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Crispy Air-Fried Buffalo Wings

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Crispy air-fried buffalo wings tossed in a spicy and slightly sweet buffalo sauce.

Ingredients for Crispy Air-Fried Buffalo Wings

units in
USchevron
serves
2 peoplechevron

Chicken Wings, cut at joints, wingtips discarded

0 lb

Table Salt

teaspoons

Black Pepper

teaspoons

Unsalted Butter, melted

tablespoons

Brown Sugar, packed

teaspoons

How to Make Crispy Air-Fried Buffalo Wings

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings

Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Sprinkle the wings evenly with the table salt and black pepper, ensuring each piece is well-seasoned.

2. Air-Fry the Wings

Arrange the wings in a single layer inside the air-fryer basket. Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the wings for 18 to 24 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

3. Prepare Buffalo Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce, melted unsalted butter, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth.

4. Coat the Wings

Once the wings are cooked, transfer them immediately to the bowl with the sauce. Toss them until they are evenly coated, making sure every piece is covered in the buffalo sauce. Serve the wings right away while they are still hot.

Variations

Core Recipe

Crispy Air-Fried Wings . Master the technique of air frying wings, then create a wide variety of wing dishes by changing the seasonings and sauces. Classic Buffalo Wings, BBQ Wings, Garlic Parmesan Wings, Honey Garlic Wings, Lemon Pepper Wings, Teriyaki Wings, Korean-Style Wings.

Protein Swap

Cauliflower Wings (Vegetarian), Tofu Wings (Vegan), Shrimp, Fish Wings . Replace the chicken wings with alternative proteins, follow the same core air frying technique, and toss in your choice of sauces from the flavor variants.

Change the Sauce Base

Asian Zing . Combine a sweet chili sauce with a dash of soy sauce, grated ginger, and a squeeze of lime juice for an Asian-inspired twist. Honey Mustard . Mix Dijon mustard with honey, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of garlic powder for a tangy and sweet variation. Smokey BBQ . Use your favorite BBQ sauce and infuse it with a bit of smoked paprika and chipotle powder to add a smoky kick to your wings.

Seasoning Adjustments

Cajun Seasoned . Add Cajun seasoning to your flour or breadcrumb mixture for a southern-inspired spice profile. Herbaceous . Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and basil into your seasoning for an Italian flair. Lemon Pepper . Use lemon zest and cracked black pepper in your seasoning blend for a zesty and sharp taste.

Dipping Sauces

Avocado Crema . Blend ripe avocado with sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice for a creamy and refreshing dip. Blue Cheese with a Twist . Add crumbled gorgonzola to your classic blue cheese dip and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor.

Pitfalls and tips

Pat the Wings Dry

Before seasoning or cooking, be sure to thoroughly pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is essential for achieving the crispiest skin possible in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Basket Arrangement

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Wings should be placed in a single layer with space between them to allow for proper air circulation, which is crucial for even cooking and crisping.

Baking Powder Trick

Toss the wings with a little baking powder (not baking soda) along with your seasonings before air frying. The alkaline nature of baking powder helps break down the proteins in the skin, resulting in a crispier exterior when cooked.

Sauce Tossing Technique

To avoid soggy wings, toss them in the sauce right before serving. If you prefer your wings on the crispier side, consider serving the sauce on the side for dipping.

Seasoning

Opt for a dry brine by salting the wings and letting them rest in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This not only seasons the meat deeply but also helps dry out the skin, which leads to a better texture once cooked.

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