Name: Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon salt (divided); ¼ cup hot sauce; 3 tablespoons melted butter; Cooking spray; Celery sticks; Ranch dressing

Nothing beats the perfect game day snack like a batch of crispy, flavorful wings. This Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe gives you that crunchy skin and spicy kick you crave—without the mess of deep frying. Trust me, once you try these, your air fryer will become your new best friend!

A white rectangular plate holds a serving of glossy, orange-brown sauced chicken wings piled mostly at the bottom right. To the top left, there are bright green celery sticks arranged neatly in a small bundle. At the top right of the plate, a small white cup filled with a creamy, white dipping sauce flecked with black pepper sits in place. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a hint of a blue cloth peeking out at the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I whip up these wings, the whole kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma. It’s quick, easy, and the results are just spot on every single time.

Perfectly Crispy: Air frying locks in the crisp without any greasy residue.
Bold Flavor: The smoked paprika and garlic powder add depth before the classic buffalo sauce toss.
Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you’ll have wings ready in about 33 minutes.
Game Day Essential: Great for snacks, parties, or whenever you want that spicy treat.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, make sure to grab quality chicken wings, fresh spices, and your favorite hot sauce. These simple ingredients come together to deliver maximum flavor without any fuss.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken wings split into flats and drumettes arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red hot sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of smoked paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of pale garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, several crisp green celery sticks laid in a row, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy ranch dressing, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken wings: Split into flats and drumettes for even cooking and easy eating.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that elevates the buffalo sauce.
Garlic powder: Gives just the right punch of savory flavor without overpowering.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both before and after cooking to bring out all the flavors.
Hot sauce: The heart of any buffalo wing – pick your preferred heat level!
Melted butter: Balances the heat with richness and helps coat the wings perfectly.
Cooking spray: Keeps the wings from sticking and ensures an even crisp in the air fryer.
Celery sticks: Classic cooling accompaniment that adds crunch and freshness.
Ranch dressing: The perfect creamy dip to mellow out that spicy buffalo flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to match your taste buds or occasion. Whether you’re craving extra heat or a twist on the classic flavor, these wings are a wonderful blank canvas.

Extra Spicy Variation: I like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked chipotle powder to the seasoning mix for a smokier, spicier kick that wakes up the palate.
Garlic Parmesan Wings: Instead of tossing the cooked wings in buffalo sauce, melt some butter and mix in grated Parmesan cheese plus finely minced garlic. It’s tangy, cheesy, and a great alternative if you want something less fiery.
Low-Sodium Option: If you’re watching your salt intake, reduce the salt in the seasoning and sauce, and consider swapping the hot sauce with a low-sodium variety without sacrificing flavor.
Herb-Infused Buffalo Sauce: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on the finished wings add a lovely fresh contrast to the rich buttery heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds several raw chicken wings. The wings are pale pink and white with a smooth skin texture. A layer of reddish-orange spice powder is sprinkled unevenly over the top of the wings, with some white granulated salt scattered on one side. The spices create a dusty look on the wings, covering parts of them while some areas remain plain. The scene is softly lit from above, highlighting the contrast between the raw meat and the colorful spices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer

First things first, set your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and let it come to temperature. A hot basket is key to getting that sizzle right from the start. Once heated, spray the basket lightly with cooking spray—this simple step ensures your wings won’t stick and helps them brown beautifully.

Step 2: Dry and Season the Wings

Patting the wings thoroughly dry with paper towels is a game changer for crispiness—I always spend a few extra seconds here. Then, toss your 1 ½ pounds of chicken wings in a big bowl with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Be sure every wing is evenly coated so each bite bursts with flavor.

Step 3: Cook Wings Skin-Side Down

Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket with the skin side down, keeping them well spaced to allow hot air to circulate. Cook at 380 degrees for 10 minutes—you’ll notice the skin starting to brown and crisp up nicely.

Step 4: Flip, Increase Heat, and Finish Cooking

Flip the wings over so the other side can crisp up, then crank the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for an additional 10 to 13 minutes until the wings are golden and irresistibly crispy. Keep an eye on them—this step is where magic happens.

Step 5: Whip Up the Classic Buffalo Sauce

While the wings cook, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe large bowl. Whisk in ¼ cup of your favorite hot sauce and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt until the sauce is silky and well combined. This buttery, spicy sauce is what makes buffalo wings so addictive.

Step 6: Toss and Serve Immediately

Once the wings are out of the air fryer, transfer them to the bowl with buffalo sauce and toss until every piece is generously coated. Serve your crispy buffalo wings right away with fresh celery sticks and a side of ranch dressing for that cool, creamy contrast.

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the perfect balance of crispiness and saucy flavor for your Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe every single time.

Dry Wings Thoroughly: Patting the wings completely dry before seasoning is a game changer. It ensures they crisp up beautifully instead of steaming in the air fryer.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Spacing the wings apart allows hot air to circulate evenly, which means crispier skin all around. I learned this after a few soggy batches!
Flip and Heat Up: Flipping the wings halfway through and upping the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit really locks in that golden brown, crispy finish without drying out the meat.
Toss While Hot: Toss your wings immediately in the buttery hot sauce when they come out of the air fryer. This keeps them coated perfectly without losing any crispiness.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe

There is a single layer of golden brown cooked chicken wings arranged inside a black air fryer basket. Each wing has a slightly crispy and textured skin, showing areas of light char and darker brown spots, indicating they are cooked well with a blend of spices. The wings vary slightly in size and shape but all look juicy and tender. The air fryer basket has a grid-like base that allows oil and crumbs to fall through and has slightly oily spots from cooking. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Classic celery sticks are the perfect crisp, refreshing complement to balance the spicy heat. Feel free to add some carrot sticks, or sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the wings for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Side Dishes

For a full game day spread, serve your crispy buffalo wings with creamy ranch dressing or blue cheese dip for dipping. Pair with crunchy potato wedges, a simple coleslaw, or even a fresh green salad to round out the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them safe to eat while preserving flavor as best as possible.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, place the cooked wings on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, place wings in the air fryer basket and cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method refreshes their crispiness much better than the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes! Thaw frozen wings completely and pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they crisp up well in the air fryer.

What type of hot sauce works best?

A classic cayenne-based hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot gives that authentic buffalo flavor, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce to adjust spice level.

Can I make these wings less spicy?

Absolutely. Simply reduce the amount of hot sauce or add more melted butter to balance the heat to your liking.

How do I know when wings are cooked through?

The total cook time is about 23 minutes at 380°F then 400°F. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe eating. The wings will be golden and crispy on the outside.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the perfect batch of crispy, buttery, and spicy buffalo wings to bring friends and family together—whether it’s game day or just a casual snack night. This Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings Recipe makes it easy and fast without sacrificing any of that classic flavor and crunch. I hope it becomes your go-to wing recipe to enjoy again and again. Happy cooking!