35 Min Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Sauce

Name: 35 Min Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; Celery sticks and carrot sticks (for serving); Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)

By anna Boncoeur On November 19, 2025

Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Homemade Hot Sauce

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If you’re looking for the absolute crispiest, juiciest, and most flavorful game-day snack without the mess of deep frying, then you’ve landed in the right spot for my Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Homemade Hot Sauce. I’m Anna, and I’m just a passionate food lover dedicated to sharing simple and flavorful chicken recipes that make everyday cooking easier and, honestly, way more joyful!

Forget those soggy takeout wings! We’re talking about wings that hit that perfect crunchy exterior while staying tender inside, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer and a sauce you make yourself in five minutes flat. This recipe cuts down on time but ramps up the flavor profile significantly. Trust me, once you try these, you won’t go back to the old way.

Why This Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Homemade Hot Sauce Recipe Works For You

The biggest win here is the speed; we’re talking about having these ready in about 35 minutes total. No more waiting for oil to heat up! The air fryer handles the hard work, giving you that incredible crackle you usually only get from deep frying, but with barely any added fat. Plus, making your own hot sauce coating is a total game-changer.

You control the heat and the tanginess, blending rich melted butter with your favorite hot sauce. It clings perfectly to the seasoned wings. It’s fast, it’s simple, and it delivers that classic Buffalo flavor that everyone craves, making it perfect for a weeknight treat or a last-minute party save. If you love quick chicken recipes, check out my red curry chicken in 30 minutes!

Table Of content

Equipment Needed for Perfect Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Homemade Hot Sauce

You don’t need a ton of fancy gear for this recipe, which is part of why I love it so much! Having the right tools on hand just makes the process smoother, especially when you’re trying to get dinner on the table fast.

Essential Tools for Your Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Homemade Hot Sauce

Your Air Fryer (obviously!)
A large mixing bowl for seasoning
A small bowl and a whisk for the sauce
Plenty of paper towels for drying the wings
Meat thermometer (this is crucial for food safety!)

Gathering Ingredients for Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Homemade Hot Sauce

Okay, let’s talk about what you need to grab before we start the real magic. Since this recipe moves fast once it gets going, having everything measured out and ready—what we call mise en place, though I just call it “getting organized”—is key. We’re using simple spices here, but the quality of your base ingredients really shines through, especially in that homemade sauce.

Chicken and Seasoning Components

First up, the wings! You’ll need about 2 pounds of chicken wings. Make sure you separate them into the little drumettes and the flats; they cook more evenly that way. For the seasoning blend, we are keeping it classic but smoky. You need:

2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

You’ll toss these dry seasonings right onto the patted-dry wings. Don’t forget to salt them a bit, too—I usually add about 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt here, or just salt to taste!

Crafting Your Homemade Hot Sauce Coating

This is where you make the sauce shine. You only need two things, but they have to be good! Grab 1/2 cup of your favorite standard cayenne pepper hot sauce—Frank’s style works perfectly for that classic tang. Then, melt 4 tablespoons of good, unsalted butter. Whisking the melted butter into the hot sauce creates that beautiful, emulsified coating that sticks perfectly to the crispy skin.

Serving Accompaniments

You can’t have Buffalo wings without the cooling crunch! Make sure you have some fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks ready to go. And of course, have your blue cheese or ranch dressing chilled and waiting. That creamy dip is the perfect counterpoint to the heat! For more dipping ideas, check out my easy buffalo chicken dip.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Homemade Hot Sauce

Alright, time to get cooking! Don’t be intimidated by the steps; they are super simple and happen fast. The key here is multitasking: we season, we cook, and we make the sauce all at once so we can get these wings on the table hot and fresh.

Preparing and Seasoning the Chicken

First things first: moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Take your 2 pounds of separated wings and pat them completely dry using paper towels. Seriously, blot them until they feel almost dusty. Once they are dry, toss them right into that large bowl. Sprinkle over your smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and pepper—and don’t forget a good pinch of salt! Toss everything until the wings are evenly coated in that gorgeous spice rub. I like to let these sit on the counter for about 30 minutes while the air fryer preheats. If you have time, letting them marinate overnight in the fridge makes them even better, but 30 minutes is enough to get the flavor going.

Air Frying for Maximum Crispiness

Set your air fryer to 400°F and give it a good spray with oil. It needs to be hot before the wings go in! Arrange the seasoned wings in the basket in a single layer. This is important—if you crowd the basket, they steam instead of crisping up. You might have to work in two batches, which is totally fine. Cook them for 22 to 25 minutes total. You absolutely must stop halfway through, pull the basket out, and flip every single wing. This ensures both sides get that amazing golden-brown crunch we are aiming for.

