer buffalo chicken wings, try more of our air-fryer recipes!

What can you serve with air-fryer buffalo chicken wings?

Nothing goes better with buffalo wings than blue cheese! Try this amazing blue cheese dip with some fresh celery sticks in between bites of your chicken wings. You can also whip up some fast and easy air fryer french fries to make it a full meal.

How should you store air-fryer buffalo chicken wings?

Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the chicken wings for up to 6 months. Simply reheat in a preheated air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. We've got you covered with more air fryer tips that'll help every recipe come out perfectly.

—Maggie Knoebel, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant and Ellie Crowley, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant
Air Fryer Cook Times
In our testing, we find cook times vary dramatically between brands of air fryers. As a result, we give wider than normal ranges on suggested cook times. Begin checking at the first time listed and adjust as needed.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 83 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 106mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.