Crispy buffalo chicken wings are a classic game day favorite, originating from the Anchor Bar in New York. This recipe features crispy buffalo wings that are easy to make, whether you choose to bake them or use an air fryer for a healthier option.
The combination of hot sauce, melted butter, and spices creates a flavorful homemade buffalo sauce that will elevate your wings to perfection.
Serve these wings with your favorite dipping sauce, such as blue cheese dip or ranch dressing, alongside celery sticks for a classic side. With the right techniques, you can achieve golden brown, crispy wings that are sure to impress your guests during football season or at the Super Bowl.
Prefer a Crock-Pot or Air Fryer over the oven? Don’t worry! I cover both options in full below the main recipe.
The Origin of Buffalo Chicken Wings
Buffalo chicken wings have become a staple in American cuisine, particularly during football season. Their roots trace back to the Anchor Bar in New York, where the original recipe was crafted.
These wings are not just a dish; they symbolize camaraderie and celebration, especially during events like the Super Bowl. The combination of crispy skin and spicy buffalo sauce makes them irresistible, drawing people together around the table.
Whether you prefer them fried or baked, the allure of crispy buffalo wings remains constant. They are a must-have for any game day gathering, offering a perfect balance of flavor and texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Preparing the Perfect Wings
Creating a batch of crispy buffalo wings starts with selecting the right ingredients. Whole chicken wings are essential, providing the perfect canvas for flavor.
Begin by patting the wings dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy texture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine baking powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. This seasoning blend will enhance the wings’ flavor profile, ensuring each bite is packed with taste.
Cooking Techniques for Crispy Wings
There are multiple methods to cook your wings, each yielding delicious results. For those looking for a healthier option, using an air fryer is a fantastic choice.
Alternatively, baking on a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack allows for even cooking while letting excess oil drip away. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the rack.
Cook them in the center of the oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they achieve a golden brown finish.
Creating the Buffalo Wing Sauce
While the wings are baking, it’s time to prepare the homemade buffalo sauce. In a large bowl, mix hot sauce and melted butter to create a rich, flavorful coating.
This easy buffalo sauce is the secret ingredient that elevates your wings from ordinary to extraordinary.
For those who enjoy a creamier dip, consider adding sour cream or ranch dressing to complement the heat of the wings, providing a cooling contrast that enhances the overall experience.
Serving Your Crispy Buffalo Wings
Once the wings are cooked to perfection, toss them in the buffalo wing sauce until they are evenly coated.
Serve them hot alongside fresh celery sticks and a small bowl of blue cheese dip or ranch dressing. This classic side not only adds crunch but also balances the spiciness of the wings.
Arrange the wings artfully on a rustic wooden table, ready to be enjoyed by friends and family during game day. The vibrant red sauce glistening on the wings is sure to entice everyone to dig in!
Storing Leftover Wings
If you happen to have any remaining wings, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to regain their crispy texture.
Whether enjoyed as a snack or a meal, these wings will continue to deliver flavor long after the game is over, making them a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Easy Crispy Buffalo Wings Recipe
This recipe yields a batch of crispy buffalo wings that are seasoned with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper, then coated in a delicious buffalo wing sauce.
The cooking process involves patting the wings dry to remove excess moisture, tossing them in baking powder for extra crispiness, and cooking them at a higher temperature.
The wings can be prepared in a deep fryer or baked on a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack to allow for even cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds whole chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Celery sticks for serving
- Blue cheese dip or ranch dressing for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Wings: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the Wings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Toss the wings in the seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange for Cooking: Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the rack, ensuring they are not touching.
- Bake the Wings: Bake the wings in the center of the oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the wings are baking, mix the hot sauce and melted butter in a large bowl to create the buffalo wing sauce.
- Toss the Wings: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to the bowl with the buffalo sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the crispy buffalo wings hot with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 400kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Wings
These air fryer buffalo wings come out incredibly crispy without deep frying. The wings are seasoned with garlic powder, cayenne, and black pepper, tossed in a little baking powder for crunch, then cooked hot and fast in the air fryer. Finish by coating them in a buttery buffalo sauce. Serves 4.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds whole chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Celery sticks for serving
- Blue cheese dip or ranch dressing for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Wings: Pat the wings dry very well with paper towels.
- Season the Wings: In a bowl, combine baking powder, garlic powder, cayenne, pepper, and salt. Toss wings until fully coated.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Heat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Place wings in a single layer in the basket (cook in batches if needed). Air fry for 24–26 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Crisp at Higher Heat: Increase heat to 400°F (205°C) and cook 5 additional minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Stir together hot sauce and melted butter.
- Toss and Serve: Coat wings in buffalo sauce and serve hot with celery and your dipping sauce of choice.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 380kcal
- Fat: 26g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
Crock-Pot Buffalo Wings
These Crock-Pot buffalo wings come out tender and flavorful, slow-cooked in spices before being crisped under the broiler. They are finished with a buttery buffalo sauce for classic game-day flavor. Serves 4.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds whole chicken wings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Celery sticks for serving
- Blue cheese dip or ranch dressing for serving
Instructions
- Season the Wings: Pat wings dry and toss with garlic powder, cayenne, pepper, and salt.
- Add to Crock-Pot: Place wings in the slow cooker and pour 1/4 cup of the hot sauce over them.
- Cook: Cook on HIGH for 2–2.5 hours or LOW for 4–5 hours until wings are tender.
- Crisp Under Broiler: Transfer wings to a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil 3–5 minutes per side until browned and lightly crisp.
- Prepare Sauce: Mix remaining hot sauce with melted butter.
- Toss and Serve: Coat broiled wings in buffalo sauce and serve with celery and dipping sauce.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–5 hours
- Total Time: 2 hr 15 min – 5 hr 15 min
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 360kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
This recipe is part of my 79 Super Bowl Party Food Ideas and Recipes. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!
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