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Crispy buffalo chicken wings coated in spicy sauce, served with celery sticks and a side of creamy ranch dressing.

Buffalo Chicken Wings – Easy Crispy Chicken Wings Recipe

These Buffalo Chicken Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and tossed in a bold, tangy buffalo sauce. Perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you crave a spicy snack. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for the full experience. Easy to bake, fry, or air fry!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer, Party Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet and wire rack (for oven method)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels
  • Air fryer or deep fryer (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 2–3 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
  • ½ cup Frank’s RedHot or preferred hot sauce
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp baking powder (for crispiness)

Optional Add-ins:

  • ¼ cup flour (for breading if frying)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Substitutions:

  • Air fryer method for less oil
  • Dairy-free butter for vegan-friendly sauce
  • Sriracha or other hot sauces for flavor variation

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Wings
    Pat wings dry with paper towels.
    Toss with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne.
  • Cook the Wings
    Oven Method:
    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
    Place wings on wire rack over baking sheet.
    Bake for 20 minutes, flip, and bake another 20–25 minutes until crispy.
    Frying Method:
    Heat oil to 375°F (190°C).
    Fry wings in batches for 10–12 minutes.
    Drain on paper towels.
  • Make the Sauce
    Melt butter in saucepan over low heat.
    Stir in hot sauce, lemon juice, and Worcestershire (if using).
    Mix until smooth and warm.
  • Toss and Serve
    Place cooked wings in bowl.
    Pour sauce over and toss to coat.
  • Serve with Sides
    Add celery and carrot sticks.
    Offer blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Notes

  • Dry wings thoroughly before cooking for maximum crispiness.
  • Warm sauce before tossing—cold sauce won’t coat evenly.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan or baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
  • Reheat leftovers in oven or air fryer—never microwave, as it makes wings soggy.
  • Customize heat level with cayenne or ghost pepper sauce, or mellow it with honey.
Keyword Buffalo wings, crispy wings, game day food, party appetizer, spicy chicken