Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe – Air Fryer & Hot Sauce

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe – Air Fryer & Hot Sauce

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, a good game day (or honestly, any day!) calls for seriously delicious wings. And let me tell you, these Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings made in the air fryer are a total game-changer. They’re crispy, flavorful, and come together so quickly – perfect when you’re craving that classic buffalo kick without spending hours in the kitchen. I first made these for a Super Bowl party and they disappeared in minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any buffalo wings. Using the air fryer means ultimate crispiness without all the oil of deep frying. Plus, the homemade buffalo sauce is so much better than anything you can buy in a bottle. Seriously, once you try these, you’ll never go back! They’re easy enough for a weeknight treat, but special enough to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons butter (that’s 57g!)
• 0.5 cup (120ml) Frank’s RedHot sauce

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference.

• Frank’s RedHot Sauce: This is the key to that authentic Buffalo wing flavor. It’s a classic for a reason! Don’t skimp here.
• Butter: I highly recommend using cultured butter. It adds a lovely richness and tang to the sauce. But regular unsalted butter works just fine too!
• Cayenne Pepper: This is where you control the heat! Start with 0.5 teaspoon for a good kick, but feel free to add more (or less!) depending on your spice preference. You could also experiment with other chili powders like chipotle for a smoky heat, or Kashmiri chili powder for a vibrant color and milder spice.
• Wings: I prefer using whole wings, but you can also use drumettes and wingettes if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re smaller.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, melt the butter in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Stir in the Frank’s RedHot sauce and set aside – this is your glorious buffalo sauce!
2. Now, pat those chicken wings really dry with paper towels. This is super important for getting them crispy. Then, in a large bowl, toss the wings with the salt, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them – you might need to cook them in batches.
4. Cook for 15 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through. Then, crank up the heat to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the wings are beautifully golden brown and crispy.
5. Finally, toss the cooked wings in that amazing buffalo sauce. Serve immediately with celery sticks and your favorite dressing.

Expert Tips

Want to take your wings to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tricks:

• Crispiness is Key: Really drying the wings is the biggest secret to getting them super crispy in the air fryer.
• Preventing Sticking: A light spray of cooking oil in the air fryer basket can help prevent the wings from sticking.
• Spice Control: Taste the buffalo sauce as you go and adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Variations

Feeling creative? Here are a few fun twists on this recipe:

• Vegan Buffalo “Wings”: My friend Sarah swears by using cauliflower or oyster mushrooms instead of chicken. Toss them in the same seasoning blend and air fry until tender and crispy.
• Gluten-Free Buffalo Wings: Just make sure your Frank’s RedHot sauce (or any hot sauce you use) is certified gluten-free.
• Spice Level Adjustments: For mild wings, reduce the cayenne pepper to ¼ teaspoon or omit it altogether. For seriously hot wings, add up to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of habanero powder.
• Game Day/Super Bowl Adaptations: Make a big batch of these and set them out with a variety of dips and sides for the ultimate game day spread!

Serving Suggestions

These wings are amazing on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving:

• Celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing (a classic!)
• A side of coleslaw for a cool and creamy contrast
• Potato wedges or sweet potato fries for a heartier meal

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Is it better to marinate the wings before cooking? While you can marinate the wings, it’s not necessary for this recipe. The dry rub does a great job of flavoring them.
• Can I bake these wings instead of air frying? Yes, you can! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as air-fried wings, but still delicious.
• What is the best dipping sauce for buffalo wings? Blue cheese and ranch are the classics, but I also love a cool and creamy avocado ranch.
• How can I make the buffalo sauce less spicy? Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce.
• Can I use a different brand of hot sauce? Absolutely! But keep in mind that different hot sauces will have different levels of heat and flavor.
• How do I reheat leftover buffalo wings to maintain crispiness? The best way to reheat wings is in the air fryer! Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Enjoy! Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe and what you think. Happy cooking!