Print

Best Crispy Air Fryer Football Wings with Buffalo Glaze

air fryer buffalo wings - featured image
Print Recipe

Crispy air fryer chicken wings with a buffalo glaze that actually sticks. Ready in under 40 minutes, these wings deliver fried-level crunch without the oil splatter, perfect for game day or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ cup Frank’s RedHot Original hot sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Celery sticks and carrot sticks (for serving, optional)
  • Blue cheese or ranch dressing (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Dry the wings thoroughly with paper towels until they feel almost tacky to the touch.
  2. In a small bowl, combine baking powder, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Whisk until evenly distributed.
  3. Place dried wings in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle dry rub over them and toss with your hands until every wing is evenly coated.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange wings in air fryer basket in a single layer without touching or overlapping. Cook in batches if needed.
  6. Cook for 12 minutes. Do not open the basket during this time.
  7. Flip each wing with tongs and cook for another 10-12 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  8. While wings cook, make the glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine Frank’s RedHot, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth and warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Do not let it boil.
  9. Transfer cooked wings to a bowl. Using a pastry brush, brush a thin layer of glaze onto each wing. Let rest for 2 minutes, then brush another layer. Repeat once more for three thin layers total.
  10. Let glazed wings rest on a wire rack for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Notes

The drying step is crucial for crispy skin. Don’t skip the baking powder—it helps the skin brown faster and get crispier. Let wings come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for even results. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Glaze temperature should be warm (like bath water) for best adherence. For reheating, use air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer wings, buffalo wings, crispy wings, game day wings, chicken wings, buffalo glaze, football wings

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/best-crispy-air-fryer-football-wings-with-buffalo-glaze/