Description
Buffalo Wings are a classic American favorite, known for their crispy skin, juicy interior, and spicy, tangy Buffalo sauce. Whether you’re enjoying them at a party, watching the game, or craving a flavorful snack, these wings always deliver. Paired with blue cheese or ranch dressing and fresh celery sticks, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This step-by-step recipe will help you create restaurant-quality wings at home with your choice of frying, baking, or air-frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: Cayenne pepper for extra heat
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings: Preheat the oven to 400°F (or heat oil to 375°F if frying). Pat the wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cooking Method (choose one):
- Oven-Baked: Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Fried: Fry wings in hot oil (375°F) for 10–12 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Air-Fried: Cook wings in the air fryer at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: In a large bowl, mix melted butter, hot sauce, and vinegar until well combined.
- Toss the Wings: Add the cooked wings to the bowl with the sauce and toss until they’re evenly coated.
- Serve: Arrange wings on a platter and serve hot with blue cheese or ranch dressing, celery, and carrot sticks.
Notes
- For extra crispy baked wings, bake them twice: once for 40 minutes, toss in sauce, then bake again for 5 minutes.
- Adjust the heat level by using less hot sauce for milder wings or adding cayenne pepper for extra spice.
- Air-fried wings are a healthier alternative while maintaining a crispy texture.
- Serve as part of a game-day spread or pair with a fresh salad for a more balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (baked) or 12 minutes (fried)
- Category: simply savory
- Method: Appetizer, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~5g
- Protein: ~25g