I have been perfecting Air Fried Buffalo Chicken Wings with a simple twist. I season the wings with aluminum‑free baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper before tossing them in a bold blend of hot sauce, honey, and unsalted butter. Every bite offers a satisfying crunch and punch of flavor.

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I’ve always been obsessed with trying out new ways to make chicken wings, but these Crispiest Homemade Buffalo Wings have quickly become my go-to for that perfect crunch. I start off with 2 lbs of fresh chicken wings (both wingettes and drumettes) seasoned with a tablespoon of aluminum‑free baking powder, a teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to really amp up the flavor.

Then I let them crisp up in my air fryer until they are unbelievably crunchy. The magic doesn’t stop there though; the hot honey buffalo sauce is made by simply combining 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot), 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup unsalted butter.

It’s a game changer and makes these wings taste like a mix of classic air fried buffalo chicken wings and an innovative hot wing recipe that I just cant get enough of. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because first, my wings always come out super crispy and addicting, even though air fryers can be kinda tricky sometimes. Second, the hot honey buffalo sauce is the perfect mix of spicy and sweet that makes each bite bomb, i mean honestly it’s so tasty. Third, it’s easy to whip up and doesn’t require too much effort, which is great when i’m in the mood for something yummy but don’t wanna spend all day in the kitchen. Lastly, it feels fun to make it and experiment with the flavors, like it’s my own little recipe adventure every time i cook it.

Ingredients

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Chicken wings are protein rich, offer a satisfying crunch and flavor, they form the recipe’s main base.
Aluminum free baking powder help crisp up the wings while leavin a neutral taste.
Salt enhances flavor, balance spices and is crucial for overall taste profile in wings.
Black pepper lends a gentle heat and deepens the overall savory flavor, its a small but mighty change.
Garlic powder adds robust savory notes that uplift and complement other spices, it works magic.
Hot sauce gives a tangy kick and lively heat, it’s essential for buffalo wings flavor.
Honey brings mild sweetness to counterbalance the spicy tang perfectly, makin the taste pop.
Unsalted butter creates rich smoothness and helps meld all the flavors into a harmony that youll love.

Ingredient Quantities

2 lbs chicken wings (wingettes and drumettes)

1 tablespoon aluminum‑free baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup unsalted butter

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your air fryer (or Ninja Foodi Grill) to 400°F while you pat the wings dry with paper towels to help get that crispy skin.

2. In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of aluminum‑free baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

3. Toss the 2 lbs of chicken wings (both wingettes and drumettes) in the bowl so they are evenly coated with the dry mix.

4. Arrange the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they dont overlap for maximum crispiness.

5. Air fry the wings for about 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them as different air fryers can vary in cooking time.

6. While the wings are cooking, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.

7. Once the butter is melted, stir in 1/2 cup hot sauce and 1/4 cup honey, and keep stirring until its well combined.

8. Check that your wings are nicely crispy and cooked through, then transfer them to a big mixing bowl.

9. Pour your hot butter and honey buffalo sauce over the wings and toss them until every piece is evenly coated.

10. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, crispy buffalo wings!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer (or Ninja Foodi Grill)
2. Paper towels
3. One large bowl for mixing the dry ingredients and coating the wings
4. Measuring spoons and cups
5. Small saucepan
6. A spoon or whisk for stirring
7. Tongs for flipping the wings in the air fryer
8. One additional large bowl for tossing the wings in the sauce

FAQ

Q: Why do we use baking powder in this recipe?

A: Baking powder helps to dry out the chicken skin so they turn super crispy in the oven. Just make sure its aluminum free which stops any weird taste from happening.

Q: Can I swap out Frank's RedHot for another hot sauce?

A: Yes, you can use whichever hot sauce you like, but keep in mind that different brands might slightly change the overall flavor.

Q: Do I need to marinate the wings before cooking?

A: Not really, all you need is to coat them with the baking powder, salt, pepper and garlic powder; this method really brings out that crispiness without marinating.

Q: Should I flip the wings halfway through the cooking process?

A: Yup, flipping them helps make sure both sides get evenly cooked and crispy so its a good idea to give them a turn halfway through baking.

Q: How can I make the wings less spicy if i dont like too much heat?

A: You can always adjust the amount of hot sauce or add a bit more honey to balance the spice and sweeten the flavor some.

Crispiest Homemade Buffalo Wings Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have aluminum free baking powder, mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar to get a similar effect
For the hot sauce, if Frank’s RedHot is not at hand, try using Cholula or Texas Pete for the kick
If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or even agave nectar makes a good substitute and adds a slight twist
Unsalted butter can be swapped with margarine or coconut oil if needed but note it might change the flavor a bit

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to really pat the wings dry before coating them with the seasonin mix so you get that extra crispy skin and dont end up with soggy wings
2. If your air fryer tends to cook things unevenly, its a good idea to check on your wings a couple of times during cookin and adjust their position if needed
3. When mixin your sauce, keep the heat low and stir constantly so the hot sauce, butter and honey blend together smooth and dont burn
4. Try not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; lay the wings out in a single layer so every piece crisps up evenly and you dont get any missed spots

Crispiest Homemade Buffalo Wings Recipe

Recipe by Bob Jones

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

340

kcal

Equipment: 1. Air fryer (or Ninja Foodi Grill)
2. Paper towels
3. One large bowl for mixing the dry ingredients and coating the wings
4. Measuring spoons and cups
5. Small saucepan
6. A spoon or whisk for stirring
7. Tongs for flipping the wings in the air fryer
8. One additional large bowl for tossing the wings in the sauce

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings (wingettes and drumettes)
1 tablespoon aluminum‑free baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup unsalted butter

Directions

Preheat your air fryer (or Ninja Foodi Grill) to 400°F while you pat the wings dry with paper towels to help get that crispy skin.
In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of aluminum‑free baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Toss the 2 lbs of chicken wings (both wingettes and drumettes) in the bowl so they are evenly coated with the dry mix.
Arrange the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they dont overlap for maximum crispiness.
Air fry the wings for about 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them as different air fryers can vary in cooking time.
While the wings are cooking, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
Once the butter is melted, stir in 1/2 cup hot sauce and 1/4 cup honey, and keep stirring until its well combined.
Check that your wings are nicely crispy and cooked through, then transfer them to a big mixing bowl.
Pour your hot butter and honey buffalo sauce over the wings and toss them until every piece is evenly coated.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, crispy buffalo wings!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.