When I’m craving something bold, fiery, and finger-lickin’ good, these air fryer hot wings are my go-to.
They’re perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered in buttery hot sauce that’s impossible to resist. And the best part? No deep fryer required.
These wings taste like classic bar food, but they’re made right at home with less oil and more flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy without frying – Thanks to the air fryer, you get all the crunch with none of the mess.
Classic buffalo flavor – That signature combo of Frank’s Red Hot and butter never fails.
Quick & easy – No marinating needed, just coat, chill, air fry, and toss in sauce.
Game-day approved – Perfect for sharing with friends, dipping in ranch or blue cheese.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights
Chicken wings – Use a mix of wingettes and drumettes, fully thawed for even cooking.
Flour coating – A light dusting of flour with paprika and cayenne gives the wings a flavorful crust.
Smoked paprika & cayenne – For a subtle smokiness and a spicy kick in every bite.
Frank’s Red Hot Sauce – The gold standard for buffalo wings, tangy and spicy.
Butter – Melts into the hot sauce for that rich, glossy wing coating.
Cooking spray – Essential for getting that golden crisp in the air fryer.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Refrigerate wings after coating – This helps the flour mixture stick better during cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the basket – Arrange wings in a single layer for even crisping.
Spray the wings with oil – It helps the flour coating crisp up and brown beautifully.
Toss in sauce just before serving – That way they stay crisp and saucy.
How to Make Air Fryer Hot Wings
Step 1: Season the Wings
In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt.
Toss the wings until fully coated. Refrigerate to help the coating stick.
Step 2: Prep the Air Fryer
Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
Arrange the wings in a single layer and lightly mist the tops with oil.
Step 3: Cook the First Side
Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the wings for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Flip and Finish
Flip the wings, spray again with oil, and cook for another 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then stir in hot sauce until combined.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Toss the cooked wings in the prepared sauce.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.
What to Serve It With
Classic celery and carrot sticks
A cold side of ranch pasta salad or coleslaw
Loaded fries, mac and cheese, or onion rings for a pub-style meal
Variations & Substitutions
Use gluten-free flour to make the wings gluten-free
Swap Frank’s with another favorite hot sauce or buffalo-style mix
Add a little honey to the sauce for sweet heat
Toss with garlic parmesan or BBQ sauce instead of buffalo for variety
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4–6 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Avoid microwaving, as it will make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings?
Thawed wings work best for an even coating and crispier result.
You can use frozen, but increase cook time.
Do I need to flip the wings in the air fryer?
Yes! Flipping halfway through ensures even browning and crispness.
Can I make them ahead?
You can coat and refrigerate them ahead, then air fry just before serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
Moderately spicy—adjust the cayenne or hot sauce to taste.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake them at 425°F in a preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just cook in batches so you don’t crowd the air fryer.
Why refrigerate the coated wings?
It helps the flour coating adhere better and creates a crispier crust when air fried.
Final Thoughts
These crispy air fryer hot wings are everything I love about buffalo wings—bold, spicy, buttery, and downright addicting—but lighter and easier than deep-frying.
Whether you’re making them for game day or a fun weekend dinner, they’re guaranteed to bring the heat and satisfy every craving.
