Buffalo Chicken Wings (Air Fryer)

Buffalo Chicken Wings in the air fryer are a quintessentially American classic with a spicy twist! These wings are a true crowd-pleaser – crispy, juicy, and drenched in a tangy buffalo sauce that’s sure to excite your taste buds.

Perfectly suited for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a sporting event, these wings are a must-have on your menu. With the convenience of an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy exterior without the added oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried wings. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to this ultimate comfort food? Let’s get started on this finger-licking goodness!

There are several reasons why you’ll love these wings!

• Crispy Texture: The combination of using baking powder in the seasoning and air frying method helps to achieve a wonderfully crispy texture on the outside of the wings. The result is a satisfying crunch with each bite.
• Flavorful Seasoning: The garlic powder, paprika, and pepper in the seasoning mixture provide a savory and mildly spicy flavor profile to the wings. These seasonings enhance the natural taste of the chicken and make the wings incredibly delicious.
• Tangy Buffalo Sauce: Coating the wings in buffalo sauce adds a tangy and slightly spicy element that complements the savory flavors. The butter in the sauce provides richness and helps balance the heat from the buffalo sauce.
• Versatile: These wings are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, game-day snack, or as part of a meal. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family on various occasions.
• Healthier Option: Using an air fryer to cook the wings significantly reduces the amount of oil required compared to traditional frying methods. This makes the wings a healthier choice without compromising on taste and texture.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings cut into wingettes and drumettes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/4 cup butter melted

How To Make

To prepare the chicken wings using an air fryer, start by prepping the air fryer tray or basket. You can either spray it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Next, pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

In a mixing bowl, place the chicken wings and add the paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and baking powder. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. This will enhance the flavor and help achieve a crispy texture.

Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer tray or basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and then place the tray or basket with the wings inside. Air fry the wings for 10 minutes, then flip them over using tongs or a spatula. Continue cooking for another 9-10 minutes or until the wings are crispy and golden brown.

While the wings are cooking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter. Stir well to ensure the two ingredients are fully combined.

Once the wings are cooked to perfection, carefully transfer them to the bowl with the buffalo sauce and butter mixture. Toss the wings gently to coat them evenly with the sauce.

Serve the deliciously coated chicken wings immediately, while they are still hot and flavorful. The tangy buffalo sauce and crispy exterior of the wings create a mouthwatering combination. Enjoy your air-fried buffalo chicken wings as an appetizer or as part of a meal.

Tips and Tricks

• Pat the chicken wings dry: Moisture on the surface of the wings can prevent them from achieving a crispy texture. Use a paper towel to thoroughly pat the wings dry before seasoning them.
• Use baking powder for crispiness: The addition of baking powder to the seasoning mixture helps create a crispy exterior on the wings. It promotes browning and enhances the texture. Just make sure to use baking powder, not baking soda, as they have different properties.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Ensure that the chicken wings are placed in a single layer in the air fryer tray or basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and hinder the crispy texture. Cook them in batches if needed.
• Flip the wings halfway through: To ensure even browning and crispiness, flip the wings using tongs or a spatula halfway through the cooking time. This will help achieve an evenly cooked and crispy result on both sides.
• Adjust cooking time and temperature: Air fryer models can vary, so keep an eye on the wings as they cook. If you find that the wings are browning too quickly or not cooking evenly, you may need to adjust the cooking time or temperature slightly.
• Let the wings rest before saucing: Once the wings are cooked, allow them to rest for a few minutes before tossing them in the buffalo sauce. This allows the exterior to crisp up even more and prevents the sauce from making them soggy.
• Double-dip for extra sauciness: If you prefer your wings extra saucy, you can double-dip them in the buffalo sauce. After tossing the wings once, return them to the air fryer for a few minutes to set the first layer of sauce, then toss them again in more sauce before serving.

FAQ

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage:

Allow any leftover chicken wings to cool down to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating

Reheating in the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover wings on a baking sheet and reheat them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through. This will help restore some of the crispiness.

Reheating in the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer and reheat them for about 5-8 minutes or until they are hot and crispy.

Reheating in the microwave: If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave to reheat the wings. Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Reheat in short intervals, around 30 seconds to 1 minute, until they are heated through. Keep in mind that the microwave may make the wings slightly less crispy.

Regardless of the reheating method you choose, it’s important to note that reheating may result in slightly less crispy wings compared to when they were freshly cooked. However, the flavor will still be delicious.

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