Air-Fried Buffalo Wings: A Healthy, Tasty Treat?

Buffalo wings are a popular dish that can be made in an air fryer. The air fryer's hot air circulation makes the wings crispy without the need for deep frying, resulting in a healthier option with less fat and calories. The wings are seasoned and cooked in the air fryer, then tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce. This recipe is perfect for game day or any other occasion and can be customised to your preferred spice level.

How to make air fryer buffalo wings

Ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter
• Hot sauce

Method:

• Rinse the chicken wings under cold water (optional).
• Pat the wings dry with paper towels.
• Separate the wings into drumsticks and flats.
• Season the wings with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper.
• Marinate the wings for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd.
• Cook the wings in batches for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• While the wings are cooking, make the buffalo sauce by whisking together melted butter and hot sauce.
• When the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce.
• Serve immediately with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks on the side.

How to make mild buffalo wing sauce

Making buffalo wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious, juicy, and crispy wings at home. Here's how you can make a mild buffalo wing sauce to go with your air-fried wings:

Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons of butter
• 8 ounces of Frank's Red Hot Sauce (original)
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce
• Dash of Tabasco (optional)

Instructions:

• Melt the butter in a medium pan over medium-low heat. Keep an eye on it to prevent the sauce from breaking.
• Once melted, remove the pan from the heat.
• Whisk in the hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco (if using) until smooth and well combined.
• This mild buffalo wing sauce is now ready to use!

Tips:

• You can adjust the spiciness to your preference by adding more or less hot sauce.
• For a vegan option, replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute and use a vegan Worcestershire sauce.
• If you want to store the sauce, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days.
• When using the refrigerated sauce, heat it gently before tossing with the wings.
• Always toss the wings in the sauce after air frying for the best results.

How to make medium buffalo wing sauce

Yes, you can make buffalo wings in an air fryer! Here is a recipe for making medium buffalo wing sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (8 ounces) unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 1/3 cups hot sauce (e.g. Frank's RedHot, Crystal, Tabasco, or a locally made hot sauce)
• 1-3 teaspoons honey (optional)
• Cayenne pepper (optional, for more spice)

Method:

• Gently melt the butter in a medium pan over low heat.
• Once the butter has melted, remove the pan from the heat.
• Whisk in the garlic powder and hot sauce. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth, blended, and red.
• Taste the sauce, and if you want it to be spicier, add a pinch or more of cayenne pepper.
• If you're not using the sauce immediately, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It will harden, so gently reheat it over low heat and whisk or shake if the sauce separates.

Tips:

• For a vegan option, substitute butter with plant-based butter and honey with agave.
• If you prefer fresh garlic to garlic powder, you can add 1-3 finely grated or minced garlic cloves to the butter. Cook over low heat for 30 seconds, then remove the pan from the heat and add the hot sauce. For a smooth sauce, blend until smooth.
• If you want to make your sauce spicier, add more cayenne pepper. For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot sauce.

How to make spicy buffalo sauce

Buffalo sauce is a combination of cayenne pepper hot sauce and butter. It was invented in Buffalo, New York, in 1964 by Teressa Bellissimo at the Anchor Bar. The sauce is spicy, tangy, and rich.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cayenne pepper hot sauce (e.g. Frank's RedHot)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2-2.5 tablespoons honey (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Method

• Melt the butter and place it in a medium-sized bowl.
• Add the hot sauce, honey (if using), garlic powder, and paprika to the bowl.
• Stir or whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.

Tips

• For a vegan alternative, use vegan butter and agave nectar instead of honey.
• For a sweeter sauce, add a little extra honey or some maple syrup.
• For a thicker sauce, make a cornstarch slurry with equal parts cornstarch and water, or a roux with equal parts butter and flour.
• To make the sauce milder, reduce the amount of hot sauce.
• To make the sauce spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Uses

Buffalo sauce is typically used as a coating for buffalo wings but it has many other uses. These include:

• A dip for sweet potato fries, potato wedges, or air fryer French fries
• A sauce for crispy tofu or a tofu grain bowl
• A topping for a black bean burger or breakfast sandwich
• A drizzle over crispy smashed potatoes or scrambled eggs

What to serve with buffalo wings

Buffalo wings are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to accompany your wings:

Traditional Sides

The traditional accompaniments to Buffalo wings are carrot and celery sticks served with a dipping sauce, such as blue cheese or ranch dressing. These vegetables are a refreshing contrast to the spicy, crispy wings and help to cool down your palate.

Salads

If you're looking for something lighter to serve with your wings, salads are a great option. Some ideas include a classic Caesar salad, a tomato cucumber salad, or a Caprese pasta salad. You could also try something more unusual, like a Balela salad—a colourful and refreshing mix of chickpeas, black beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, parsley, and mint.

Starches

Starchier sides can help to fill out a meal featuring Buffalo wings. Why not try macaroni salad, potato salad, or even mac and cheese? For a healthier option, you could make roasted sweet potatoes, or, if you're feeling indulgent, some air fryer French fries.

Dips and Sauces

As well as the traditional blue cheese or ranch dipping sauces, you could try serving your Buffalo wings with a creamy, crumbly blue cheese dressing, a Louisiana-style remoulade, or a garlic aioli.

Other Sides

Other sides that would go well with Buffalo wings include tater tots, mozzarella sticks, fried mushrooms, or soft pretzels with cheese sauce.

Frequently asked questions