Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

Crispy, saucy, and ready in under 30 minutes — these Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings are a game day must or the perfect weeknight treat!

Hey friends,

Let’s talk wings. Specifically, these crispy, juicy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings that have totally won over my household. My husband’s always been a fan, but now even all three of my kids are hooked — so you can imagine we go through a lot of wings around here!

Instead of constantly ordering out, I started making them at home. And after a few trial runs in the oven and on the grill, the air fryer has officially earned top spot. It gets the wings golden and crisp without the fuss (or oil) of deep frying — and the whole thing takes less than 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love Making Wings in the Air Fryer

The air fryer is a total win for quick-cooking wings that come out crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Here’s why I love it:

• No need to deep fry — less mess, less oil.
• Super fast — ready in under 20 minutes.
• Versatile — toss them in buffalo, BBQ, teriyaki, or any sauce you like.

And the best part? These are so easy, they’re perfect for busy weeknights and for impressing guests at a party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s all you need to whip up a batch:

• Split chicken wings – Drumettes and flats, skin-on.
• Neutral oil – I use avocado oil for a high smoke point.
• Salt + garlic powder – For simple, tasty seasoning.
• Baking powder – This is the trick to that crispy skin!
• Butter – Helps the sauce stick and adds flavor.
• Buffalo sauce – I use Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wings Sauce, but feel free to use your favorite or make your own.

How to Make Buffalo Wings in the Air Fryer

You won’t believe how easy this is. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Pat the wings dry with a paper towel. Dry skin = crispy skin.
2. Toss with oil in a large bowl.
3. Sprinkle with seasonings and toss again.
4. Add baking powder and toss once more to coat evenly.
5. Place wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer — don’t crowd them. Work in batches if needed.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
7. Toss in warm buffalo sauce + melted butter, and serve hot!

Flavor Options Beyond Buffalo

Not a fan of buffalo? You’re in luck — these wings are a blank canvas! Try tossing them in:

• Garlic Parmesan
• Honey BBQ
• Teriyaki glaze
• Sweet Chili Sauce
• Honey Mustard

Or, marinate them ahead of time using your favorite wing marinade — they cook up beautifully either way.

What Makes Air Fryer Wings Better?

In restaurants, wings are typically deep fried — tasty, but not exactly light. The air fryer gives you that same crispy outside using just a little oil and baking powder. No breading, no heavy grease — just great flavor and crunch with way less mess.

Plus, it’s a healthier take that still satisfies those spicy, saucy cravings.

Serve with All the Fixings

I love keeping it classic with celery sticks and either ranch or blue cheese for dipping. But if you’re serving a crowd, put out a few sauces and let everyone dress their own. Great for game day or any casual get-together!

Also try these air fryer recipe

• Air Fryer Whole Roasted Chicken
• Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Patties
• Air Fryer Meatballs