Buffalo Chicken Wings
The ultimate game day appetizer! These classic Buffalo wings are deep-fried to crispy perfection and tossed in a buttery, tangy, and spicy hot sauce. They're messy, delicious, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chicken and Dredge
- b.Thoroughly pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is a critical step for achieving crispy skin.
- c.In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- d.Add the dry wings to the flour mixture and toss until each piece is evenly and lightly coated. Shake off any excess flour and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Heat the Frying Oil
- b.In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, pour in the vegetable oil to a depth of at least 2 inches.
- c.Heat the oil over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375°F (190°C).
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Chicken Wings
- b.Working in 2-3 batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, carefully add the wings to the hot oil.
- c.Fry for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- d.Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the wings from the oil and let them drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Allow the oil to return to 375°F before frying the next batch.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
- b.While the last batch of wings is frying, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- c.Once melted, remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the cayenne pepper sauce, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt until smooth. Keep the sauce warm.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Toss and Serve
- b.Place the hot, crispy wings in a large, clean bowl.
- c.Pour the warm Buffalo sauce over the wings and toss gently with tongs until every wing is thoroughly coated.
- d.Serve immediately with blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy wings, pat them dry and let them air-chill, uncovered, on a wire rack in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before dredging and frying.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pot while frying. This lowers the oil's temperature and results in soggy, greasy wings. Fry in at least two batches.
- 3The sauce's heat level can be easily adjusted. For milder wings, reduce or omit the extra cayenne pepper. For hotter wings, add more.
- 4Always toss the wings in the sauce right before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
- 5Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or an air fryer for 5-8 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Option
For a lower-fat version, bake the wings. Toss the dry wings with 1 tbsp of oil and the spices (omit flour). Bake on a wire rack at 400°F (200°C) for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy. Then toss with the sauce.
Air Fryer MethodAir Fryer Method
Pat wings dry and toss with spices. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Increase temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 5 minutes for extra crispiness before tossing in sauce.
Sauce VariationsSauce Variations
Swap the Buffalo sauce for other flavors. Try a classic BBQ sauce, a garlic-parmesan sauce (melted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan, parsley), or a sweet and spicy Asian glaze (soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, sriracha).
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Source of Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Chicken wings provide Niacin, a B-vitamin that plays a crucial role in converting food into energy and supporting the health of the nervous system, digestive system, and skin.
Contains Selenium
This dish is a good source of selenium, an essential mineral that acts as a powerful antioxidant, supports immune function, and plays a key role in thyroid health.
Frequently asked questions
Traditionally prepared Buffalo wings are deep-fried and coated in a butter-based sauce, making them high in calories, fat, and sodium. They are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a healthy diet. Baking or air-frying the wings can significantly reduce the fat and calorie content.