I remember the first time I made buffalo wings; it was for a family get-together during one of those chilly autumn afternoons. My brothers and I had spent the day raking leaves, a yearly tradition that always ended with us playfully tossing piles of them at each other. As the sun began to set, we all craved something warm and hearty to snack on. I had recently acquired an air fryer, and while I was still getting the hang of it, I decided to test it out by making buffalo wings—a family favorite. I was skeptical at first, wondering if they would come out as crispy as the ones we were used to frying in a pot of hot oil. But with a little bit of hope and a dash of excitement, I gave it a go.
The aroma that filled the kitchen as the wings cooked was enough to draw everyone in. The air fryer worked its magic, giving the wings a perfect golden brown crispness without the mess and fuss of deep frying. When I tossed them in that spicy buffalo sauce, the familiar tangy scent brought back memories of all the times we’d ordered wings for takeout—but these were homemade, and somehow, they tasted even better. That night, the wings were devoured in minutes, with everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).
This recipe has since become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I’m looking for something quick, easy, and delicious to serve. It’s perfect for when friends drop by unexpectedly or when the family just wants a comforting snack to enjoy while watching a movie. And let’s not forget that using the air fryer means you can indulge in that addictive buffalo flavor without feeling like you’ve overindulged.
These Air Fryer Buffalo Wings are not just a recipe—they’re a reminder of those cozy, laughter-filled moments with loved ones. They’re simple to prepare but packed with flavor, making them a must-try for anyone who loves a good plate of wings.
Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings
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Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1/4 teaspoon onion granules
- 1/4 cup spicy buffalo sauce
- Salt to taste (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic granules, and onion granules. Add the chicken wings and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Place the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip the wings and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked wings to a clean bowl, pour the buffalo sauce over them, and toss to coat evenly. Place the wings back in the air fryer and cook for another 5-7 minutes until they are crispy and fully coated with the sauce.
- Remove from the air fryer, serve hot, and enjoy!
Storing Suggestion
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the wings back in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Cooking Tips
For an extra kick of flavor, you can marinate the wings in the seasoning mixture for 30 minutes before air frying. If you prefer a milder taste, substitute the spicy buffalo sauce with a mild or medium buffalo sauce. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these wings with a side of celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. They also pair well with a crisp, cold beer or a light, refreshing lemonade.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit more heat. Garlic powder can be used in place of garlic granules, and if you’re out of onion granules, onion powder works just as well.
Seasonal Variations
During the summer, add a touch of sweetness by mixing honey into the buffalo sauce. In the fall, try a maple-glazed version by substituting the buffalo sauce with a mix of maple syrup and hot sauce.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains no common allergens. For those with sensitivities, make sure to check the ingredients in the buffalo sauce for any hidden allergens.
FAQ:
How do I ensure the wings are crispy?
Make sure to dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning and cooking them in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. This helps achieve maximum crispiness.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen wings, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and air frying to avoid excess moisture.
What is the best way to reheat leftover wings?
The best way to reheat is in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I make these wings less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply use a mild or medium buffalo sauce, or mix in some honey or butter to tone down the heat.
Is there a way to make this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is naturally keto-friendly. Just ensure that the buffalo sauce you use has no added sugars.
Can I cook these wings in a conventional oven?
Yes, you can bake the wings in an oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, then toss them in the sauce and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes.
Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1/4 teaspoon onion granules
- 1/4 cup spicy buffalo sauce
- Salt to taste optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
- Dry the chicken wings thoroughly using paper towels.
- In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic granules, and onion granules. Toss the chicken wings in this mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes, then turn the wings and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Transfer the wings to a clean large bowl and pour in the buffalo sauce. Toss the wings to ensure they are well coated with the sauce. Return the wings to the air fryer and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
