Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

Buffalo chicken wings cooked in the air fryer are an absolute game changer. They are crispy on the outside and the meat is so tender and juicy it falls right off the bone. They also only take 30 minutes to cook! A perfect appetizer for your next holiday gathering!

If you haven't tried Air Fryer Chicken Wings then you need to start ASAP! This recipe was quick and easy and would make the perfect appetizer for your upcoming holiday gathering.

These wings can also be grilled or baked in the oven if you don't have access to an air fryer.  If you decide to grill them the trick to cooking them perfectly is to bake them first.  I learned this secret from my Dad, who is the wing connoisseur of the family. 

If you are on the hunt for other easy holiday appetizers then you must try my Juicy Cranberry Turkey Meatballs or my Italian Chicken Meatballs.

Ingredients for these crispy wings

• chicken wings - I always purchase the value pack which comes with 20 wings. That amount gets eaten in one sitting in my household, especially with this recipe. Chicken wings can sometimes be pricey in this economy so I always wait for them to go on sale before buying.
• salt and pepper - topping your wings evenly with salt and pepper before air frying them gives them that much more flavor. If you've got the extra time adding the spices to your chicken the night before cooking intensifies the taste even more.
• adobo seasoning - I love this seasoning because it's all my favorite spices wrapped up into one. Adobo consists of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• garlic powder - my favorite spice so yes I add more 😉
• buffalo sauce - you can't have buffalo wings without buffalo sauce!
• ketchup - I love the ketchup from Good Food For Good because it is organic and has no sugar added.  Good Food For Good Organic Ketchup . I like adding ketchup to my sauce because it brings in even more flavor with its combination of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
• apple cider vinegar - balances out some of the heat and richness of the buffalo sauce.
• unsalted butter- using butter adds a velvety smooth richness to your sauce. I always opt for unsalted because I like being in control of the amount of sodium in my meals.

Directions

Step-by-step instructions on how to make these easy air fryer wings!

Step 1 - Place chicken wings on a flat surface and season evenly with salt, pepper, adobo seasoning, and garlic powder.

Step 2 - Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and lay your wings inside the basket in a single layer.

Step 3 - Air fry at 380 degrees for 10 minutes. Flip the wings and air fry for another 10 minutes. Flip the wings one more time and air fry for another 5 minutes.

Step 4 - Meanwhile for the sauce, in a small saucepan set on low heat add buffalo sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, butter or ghee, and salt and pepper. Cook on low heat until butter is melted. Mix well to combine.

Step 5 - Remove wings from air fryer and place in a large bowl. Pour the homemade buffalo sauce on top and toss the wings with the sauce until the wings are fully covered.

Step 6 - Serve warm with your favorite sauce!

How to make buffalo chicken wings on the grill

First, preheat your oven to 425° and place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet.  Arrange your chicken on top.

Next, sprinkle your chicken evenly with the salt, pepper, adobo seasoning, and garlic powder. 

Then, bake the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes. Chicken should reach 165º on the inside to be fully cooked.

Last, follow either step below to continue baking or transfer to the grill!

For Grilling:  Before transferring chicken to grill brush with sauce to coat.  Using a brush coat all sides of the chicken.  Place on preheated grill and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes. Brush buffalo sauce occasionally while grilling and flip chicken about every 5 to 8 minutes to crisp all sides.  Before serving brush with remaining sauce.

For Baking:  Remove chicken from the oven when about 10 minutes is remaining and brush with the sauce making sure to coat all sides.  Place back in the oven and bake for the remaining 10 minutes.  Before serving brush with remaining sauce.

For The Sauce: Meanwhile, combine buffalo sauce, ketchup, butter or ghee, and pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter is melted.

Equipment needed

If you are following the air fryer recipe then you need an air fryer. Here is the one I recommend and have myself. Air Fryer!

If you are making your wings on the grill or in the oven you'll need a brush. Here are a few brushes that I recommend if you don't already have one.

Basting Brush, Grilling BBQ Brush, Baking Pastry, and Oil Stainless Steel

Caperci Silicone Basting, Grilling Brush, set of 2

Substitutions

If you are looking to swap out any of the ingredients listed for this recipe here are a few suggestions.

Adobo Seasoning - if you don't have this spice on hand you can combine a bunch of spices in its place. Instead, you can use garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Ketchup - this ingredient is added for extra flavor. It adds a sweet, tangy, and savory taste. You can omit this ingredient if you prefer.

Unsalted Butter - you can substitute in ghee instead of butter. Ghee is a better choice for people who are lactose intolerant.

How can the kids help

I absolutely love incorporating my children into helping me with my cooking. For this recipe here are some ideas in which the kiddos can assist.

• measure out all the ingredients into the saucepan while making the buffalo sauce.
• have your kids sprinkle the spices on top of the chicken wings before air frying.

Tips and FAQ's

What to serve with chicken wings

If you give this dish a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! Always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!