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Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Hot Wings

5 from 3 votes
Crispy Air Fryer Hot Wings with an easy homemade buffalo sauce is the perfect Super Bowl dish and lighter than deep frying!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Calories: 389
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 lb chicken wings (fresh or frozen) separated if whole, thawed if frozen
  • 2 teaspoon cayenne divided
  • 2 teaspoon garlic powder divided
  • 2 teaspoon onion powder divided
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • 1 stick butter
  • 12 oz bottle of Frank's red hot (or similar)
  • 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • celery, carrots, ranch, bleu cheese for serving

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Method
 

  1. Rinse wings in cold water and pat dry.
  2. In small bowl mix together 1 teaspoon cayenne, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt and ½ teaspoon ground pepper.
  3. Rub wings with this seasoning.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees for 2 minutes. Spray with nonstick.
  5. Add wings in a single layer not overcrowding. Might have to work in batches (see notes).
  6. Cook 12 minutes on side then flip and cook 10-15 more minutes.
  7. Meanwhile in a small saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Add hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, oregano, 1 teaspoon cayenne, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder.
  8. Bring to slight boil, reduce heat and simmer for 8 minutes.
  9. Remove wings to a paper towel lined plate. Based on size of air fryer you might have to work in batches.
  10. Transfer wings to a large bowl and toss in hot buffalo sauce.
  11. Serve with carrots, celery and dressing on side.

Notes

In order to make this Air Fryer Hot Wings sauce less spicy (more mild-medium range), simply omit or use less cayenne. To make it even more spicy (extremely hot) add more cayenne. You can use whatever hot sauce you like; however, Frank’s is my favorite. If you decide to use another brand just ensure it’s a traditional hot sauce. Flavored hot sauces will change the overall taste of the hot wing sauce.
You’ll probably have to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. You can overlap wings; however, it’ll take longer for them to cook that way. Air fryers work by circulating air around the food. If they can’t circulate properly, they won’t get as crispy. Spray the tops of the wings the olive oil spray as well to help them crisp up better.
If you don’t have an air fryer or would just prefer to use the oven that’s fine too! Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray or line with aluminum foil/parchment paper. Spread chicken wings out in a single layer, not touching or overlapping. Bake wings for 25-35 minutes or until internal temperature is 165 degrees and they’ve reached desired crispiness.
If you like your hot wings extra crispy, cook a little longer. If you prefer them more on the juicy side, a little less (just make sure they reach 165 degrees internally). Be flexible with your cooking times. Party wings contain both drums and flats of varying sizes. Larger wings will need longer to cook. If working in batches, try grouping together wings of similar sizes.