Mixing the Homemade Hot Sauce and Finishing the Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Homemade Hot Sauce

While the wings are doing their thing in the air fryer, let’s make that quick sauce. In your small bowl, whisk together the 4 tablespoons of melted butter and your 1/2 cup of hot sauce until it’s completely smooth. It should look slightly orange and glossy. Once the wings are done cooking—and remember, check that they hit 165°F internally!—transfer them immediately to a large, clean bowl. Pour that beautiful sauce right over the hot wings and toss quickly and thoroughly. You want every single piece drenched. Serve them right away with your chilled ranch or blue cheese and those crisp carrot and celery sticks! For more great chicken recipes, see my baked barbecue chicken.

Tips for Success with Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Homemade Hot Sauce

These wings are so easy, but a few little tricks will take them from good to absolutely legendary. Since we are not deep frying, we have to be a little more deliberate about getting that perfect texture. Don’t worry about perfection on the first try; just follow these pointers and you’ll be a pro!

Achieving the Ideal Texture

The biggest point of confusion is usually the cooking time. The recipe gives you a range—22 to 25 minutes—because wings vary in size. If you want that super crunchy, almost crackly skin, go for the full 25 minutes. If you prefer them super juicy inside, pull them at 22 minutes. No matter what, you must check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when it hits 165°F, but I often cook mine closer to 175°F in the air fryer because that extra time really renders the fat and dries out the skin beautifully without drying the meat too much.

Ingredient Quality in Your Homemade Hot Sauce

Because the sauce is only butter and hot sauce, the flavor of that base hot sauce really dictates the final taste! If you use a thin, vinegary sauce, your coating will be tangier. If you use a thicker, pepper-forward sauce, the flavor will be deeper. Since we aren’t adding any sugar or extra spices into the sauce itself, choose a brand you genuinely love to drink straight from the bottle. That’s my rule for any simple sauce like this! You can find more of my favorite recipe ideas over on Pinterest.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Homemade Hot Sauce

I always hope there are leftovers because these wings are amazing the next day, but you have to store them right! The biggest challenge with Buffalo wings is that the sauce makes them soft overnight. We need to handle storage and reheating carefully to bring back that crispiness we worked so hard for.

Storing Leftover Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Homemade Hot Sauce

The key here is separating the sauce from the wing if you can. If you tossed them all together, no worries, but try to get them into an airtight container as soon as they cool down slightly—don’t leave them sitting out at room temperature for too long. They should keep perfectly fine in the refrigerator for about three to four days. If you stored them plain (before saucing), they might last a day longer, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house! If you prefer wings without sauce, check out my recipe for air fryer chicken wings.

Reheating for Re-Crisping

Please, please, please do not use the microwave! That will just turn your beautiful crispy wings into sad, soggy sponges. The best way to revive them is back in the air fryer. Set it to about 375°F and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This blasts out the moisture the sauce introduced. If you don’t have an air fryer, a hot oven around 400°F on a baking sheet works almost as well for about 10 minutes.

Storage Method	Duration	Best Reheating Method
Airtight Container (Fridge)	3–4 Days	Air Fryer (375°F for 5–7 min)

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Homemade Hot Sauce

I always get so many questions once people start making these wings because they are just that good! It’s natural to wonder about tweaks and substitutions, so here are the answers to the most common things I hear from fellow home cooks.

Can I make the Homemade Hot Sauce Spicier?

Oh, absolutely you can! If you like things really hot, this is where you can customize it easily. Instead of just using the standard hot sauce, try adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper directly into your melted butter mixture, or maybe even a dash of your favorite chili oil. Just remember, every hot sauce brand has a different heat level, so start small with any additions. You can always add more heat later, but you can’t take it out once it’s mixed in! For another spicy option, try my spicy chicken dinner recipe.

What if I don’t have an Air Fryer for these Wings?

Don’t sweat it if the air fryer is currently occupied. You can still get great results in a conventional oven! Preheat your oven to a high heat—around 425°F is what I recommend. Toss the seasoned wings just like normal, but arrange them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This setup lets the air circulate underneath. Bake them for about 35 to 40 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through to that safe 165°F internal temperature.

Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Homemade Hot Sauce

While the carrots, celery, and ranch or blue cheese are the classic trifecta, feel free to mix it up! Sometimes I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley over the finished wings for color and freshness—it really brightens up the flavor profile. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of honey right before serving can balance out the tanginess of the sauce beautifully.

Sharing Your Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Homemade Hot Sauce Experience

I truly hope these quick, crispy wings become a staple in your home just like they are in mine! Cooking should be fun, and nothing makes me happier than knowing I helped you get a delicious meal on the table without stress. If you make these Air Fryer Buffalo Wings with Homemade Hot Sauce, please come back and leave a rating or tell me in the comments how they turned out!