Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Skip the deep fryer and make these Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings instead! Coated in a simple blend of cornstarch and seasonings, air fried until perfectly crispy, then tossed in a rich homemade buffalo sauce, they’re everything you love about classic restaurant wings made right at home.
Whether you’re serving them for game day, movie night, or an easy dinner, these wings are packed with bold flavour, incredibly crispy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
- Extra crispy without deep frying
- Homemade buffalo sauce with just four ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes
Quick Recipe Summary
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Chicken Wings
Using split wings allows them to cook evenly and become beautifully crispy in the air fryer.
Cornstarch
A light coating of cornstarch helps create that irresistible crispy exterior.
Frank’s RedHot
The classic choice for authentic buffalo flavour.
Butter
Butter mellows the heat while creating a silky, rich buffalo sauce.
Ranch or Blue Cheese
Serve with your favourite dipping sauce for the ultimate wing experience.
How to Make It
Pat the wings completely dry before tossing them with the cornstarch and seasonings.
Arrange the wings in a single layer in your air fryer and cook at 400ยฐF for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Meanwhile, whisk together the buffalo sauce ingredients until smooth.
As soon as the wings finish cooking, toss them with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
Finish with sliced green onions and serve alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Pro Tips
- Dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning.
- Cook in batches if needed for maximum crispiness.
- Flip the wings halfway through cooking.
- Toss with the sauce immediately before serving.
Common Mistakes
Overcrowding the Basket
Leave space around each wing so the hot air can circulate properly.
Skipping the Cornstarch
Cornstarch is the secret to achieving crispy, golden skin.
Saucing Too Early
Wait until the wings are fully cooked before tossing them in the buffalo sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 375ยฐF for 4-6 minutes until hot and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning for the best texture.
Can I make them spicier?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few extra dashes of hot sauce to the buffalo sauce.
Do I need to flip the wings?
Yes. Flipping halfway through helps both sides cook evenly and crisp up beautifully.
Can I use bottled buffalo sauce?
Yes! Homemade has a fresher flavour, but your favourite store-bought buffalo sauce works just as well.
Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Ingredients
Wings
- 2 lbs chicken wings about 16 split wings
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
Homemade Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Hot Sauce
- 1/4 cup 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For Serving
- Sliced green onions
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery and carrot sticks optional
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towel.
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with the cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400ยฐF.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy, golden brown, and reach an internal temperature of 165ยฐF.
- While the wings cook, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl and toss immediately with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
