Go Back
–+ servings
Buffalo wings in a white bowl on a wooden table with carrots laid down next to them and a stripped napkin.
Print

Crispy 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 on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day!
Course Main Course, party appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 33kcal
Author Jillian Schneider

Equipment

  • air fryer if making in the air fryer
  • mixing bowls if making in the air fryer
  • metal baking rack if making in the oven
  • baking tray if making in the oven

Ingredients

  • 1½ lbs chicken wings
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp adobo seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

  • In the Air Fryer -
    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.
  • For the Oven or 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: Preheat grill to medium high heat. Before transferring chicken to grill brush sauce to coat all sides of the chicken. Place on preheated grill and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes turning occasionally and until inside temp reaches 165°. Brush buffalo sauce throughout cooking the chicken and flip chicken about every 5 to 8 minutes. Brush with more sauce before serving.
  • For Baking: Remove chicken from oven when there is about 10 minutes remaining and brush with sauce making sure to coat all sides. Place back in oven for remaining 10 minutes. Before serving brush with remaining sauce.

Notes

How can my kids help? 
    • have your kids sprinkle the spices on top of the chicken wings before air frying.
    • measure out all the ingredients into the saucepan while making the buffalo sauce.
Store your chicken wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or place them in a freezer-sealed ziplock bag and store them in a freezer for up to 3 months.
Top Tip:  Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket! You want to leave some space between each wing when they are air frying. You want the hot air to be able to circulate around each wing so they crisp to perfection.
Don't forget to flip your wings while cooking. The flipping will help them brown evenly!

Nutrition

Serving: 1win | Calories: 33kcal | Carbohydrates: 1.7g | Protein: 3.7g | Fat: 1.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 67.2mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 1.3g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Iron: 1mg