Buffalo Chicken Wings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and juicy wings every time

• Classic spicy Buffalo flavor

• Easy to make with simple ingredients

• Perfect for parties, game nights, or casual dinners

• Customizable spice level

• Works great with homemade or store-bought dips

• Delicious served hot or reheated

• Great as an appetizer or main course

• Crowd-pleasing and family-friendly

• Ready in under an hour

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 kg (4 lbs) chicken wings, sliced in half at the joint
• 2 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp cracked black pepper

For the sauce:

• 375ml (3/4 cup) Frank’s Original Hot Sauce or similar
• 1 tbsp honey (more or less to taste)
• 100g (1/4 cup) butter

Directions

1. Cut the chicken wings at the joint, separating them into wingettes and drumettes. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.

2. Season with salt and pepper, then place them in a bowl or bag with baking powder and garlic powder. Shake or stir to coat evenly.

3. Preheat oil to 375°F (190°C). Use enough oil to submerge the wings, about 10cm (4 inches) deep.

4. Fry the wings in small batches for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.

5. While the wings are frying, prepare the Buffalo sauce. In a saucepan, combine hot sauce, honey, and butter. Simmer until bubbling and well combined. Keep warm.

6. Once wings are cooked, place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7. Toss the wings in the warm Buffalo sauce until fully coated.

8. Serve hot with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Baked Wings: Bake the wings at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Air Fryer Option: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway through.

• Spicy Garlic Buffalo: Add minced garlic to the sauce for an extra kick.

• Extra Hot: Increase the hot sauce and reduce the honey for a spicier version.

• Mild Version: Use a milder hot sauce and more butter to tone down the heat.

• Sweet BBQ: Swap the hot sauce for BBQ sauce and add a little brown sugar.

• Honey Mustard Wings: Toss the wings in a mix of mustard, honey, and butter for a tangy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5–8 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.

FAQs

How do I get extra crispy Buffalo wings?

Pat the wings dry thoroughly and coat them evenly with baking powder. Fry in small batches at high heat to maintain crispiness.

Can I bake the wings instead of frying?

Yes, bake them on a wire rack at 425°F (220°C) for about 45 minutes, flipping once halfway through for even crispiness.

What’s the best hot sauce for Buffalo wings?

Frank’s RedHot Original is the classic choice, but you can use any cayenne pepper hot sauce you like.

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes, fry or bake the wings ahead of time and reheat them in the oven. Toss with sauce just before serving.

Are Buffalo wings gluten-free?

This recipe uses baking powder, not flour, so it is gluten-free. Always double-check the hot sauce and seasoning labels.

How spicy are these wings?

They have a medium heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by using less hot sauce or adding more butter and honey.

What dipping sauces go well with Buffalo wings?

Classic options include ranch dressing and blue cheese dressing. You can also serve them with honey mustard or garlic aioli.

How do I keep wings crispy after frying?

Place them on a wire rack after frying instead of paper towels, and keep them warm in the oven if needed.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before frying or baking to avoid excess moisture.

What sides go well with Buffalo wings?

Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, coleslaw, fries, or potato wedges for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from game day to casual dinners. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with that signature tangy heat, they’re easy to make and even easier to love. With endless variations and homemade dipping sauces, this recipe is one you’ll come back to time and time again.