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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings (15 Minutes)

Oh man, let me tell you—these wings are the kind of game-changer that makes you want to shout from the rooftops! I can’t wait to share this Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings recipe because it’s fast, fiery, and downright addictive. Picture this: crispy skin with just the right amount of crunch, dipped in that tangy, buttery Buffalo sauce that clings perfectly to every bite. The air fryer does all the hard work, turning out wings that taste like they’ve been slow-smoked for hours, but ready in just 15 minutes. If you’ve been chasing that perfect wing combo of heat and crispiness without the greasy mess, your search ends here. Ready to up your snack game? Let’s dive in!

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce / Garnish (if applicable):

½ cup Frank’s RedHot sauce
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Optional: celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for serving

How I Make It

Step 1:

First, pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels—this is essential to get that crispy skin. Toss the wings in olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until each piece is well coated. This little seasoning mix is what builds that crave-worthy flavor base.

Step 2:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the wings in a single layer inside the basket—try not to overcrowd so the hot air can circulate and crisp up those skins evenly.

Step 3:

Air fry the wings for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for a deep golden color and a skin that crackles when you bite it—if they need a bit more time, add 2-3 minutes, but don’t overcrowd the basket as it will steam instead of crisp!

Step 4:

While the wings cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the Frank’s RedHot sauce for that perfect Buffalo kick.

Step 5:

Once the wings come out hot and crispy, toss them immediately in the warm Buffalo sauce. Make sure every wing gets a glossy, spicy coat that clings to the skin.

Step 6:

Serve your wings hot, with crisp celery sticks and a side of cool blue cheese dressing to balance the heat. Watch them disappear fast!

Variations & Tips

For extra crunch, pat the wings dry twice and sprinkle a bit of baking powder (not baking soda) before air frying.
Add a dash of cayenne or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix for smoky heat.
Use a mix of hot sauce and honey if you like a sweet-and-spicy wing.
If your wings are large, increase cook time by a couple of minutes for perfect doneness.
Don’t skip flipping—it ensures an even, crispy finish on both sides.

How I Like to Serve It

These wings are a total crowd-pleaser during weekend game days or casual get-togethers with friends. I love pairing them with crunchy celery and cold ranch or blue cheese dip, plus a cold beer or sparkling soda to wash down the heat. In colder months, they feel like a cozy, fiery pick-me-up that warms you from the inside out.

Notes

Leftover wings keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to revive crispiness.
You can swap out Frank’s RedHot for your favorite hot sauce—just adjust the amount depending on your heat tolerance.

Closing: Once you’ve tasted these crispy, spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings, you’ll see why they’re a fast and foolproof favorite every time.