Air-Fried Buffalo Wings: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Buffalo wings are a beloved party snack, but deep-frying them can be a messy affair. Luckily, air fryers offer a convenient alternative to deep-frying, allowing you to make crispy wings without the splattering oil and added calories. Air-fried buffalo wings are also quick and easy to prepare, making them a perfect game-day treat or a tasty snack for any occasion. So, if you're looking for a way to satisfy your wing cravings at home, read on to discover how an air fryer can help you cook up a batch of mouthwatering buffalo wings.

Air fryer buffalo wings cooking time and temperature

Air fryer buffalo wings are a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to deep-fried buffalo wings. The cooking time and temperature for air fryer buffalo wings depend on the desired texture and the type of air fryer being used.

For juicy wings, cook for 20 to 22 minutes at 380°F (190°C). Halfway through the cooking time, flip the wings over. Then, increase the temperature to 400°F (205°C) and cook for an additional 6 minutes to crisp up the skin. This method works well for most air fryers, but the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer. It is recommended to shake the basket every 5 minutes and start checking for doneness.

If you prefer your wings extra crispy, you can cook them for a longer duration at a higher temperature setting. One recipe suggests cooking the wings at 380°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, followed by 6 minutes at 400°F (205°C). Another recipe recommends cooking at 380°F (190°C) for 25 minutes and then increasing the temperature to 400°F (205°C) for 5 to 15 minutes, checking every 5 minutes, until the desired crispness is achieved.

It is important to note that the cooking time may also vary depending on the size of the wings. Larger wings may require a longer cooking time, while smaller wings may cook faster. It is recommended to adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure even cooking by leaving space between the wings in the air fryer basket.

Additionally, it is suggested to pat the wings dry with paper towels before placing them in the air fryer. Removing excess moisture helps to achieve a crispier texture. You can also coat the wings with baking powder and salt for an even crispier skin.

How to get crispy buffalo wings in an air fryer

Air-fried buffalo wings are a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to deep-fried wings. They are also super crispy and juicy. Here is how to get the perfect crispy buffalo wings using an air fryer.

Preparation

First, you will need to prepare your chicken wings. You can buy chicken wings that are already split into flats and drumettes, or you can do it yourself by cutting through the joints. You can save the tips for making chicken stock. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to get rid of any excess moisture, which will help them get extra crispy. Season the wings with salt and pepper, and you can also add baking powder to make them even crispier.

Cooking

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the wings in the basket in a single layer, leaving slight space between each wing to encourage proper airflow and even cooking. Turn the air fryer to 380°F and cook for 10 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for another 6 minutes to give the skin a final crisp.

Sauce

While the wings are cooking, make your sauce. Combine melted butter, hot sauce, and, if you like, a dash of Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco, in a large bowl. When the wings are ready, transfer them to the bowl and toss until they are thoroughly coated. Serve immediately with blue cheese dressing, celery, and carrot sticks.

Reheating

Air-fried buffalo wings are best reheated in the air fryer. Reheat them in 3-5 minute intervals at 380°F, flipping them over in between each round.

How to reheat buffalo wings in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook delicious, juicy, and crunchy buffalo wings in an air fryer. It is a healthier alternative to deep frying and requires only a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps.

Now, if you have a batch of leftover wings in the fridge, you can reheat them in an air fryer to achieve maximum crispiness. Here's how to reheat buffalo wings in an air fryer:

Preparation

Let the wings sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before reheating. This helps them heat evenly and prevents drying out. You can also lightly brush the wings with cooking oil or melted butter before placing them in the air fryer basket to prevent them from drying out.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer for about 3-5 minutes to 360-380°F (182-193°C). Preheating ensures that the air fryer is hot enough to crisp up the chicken wings quickly and promotes even cooking.

Arrange the Wings

Arrange the wings in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket or on the tray, ensuring they don't touch or overlap. This helps ensure even cooking and crisping. If you are reheating a large batch, work in smaller batches or heat similar sizes together so they cook evenly.

Reheat

Place the basket or tray with the wings into the preheated air fryer and set the timer. Reheat for 3-6 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to ensure both sides get crispy and golden brown. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the wings, the air fryer model, and your desired level of crispiness.

Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. The wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature ensures food safety and the destruction of harmful bacteria. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding contact with bones or excessive breading.

Serve

For the crispiest texture, serve the wings immediately after reheating before they start to cool. You can boost the flavor by basting the wings with extra sauce or tossing them in fresh seasoning after reheating.

How to make buffalo sauce for wings

Buffalo wings cooked in an air fryer are delicious, quick, and easy to make. You can achieve that perfect balance of a crunchy exterior and a moist inside.

The key ingredients in buffalo sauce are hot sauce and butter. The butter adds a creaminess that you can't get from hot sauce alone and cuts into the heat, allowing you to control the spice. The sauce can be made with a simple combination of these two ingredients, usually with a ratio of 2 parts hot sauce to 1 part butter. You can use Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Hot Sauce or any hot sauce of your choice.

You can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavor and make it spicier or sweeter. These include:

• Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
• Honey or maple syrup
• Cayenne powder or cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• White vinegar
• Paprika

To make the sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the hot sauce and any additional ingredients of your choice. Allow the sauce to simmer for a minute. You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or cayenne powder to your preferred spice level.

This buffalo sauce can be used to coat a batch of wings for 8 people, and you can make extra for dipping. It can also be stored in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks or 3-4 days.

Air fryer buffalo wings serving suggestions

Air fryer buffalo wings are a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to deep-fried wings. They are perfect for serving at parties, game day, or family get-togethers. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your air fryer buffalo wings:

Sauces and Seasonings:

• The classic buffalo wing sauce is a combination of Frank's RedHot® Original Hot Sauce and butter. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce to suit your taste.
• For a sweeter option, try a blend of butter, honey, and Frank's RedHot® Sauce.
• If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different sauces, dips, and seasonings such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper.

Sides and Dips:

• Blue cheese sauce or dressing is a popular pairing for buffalo wings. You can enhance the flavour by adding crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola cheese to your favourite blue cheese dressing.
• Celery and carrot sticks are excellent crunchy accompaniments to the juicy wings.
• For a refreshing option, serve with a light ranch dressing or Caesar salad.
• If you're serving a large crowd, consider a platter of crispy popcorn chicken or chicken fingers as a hearty side dish.

Reheating and Storage:

• To maintain the crispiness of leftover wings, reheat them in the air fryer at 380°F (200°C) in 3-5 minute intervals. Flip them over between each interval for even heating.
• Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• You can also freeze leftover wings by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Frequently asked questions