# Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

> Pat 1 kg of chicken wing pieces dry, toss with baking powder, salt and garlic powder, then air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 22-25 minutes, shaking halfway, until crisp and 74°C (165°F) inside. Toss in melted butter mixed with hot sauce and serve right away with celery and blue cheese or ranch dip.

Source: https://www.savourrecipes.com/recipe/air-fryer-buffalo-chicken-wings
Author: Cookwithmrdots | Published: Oct 28, 2026 | Updated: Oct 28, 2026
Categories: Air Fryer Recipes, Chicken Recipes
Collections: Summer Recipes
Tags: High Protein, Gluten Free

These wings get properly crisp in the air fryer thanks to one small trick: a light dusting of baking powder before cooking. Toss them in a quick butter and hot sauce glaze and serve with celery and your favourite dip for game night or an easy Friday dinner.

## Key facts

- Prep time: 10 mins
- Cook time: 25 mins
- Total time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Method: Air frying
- Calories: 470 per serving

## Ingredients

### Wings

- 1 kg chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes, tips removed
- 1 tbsp baking powder, not baking soda; check it is gluten-free
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
### Buffalo sauce

- 80 ml cayenne pepper hot sauce, about 1/3 cup
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dip, for serving

## Equipment

- Air fryer
- Large bowl
- Small saucepan
- Instant-read thermometer

## Instructions

1. **Dry and season.** Pat the wings very dry with paper towel. Toss them in a large bowl with the baking powder, salt, garlic powder and pepper until every piece is lightly coated.
2. **Air fry.** Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the wings in a single layer with a little space between them, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 22-25 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the wings halfway, until deep golden and crisp. The thickest drumette should read 74°C (165°F).
3. **Make the sauce.** While the wings cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the hot sauce and honey, if using, until smooth, then take it off the heat.
4. **Toss and serve.** Tip the hot wings into a clean bowl, pour over the sauce and toss to coat. Serve straight away with celery sticks and dip.

## Tips

- Use baking powder, not baking soda. Baking soda leaves a soapy, metallic taste.
- For extra-crisp skin, leave the seasoned wings uncovered on a rack in the fridge for 1-8 hours before cooking.
- Sauce the wings just before serving; they soften if they sit in the sauce.

## Variations

- Honey garlic wings: swap the buffalo sauce for 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari and 2 grated garlic cloves, simmered for 2 minutes.
- Lemon pepper wings: toss the cooked wings in 2 tbsp melted butter with 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1 tsp cracked black pepper.
- Milder wings: use half hot sauce and half melted butter.

## Storage

- Fridge: Refrigerate leftover wings within 2 hours in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked, unsauced wings for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 5-6 minutes until hot to the centre and crisp again.

## Nutrition per serving (estimate)

| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 470 | 38 g | 2 g | 34 g |

## Frequently asked questions

### How long do chicken wings take in the air fryer?

Split chicken wings take 22-25 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Shake the basket halfway, and check the thickest piece reaches 74°C (165°F) before saucing.

### Why do you add baking powder to wings?

Baking powder raises the pH of the skin and draws out moisture, which helps it blister and crisp in the air fryer. Use a small amount and make sure it is baking powder, not baking soda.

### Can I cook frozen wings in the air fryer?

Yes. Air fry frozen wings at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes, separate them and season, then cook another 15-20 minutes until crisp and 74°C (165°F) inside.

### Are buffalo wings gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your baking powder and hot sauce are labelled gluten-free. Most cayenne pepper hot sauces are, but check the label.