How To Cook Buffalo Wings In Air Fryer [FULL GUIDE]

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Buffalo wings, with their perfect balance of crispy exterior and succulent, juicy interior, have become an iconic dish in American cuisine. Traditionally deep-fried and coated in a tangy, spicy sauce, they are a staple at sports gatherings, parties, and casual dinners. However, with the advent of air fryers, you can achieve that same golden, crispy perfection without the excess oil and calories of deep-frying. Air fryers use hot circulating air to cook food quickly and evenly, producing a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender-a technique particularly effective for chicken wings. But cooking buffalo wings in an air fryer requires attention to temperature, timing, and technique to ensure each bite delivers that signature crunch followed by a juicy, flavorful bite.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature To Cook Buffalo Wings In Air Fryer

Temperature control is critical in air frying buffalo wings. For wings to achieve their ideal crispy exterior while remaining moist inside, the recommended air fryer temperature is 360°F (182°C) to 400°F (204°C).

• Lower end (360°F / 182°C): This temperature is ideal if you want a slightly slower cooking process that allows the fat in the chicken skin to render properly, producing a tender interior with a gentle crisp on the outside.
• Higher end (400°F / 204°C): A higher temperature produces a crispier skin more quickly, perfect for those who prioritize crunch. However, it requires careful monitoring to avoid burning the sauce or skin.

Some recipes use a two-step process: cooking at 360°F for initial cooking, then raising to 400°F for the last few minutes to maximize crispiness. This method combines the best of both worlds: thorough cooking and golden crunch.

How Long To Cook Buffalo Wings In Air Fryer

Cooking time varies based on wing size, air fryer capacity, and temperature. Here’s a standard guideline:

• At 360°F (182°C): 25-30 minutes
• At 400°F (204°C): 20-25 minutes

It’s best to flip the wings halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on all sides. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking, so it’s crucial to leave space between wings for proper air circulation.

How To Tell If Buffalo Wings Are Done

Proper doneness ensures safety and flavor:

1. Internal Temperature: The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. Chicken wings should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
2. Visual Cues: Look for golden-brown skin with slight bubbling of fat on the surface. The meat near the bone should be opaque and slightly pull away from the bone.
3. Texture Test: When gently pressed, the wings should feel firm but not rubbery, indicating cooked-through meat.

Ingredients Needed

To prepare classic buffalo wings in an air fryer, you will need:

• Chicken wings: 2 pounds, separated into flats and drumettes
• Baking powder: 1 tablespoon (optional, helps achieve extra crispiness)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
• Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
• Buffalo sauce: ½ cup (or to taste; traditional sauce is a mix of hot sauce and melted butter)
• Optional garnish: Chopped parsley or blue cheese dressing for serving

How To Cook Buffalo Wings In Air Fryer

1. Prep the wings: Pat wings dry with paper towels. Toss with baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Baking powder helps the skin crisp up without frying.
2. Preheat the air fryer: Preheating ensures immediate cooking and crisping of the wings. Preheat to 360°F (182°C).
3. Arrange wings in the basket: Place wings in a single layer, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.
4. Cook: Air fry at 360°F for 25 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping wings halfway through.
5. Crisp finish: Increase temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 5 minutes if desired for extra crunch.
6. Sauce the wings: Toss hot wings in buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
7. Serve: Garnish with parsley or serve with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Temperature?

• Lower than 360°F: Wings will cook more slowly and may become dry if cooked too long. You may need to extend the cooking time by 5-10 minutes, but crispiness may be compromised.
• Higher than 400°F: Skin may crisp too quickly, potentially burning before the interior cooks fully. It’s risky unless wings are very small and you monitor carefully.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Cooking Time?

• Shorter time: Wings may be undercooked, leading to unsafe meat and soft skin. Always check internal temperature.
• Longer time: Wings can dry out and become tough, especially at high temperatures. Overcooked wings lose that tender, juicy quality that makes them irresistible.

When Things Go Wrong

• Wings are soggy: Likely overcrowded basket or insufficient baking powder. Avoid stacking wings.
• Skin burnt: Temperature too high or wings left in too long. Reduce heat or shorten cooking time.
• Undercooked wings: Air fryer temperature too low or cooking time too short. Increase temperature slightly or cook longer, checking internal temperature frequently.

Expert Tips

1. Pat wings completely dry before seasoning; moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
2. Use baking powder, not baking soda. Baking powder reacts with chicken skin to create a golden, puffy crisp.
3. Flip or shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
4. Sauce after cooking to prevent the coating from becoming soggy.
5. Don’t overcrowd the basket; air circulation is key to crispiness.
6. Experiment with two-step cooking: lower temperature first for doneness, then higher temperature for crunch.

FAQs

What Is The Best Temperature To Cook Buffalo Wings In An Air Fryer?

The optimal temperature for cooking buffalo wings in an air fryer is typically 375°F (190°C). This allows the wings to cook evenly while achieving a crispy exterior without drying out the meat. Some recipes recommend starting at 360°F and finishing at 400°F for extra crispiness.

How Long Should Buffalo Wings Be Cooked In An Air Fryer?

Cooking time depends on the size of the wings and the air fryer model. Generally, small to medium wings take 25-30 minutes, while larger wings may take 30-35 minutes. It is recommended to flip the wings halfway through the cooking process to ensure even crisping on all sides.

Should Buffalo Wings Be Prepped Before Air Frying?

Yes. For the best results, wings should be patted dry to remove excess moisture, lightly coated with a thin layer of oil to promote crispiness, and optionally seasoned with salt, pepper, or other spices before cooking. This helps the skin crisp up and enhances flavor.

Do I Need To Thaw Frozen Buffalo Wings Before Air Frying?

It is recommended to thaw frozen wings before air frying. Cooking from frozen is possible, but it requires a longer cooking time and may result in less even cooking. Thawed wings cook faster and allow for more consistent crispiness and flavor absorption from sauces or seasonings.

How Can I Make Buffalo Wings Extra Crispy In An Air Fryer?

To achieve extra crispy wings, make sure the wings are dry before cooking and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking in a single layer allows hot air to circulate freely. You can also increase the temperature to 400°F (205°C) for the last 5 minutes and lightly spray the wings with oil before the final crisping.

When Should I Add Buffalo Sauce To The Wings?

Buffalo sauce is best added after the wings are fully cooked. Tossing the hot wings in the sauce ensures they are evenly coated and maintain their crispiness. You can reheat the sauce slightly before tossing to help it adhere better to the wings.

Can I Cook Frozen Pre-sauced Buffalo Wings In An Air Fryer?

Yes, but results may vary. Pre-sauced frozen wings may produce extra moisture, which can prevent crisping. It is recommended to cook them slightly longer and at a higher temperature, and optionally blot excess sauce after cooking to retain some crispiness. Alternatively, consider adding additional sauce after crisping for flavor.