Wings are one of those foods that are worth the mess. Whether you're whipping them up for dinner or adding them to your Super Bowl Sunday snack table, they're sure to delight. An air fryer makes it easier than ever to deliver the perfect crispy chicken wings, but there's one step you can't forget.Â
When laying your seasoned wings in your air fryer basket, you'll want to ensure that you always cook them in a single, even layer. Overcrowding the air fryer or stacking the wings will result in uneven cooking, or worse, soggy wings. While the wings will shrink as they cook, it's still important to give each one enough space to crisp up properly.
You also have no shortage of sauce options or spice combos to try when making air fryer wings, so don't be afraid to experiment. As long as you nail the cooking steps, you're likely to end up with a restaurant-quality snack that costs a fraction of the price and takes very little effort to make.
Here's how to nail buffalo air fryer chicken wings, every time.
Ingredients for buffalo chicken wings
- 1 pack chicken wings (about 15 wings)
- 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon pepper
How to make air fryer chicken wings in 25 minutes
Step 1:Â Pat dry the chicken wings and place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle olive oil over them.
Step 2: Combine the seasonings and sprinkle them on the wings, then mix well so that the meat is fully covered.
You need four seasonings for air fryer chicken wings.
Step 3: Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, then flip them and cook for another 10 minutes. Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Cook them in multiple batches if needed.
Avoid stacking your wings. Instead, place them in a single layer.
Step 4: While the wings are cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Add Frank's RedHot (or a hot sauce of your choosing) and simmer on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If you prefer use a buffalo sauce instead of traditional hot sauce, you do not need to add butter to this recipe.
Step 5: When the wings are done cooking and have reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, place them in a clean mixing bowl and pour the buffalo sauce mixture over them.
These air fryer chicken wings are simple and quick, making them perfect for a weeknight meal.
Step 6: Toss the wings until they're fully coated and serve immediately with dipping sauce, carrots and celery.
These wings are perfectly crispy every time.
Read more: 7 of the Best Air Fryer Accessories
Air fryer wings FAQ
How long does it take to cook chicken wings in the air fryer?
Cook your wings for 20 minutes (10 minutes a side) at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Should I coat my wings before air frying?
You should toss your wings in a small amount of oil and your seasonings of choice. However, you should not coat them with sauce before cooking them. Save that step for last.
I made these buffalo chicken wings the exact same way detailed above, but I used my Wonder Oven Pro on air fryer mode.