Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a buttery, spicy Buffalo sauce, these Buffalo chicken wings are an easy appetizer that tastes just like your favorite restaurant wings.

You can bake, air fry, or deep fry them, but this recipe uses the oven for an easy method that still gives you wonderfully crispy skin. Serve them hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery, and carrots.

Why You'll Love These Buffalo Wings

These wings are easy enough to make at home but still deliver that classic Buffalo-wing flavor. Baking powder helps the skin crisp in the oven without requiring a pot of hot oil, while the simple Buffalo sauce takes only a few minutes to prepare.

They're perfect for game day, parties, movie nights, or an easy chicken dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings

2 pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes

1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

¾ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Buffalo Sauce

½ cup hot sauce, such as Frank's RedHot Original

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon honey, optional

For Serving

Ranch or blue cheese dressing

Celery sticks

Carrot sticks

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Wings

Step 1: Dry the Wings

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Pat the chicken wings extremely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is one of the most important steps for getting crispy baked wings.

Step 2: Season

Place the wings in a large bowl. Add the baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and olive oil.

Toss until every wing is evenly coated.

Do not substitute baking soda for baking powder.

Step 3: Bake

Place a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet and lightly grease the rack.

Arrange the wings in a single layer without allowing them to overlap.

Bake for 20 minutes, flip, and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes, or until the wings are deeply golden and crispy.

Chicken should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce

While the wings finish cooking, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and optional honey.

Taste and adjust the heat if needed.

Step 5: Toss the Wings

Transfer the hot crispy wings to a large bowl.

Pour the Buffalo sauce over them and toss until every wing is completely coated.

Serve immediately.

Easy Homemade Buffalo Sauce

Traditional Buffalo sauce is surprisingly simple. The classic combination is hot sauce + butter.

For this recipe, garlic and Worcestershire sauce add extra savory flavor without taking away from that recognizable Buffalo taste.

For milder Buffalo wings, increase the butter or add a little honey.

For spicier Buffalo wings, add cayenne pepper or a few dashes of an extra-hot sauce.

Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings

You can also make these in the air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Arrange the wings in a single layer and cook for about 18 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.

Increase the temperature to 400°F and cook another 5–8 minutes, until crispy and cooked through.

Toss with Buffalo sauce immediately before serving.

What to Serve With Buffalo Wings

Keep it classic with celery, carrots, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.

For a full meal, try serving them with:

French fries

Potato wedges

Mac and cheese

Coleslaw

Corn on the cob

Loaded potato skins

Onion rings

Side salad

How to Make Buffalo Wings Extra Crispy

The biggest secret is dry chicken skin. Pat the wings thoroughly before seasoning them.

A few other tricks help:

Don't overcrowd the baking sheet.

Use a wire rack so hot air can circulate underneath the wings.

Bake at a high temperature.

Add the Buffalo sauce after the wings are crispy.

Serve immediately after tossing with sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Buffalo Wings

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

For the best texture, reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F for about 5–8 minutes, or place them in a 400°F oven until hot and crispy.

The microwave works in a pinch, but the skin won't stay as crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Buffalo sauce made of?

Classic Buffalo sauce is primarily made from cayenne-pepper hot sauce and melted butter. Additional seasonings can be added for more flavor.

Why are my Buffalo wings soggy?

Excess moisture, overcrowding the pan, or adding sauce too early can prevent wings from becoming crispy. Cook the wings until crisp before tossing them in Buffalo sauce.

Can I make Buffalo wings without frying?

Yes. Baking and air frying both produce crispy Buffalo wings without deep frying.

What's the best hot sauce for Buffalo wings?

Frank's RedHot Original is commonly used for classic Buffalo-style wings, but another cayenne-based hot sauce can work.

Can I make Buffalo wings ahead of time?

You can cook the wings ahead, but for the best texture, wait to toss them in Buffalo sauce until just before serving.

Nutrition

Approximate per serving, before dipping sauce:

Calories: 390
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fat: 31g
Fiber: 0g

Nutrition will vary depending on wing size, sauce, and serving size.