Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

Name: Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken wings ((around 6 wings per person)); drizzle of oil; 1 tbsp dried buffalo seasoning

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These air fryer buffalo chicken wings are a favorite option when I need a quick and easy chicken dish. They’re popular among meat-eaters and can be served with a wide range of different sides. Perfect for movie nights, game nights, parties, barbecues, and more – just remember the napkins!

Air fryer buffalo wings with side dishes.

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Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken - Perfect Finger Food!

Whenever friends come over to eat, my favorite way to serve food is buffet style where everyone can just help themselves to the things they love best.

More often than not, that will include some form of chicken like these air fried chicken wings with buffalo seasoning. They go great with so many different sides (favorites are air fryer corn-on-the-cob and coleslaw) so you can serve them up at just about any feast. Of course, they’re also great for a family dinner with a big pile of air fryer French fries or sweet potato fries.

Air fried buffalo chicken wings in a bowl with side dishes of sweetcorn and coleslaw.

Why are Buffalo Chicken Wings so Good?

Buffalo chicken wings are one of those foods that check all the boxes - crispy skin, juicy meat, spicy flavor. Cooking them in the air fryer means the fat renders out (think golden crackly skin) while the meat stays tender. And the buffalo seasoning? It’s bold, punchy, and just the right amount of fiery.

Why Air Fry Buffalo Chicken Wings?

Air fryer buffalo chicken always hits the spot when you want something hot, crispy and delicious. The air fryer mimics that “fried” texture but without gallons of oil. The hot circulating air crisps the wings beautifully, and you can batch-cook enough for a crowd (or just yourself). Plus, cleanup is minimal – winner, winner, chicken dinner!

What You’ll Need to Make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

Ingredients
• Chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
• Oil (I like to use avocado oil as it has a neutral flavor but vegetable oil or olive oil will also be fine). Find out more about which oils to use in an air fryer.
• Buffalo seasoning (store-bought or homemade - see below!)

Equipment
• Air fryer
• Tongs (for flipping wings halfway through)
• Mixing bowl

Optional: How to Make Your Own Buffalo Seasoning

If you don’t want to use a ready-made blend, it’s super easy to whip up your own buffalo seasoning. Here’s a simple mix to get that fiery flavor:
• 2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
Mix it all together and store in a jar - it’s ready whenever the wing craving strikes.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Air Fryer Style

Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels (this helps to develop the ultimate crispy skin).
Add the oil and buffalo seasoning
Toss the chicken wings in a little oil and then in the buffalo seasoning until coated evenly.
Time to air fryer
Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook at 400°F / 200°C for 20–25 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through.
Check and serve
Check the chicken is cooked all the way through (the juices should run clear, no pink).

How Long to Cook Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer?

Around 20 - 25 minutes at 400°F / 200°C will give you golden, crispy wings. If your wings are on the larger side, add an extra 3–5 minutes.

Find out more about cooking chicken safely.

Air Fryer Buffalo Wings - Top Tips:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket - air circulation is key.
• Larger or thicker wings may take longer than small ones – try to cook similar sized wings together if possible.
• Like extra spicy? Sprinkle a little more cayenne at the end.
• Serve with napkins. Lots of napkins.

What Sides Go Well with Air Fryer Buffalo Wings?

Buffalo wings are bold, so they need cooling, crunchy, or buttery sides. I went with:

Corn-on-the-cob: Sweet, juicy, and brushed with butter - it’s the perfect contrast to the spice.
Coleslaw: Crunchy, creamy, and cooling. The tangy dressing balances the heat of the wings.
Air fryer french fries: A classic side that's always popular!

Other great pairings include celery sticks with ranch, sweet potato fries, or a green salad for a lighter option.

Alternatives / Substitutions

• Swap wings for chicken drumsticks or thighs if you prefer more meat.
• If buffalo isn’t your flavor, try lemon pepper or BBQ seasoning instead.

How to Reheat and Store Buffalo Chicken Wings

• Swap wings for chicken drumsticks or thighs if you prefer more meat.
• If buffalo isn’t your flavor, try lemon pepper or BBQ seasoning instead.

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes! Just add 5–7 minutes to the cooking time and make sure they’re fully cooked through.

Do I need to oil the wings?

Nope - the skin has enough fat to crisp up on its own, though you can add a light spray if you want extra crunch.

Do I need to pre-heat my air fryer?

It’s optional. Personally, I didn’t preheat my air fryer and these buffalo chicken wings turned out super crispy. But if you like to pre-heat, go for it. Just pre-heat at 180°C / 360°F for around 3 minutes.