How to Make Buffalo Wings in the Air Fryer

Buffalo wings are one of America’s most iconic comfort foods—crispy, juicy chicken coated in tangy, spicy buffalo wings sauce. If you’ve ever wondered why is it called buffalo wings, the answer lies in their birthplace: Buffalo, New York. The very first recipe for buffalo wings was served in 1964 at the Anchor Bar by Teresa Bellissimo, who famously tossed fried wings in hot sauce and butter, serving them alongside celery and blue cheese. Since then, who invented buffalo wings and where did buffalo wings originate has become trivia every foodie knows, while the dish itself has grown into a worldwide obsession, from sports bars to backyard grills.

In this healthier version, chef Megan Mitchell shows how to make buffalo wings in the air fryer instead of deep frying. The result is crispy buffalo wings that are Whole30®-compliant, gluten-free, and much lighter than traditional bar fare. Air frying eliminates heavy breading and excess oil, while still giving you that golden crunch. These homemade buffalo wings are perfect for anyone looking for the best buffalo wings flavor without the extra calories, and the method also makes how to reheat buffalo wings simple—just pop them back in the air fryer to restore crispness.

Nutritionally, buffalo wings offer plenty of protein. On average, a single wing has 6–7 grams of protein, so a plate of 6–8 wings delivers about 40–50 grams of protein—a satisfying amount for a meal or game-day snack. When it comes to buffalo wings calories, traditional fried versions with buttery sauce can reach 90–100 calories per wing, but this Whole30 air fryer recipe typically comes in lower thanks to the absence of deep frying and dairy-heavy sauce. That balance makes them easier to enjoy while staying on track with Whole30 or other clean eating plans.

Of course, no recipe for buffalo wings would be complete without sides. Classic sides for buffalo wings include crunchy celery and cucumber sticks (great for dipping into ranch), crisp salads to balance the heat, or even sweet potato fries for a heartier spread. However you serve them, these air fryer buffalo wings are proof that sometimes the best buffalo wings are the ones you make at home.

Air Fryer Buffalo Wings With Homemade Ranch

Recipe Details

Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Active time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Recipe Ingredients

For the buffalo wings:

• 2 pounds organic chicken wings (flats and drumettes)
• Coconut oil spray (for air fryer basket and wings)
• 1 (12-ounce) bottle Whole30-compliant Buffalo Sauce

For the homemade ranch dipping sauce (Whole30-friendly):

• ½ cup coconut milk
• ½ cup avocado oil mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons dried chives
• 1 tablespoon dried dill
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper

• English cucumber, sliced (for serving)
• Celery sticks (for serving)

Recipe Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to **360°F**. Spray the basket with coconut oil spray so the wings don’t stick.
2. Arrange the chicken wings in a single even layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches so each wing has space.
3. Cook the wings for **20 minutes**, then flip them over and cook 5-10 minutes more (depending on your air fryer), until the wings are golden, crispy, and cooked through.
4. While the wings cook, whisk together all the ingredients for the homemade ranch dipping sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning; if you prefer thicker sauce, reduce coconut milk or increase mayo proportionately.
5. Once wings are done, place them in a large bowl, pour buffalo sauce over, and toss until evenly coated.
6. Serve immediately with slices of cucumber, celery sticks, and the ranch dipping sauce on the side.

Variations & Tips for Air Fryer Buffalo Wings

• Keto Buffalo Wings: To make these air fryer buffalo wings keto-friendly, choose a buffalo wings sauce with no added sugar or make your own by blending vinegar, melted ghee, hot sauce, and spices. This lowers carbs and keeps the recipe aligned with keto eating plans.
• Vegan Buffalo Wings: You can still enjoy crispy buffalo wings without chicken—swap in cauliflower florets, tempeh, or unbreaded tofu cubes. Toss them in the same sauce and air fry until golden for *vegan buffalo wings* that deliver crunch and spice.
• Gluten-Free by Default: Since these are breading-free, they’re naturally *gluten-free buffalo wings*. If you want a little extra crisp, lightly coat the wings in arrowroot or tapioca flour before air frying.
• Extra Crispy Buffalo Wings: Pat the wings completely dry before seasoning and make sure they’re spaced out in the air fryer basket. A light spray of oil before cooking helps replicate the crunch of fried wings.
• Buffalo Wings Calories & Protein: Expect about 6–7 grams of protein per wing and 90–100 calories for fried versions; air-fried buffalo wings often come in leaner, depending on sauce. They’re a satisfying high-protein snack or meal centerpiece.
• How to Reheat Buffalo Wings: Skip the microwave. For crispy reheated wings, use the air fryer at 350°F for 5–8 minutes, flipping halfway. This keeps them crunchy and prevents sogginess.
• Sides for Buffalo Wings: Celery and cucumber sticks are classics, but you can also serve with simple salads, roasted sweet potatoes, or even grain-free coleslaw. Pairing lighter sides balances the heat of the sauce and makes a complete meal.
• Homemade Buffalo Wings Sauce: If you’d rather make sauce from scratch, combine hot sauce, ghee (or butter), garlic powder, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Homemade versions let you control spice level, calories, and quality of ingredients.

Recipe by Megan Mitchell