This recipe transforms classic chicken wings into a delectable treat with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. The wings achieve a golden crunch in the air fryer before being enveloped in a tantalizing hot honey buffalo sauce. Enjoy these Air Fryer Wings as a showstopping appetizer full of flavor and crunch.

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I’ve been testing out a lot of air fryer recipes and let me tell you this Crispiest Homemade Buffalo Wings recipe is easily one of my favorites. I use 2 lbs of chicken wings which come out super crispy when you toss them with 1 tbsp of aluminum free baking powder, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp of freshly ground black pepper.

Air frying them means you get a crunchy exterior without all the extra oil usually found in fried wings. The wings get a bright flavor boost from a hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot mixed with 1/3 cup honey and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter.

These ingredients combine to make a simple hot honey buffalo sauce thats incredibly tasty. I love using this method in my Ninja Foodi Grill too because it keeps the nutritional value high while still giving you that classic buffalo wings taste everybody loves.

Enjoy pracicing this recipe and watch your family get hooked almost instantly.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because first off, the wings come out super crispy from the air fryer and they’re not greasy like how deep fried ones would be. I also like how the hot honey buffalo sauce is both spicy and sweet at the same time, it totally hits the spot. Another reason is that it’s really simple to make—just a few ingredients and steps so it doesn’t take forever when I’m hungry. Lastly, I dig that I can easily adjust the sauce or seasoning to make it just how I like it, which makes the whole cooking process feel less stressful.

Ingredients

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Chicken wings are loaded with protein and essential nutrients while offering delicious, crispy texture.
Baking powder is crucial for a super crisp finish, making wings light, crunchy, and irresistible.
Salt boosts flavor and balances the savory spices, essential for that authentic buffalo taste.
Freshly ground black pepper offers a mild heat and earthiness, enhancing every bite flavor.
Hot sauce provides a spicy jolt, adding heat and tangy zest that defines buffalo wings.
Honey infuses a natural sweetness which balances the heat and creates a harmonious flavor blend.
Melted butter enhances mouthfeel by adding rich creaminess to the bold, tangy sauce.

Ingredient Quantities

2 lbs chicken wings (flats and drumettes)

1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum free)

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

How to Make this

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1. Pat the chicken wings dry real good with paper towels, then put them in a large bowl.

2. Add the baking powder, salt, and black pepper and toss until every wing piece is lightly coated.

3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

4. Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If theyre snug, consider doing them in batches for extra crispiness.

5. Air fry the wings for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through; they should be golden and crispy when done.

6. While the wings are cooking, mix together the hot sauce, honey, and melted butter in a small bowl until smooth.

7. Once the wings come out crispy and are cooked through, toss them in the hot honey buffalo sauce until they’re completely covered.

8. Serve hot and enjoy, maybe with some sides like celery and blue cheese dressing if you like.

Equipment Needed

1. Paper towels – for drying off the chicken wings before seasoning
2. A large mixing bowl – to toss the wings with baking powder, salt, and pepper
3. Measuring spoons and a measuring cup – to measure out the baking powder, salt, pepper, hot sauce, honey, and melted butter
4. An air fryer with its basket – to get the wings crispy in a even layer
5. A small bowl – to mix together the hot sauce, honey, and butter for the buffalo sauce
6. Tongs or a spatula – to flip the wings halfway through cooking and toss them with the sauce
7. A serving plate – for presenting your tasty wings once they’re done

FAQ

Q: What are the basic ingredients used in these Buffalo Wings?

A: You'll need chicken wings, some aluminum free baking powder, salt, pepper, hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot), honey, and melted unsalted butter.

Q: How do I get the crispiest skin on the wings?

A: Make sure your wings are pat dry and evenly coated with baking powder and spices before cooking. This helps draw out moisture and makes the skin extra crispy.

Q: Can I use a different hot sauce if I dont have Frank's?

A: Yeah, you can use any hot sauce you like. Just keep in mind that flavor and heat might change a bit depending on the sauce you choose.

Q: How long should I bake the wings?

A: Bake them at a high temperature for about 45-50 minutes, and be sure to flip them halfway through to get even crispiness.

Q: Is it possible to adjust the honey and hot sauce balance?

A: For sure, if you like your wings sweeter or hotter, you can tweak the amounts as long as you keep some balance for that classic buffalo flavor.

Crispiest Homemade Buffalo Wings Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you cant get whole chicken wings, try using turkey wings or just drumettes only for a similar bite
If you dont have aluminum free baking powder, mix 1/4 tsp baking soda with 1/2 tsp cream of tartar and use that instead
If kosher salt is missing from your pantry, sea salt works pretty much the same
If Frank’s RedHot is out, go for a vinegar based hot sauce like Texas Pete or Cholula
If youre not a fan of honey, agave nectar or maple syrup can be used instead, although the flavor might change a bit

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you really pat the wings dry before you season ’em, cuz extra moisture will mess with the crispiness later on.
2. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, even if it means cookin them in batches; this helps them cook evenly and get perfectly crispy.
3. Preheat your air fryer to the full 400°F before loading the wings in, to ensure they start crisping immediately instead of stewing in their own juices.
4. When tossing the wings in the hot sauce mix, do it while they’re still piping hot so they soak it all up better.