Air Fryer Buffalo Wings: Timing For Perfection

Buffalo wings cooked in an air fryer are a quick and easy way to make delicious, crispy, juicy wings at home. The cooking time depends on the type of air fryer and your desired level of crispiness, but generally, it takes around 20 minutes to cook buffalo wings in an air fryer.

Seasoning the wings

The key to making the most flavorful buffalo wings is to season the chicken before cooking them. You can make a simple dry rub mixture with spices you probably already have in your pantry or cabinet. For example, a combination of smoked paprika, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can simply be generous with the salt and pepper.

If you want to get creative, you could add different spices like onion powder, chili powder, mustard powder, or cayenne pepper. You could also coat the wings with 2 teaspoons of aluminum-free baking powder before seasoning to get extra crispy wings.

Make sure your wings are dry before adding the seasoning, as this will help the spices stick to the wings. Add your wings to a large bowl and coat them in the spices.

Air-frying the wings

Preparation

Before you start air-frying, you should separate the wings into drumettes and flats if they are still whole. You can do this by slicing through the joint that connects the two parts firmly with a knife. You can also remove the wing tips and discard them or save them for stock. Blot the wings with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which will help them get crispier.

Seasoning

You can season the wings with a variety of spices. The most common seasonings are salt and pepper, but you can also add garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper. You can also add baking powder to the wings before seasoning for extra crispiness. Make sure to coat the wings evenly with the spices.

Cooking the wings

Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not stacked or overlapping. You may need to cook the wings in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Set the air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Then, flip the wings and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes. Finally, increase the heat to 390°F to 400°F and cook for an additional 6 to 10 minutes, or until the outsides are extra crispy.

Making the sauce

While the wings are cooking, you can make the buffalo sauce by mixing butter and hot sauce. You can use any type of hot sauce, such as Frank's RedHot, depending on your preference for spice and flavour. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then whisk in the hot sauce. You can also add additional ingredients to the sauce, such as Worcestershire sauce, honey, or garlic powder.

Toss the wings in the sauce

Once the wings are done, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss until they are evenly coated. Be sure to wear an apron during this step, as the sauce may splatter.

Serve

Serve the wings immediately with your favourite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Making the sauce

While the wings are cooking, it's time to prepare the sauce. This can be done in a few different ways, depending on your preference.

The Sauce Ingredients

The sauce is a simple combination of butter and hot sauce. For the hot sauce, Frank's RedHot is a popular choice, but any similar sauce will work. You can also add Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder for some extra flavour. If you want to make the sauce sweeter, you can add honey to the mix.

Mixing the Sauce

Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave for about a minute. Then, simply whisk in the hot sauce and any other ingredients you're using. You can also warm the sauce over medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes.

Coating the Wings

Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl and pour over the sauce, tossing them with a wooden spoon or tongs. Be sure to wear an apron, as the sauce can splatter! If needed, you can do this in batches to make it easier.

Serving

Serve the wings with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side, along with some celery and carrot sticks. Enjoy!

Tossing the wings

Preparing the Wings for Tossing:

Before tossing your wings in the sauce, it's essential to ensure they are cooked thoroughly. Most air fryers will require cooking the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding. Depending on your air fryer, cook the wings in batches at 400°F (200°C) for 22-25 minutes. For an extra crispy skin, increase the heat to 400°F for the last 6 minutes of cooking.

Making the Buffalo Sauce:

While the wings are cooking, prepare the classic Buffalo sauce by mixing melted butter and hot sauce. For a traditional Buffalo flavor, use Frank's RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce or a similar variety. You can also add other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or honey to enhance the flavor. Whisk or blend the ingredients until you have a smooth and emulsified sauce.

Once the wings are cooked, it's time for the fun part – tossing! Transfer the cooked wings to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared Buffalo sauce over the wings, and using tongs or a large spoon, toss the wings until they are evenly coated. Be careful, as the sauce may splatter a bit during this process. If needed, you can toss the wings in batches to ensure they are evenly coated.

Serving the Wings:

After tossing, it's time to serve your delicious creation! Buffalo wings are best served fresh and crispy. You can serve them with a side of celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauce, such as blue cheese or ranch dressing. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, and don't forget to share with your family and friends!

Reheating and storing

Reheating

Buffalo wings can be reheated in an air fryer and will taste just as good as when they were first made. The air fryer will heat your wings evenly, and they will come out crispy.

To reheat your wings, preheat your air fryer to 375°F / 190°C. Place the wings into the air fryer basket, leaving space between them so the hot air can circulate. Cook for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you want your wings crispier, spray them with a tiny amount of olive oil a couple of minutes before taking them out.

Check the internal temperature of the wings with a digital meat thermometer. The meat is done and safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F / 74°C.

Storing

Leftover fried chicken wings should be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated immediately. They will keep for a maximum of 3-4 days.

If you are not going to eat your leftover wings within this timeframe, double wrap the cooled wings and freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat them only when you are ready to eat them.

The FDA recommends thawing chicken breasts after they have been frozen for nine months and cooking them within 24 hours of thawing.

Frequently asked questions