Classic Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings are a quintessential American appetizer and snack, famous for their crispy skin and spicy, tangy sauce. Originating from Buffalo, New York, these wings are perfect for game day, parties, or casual dinners. Served with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing, they’re a crowd favorite.

---

Ingredients

For the Wings

• 2 pounds chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats, tips removed)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

For the Buffalo Sauce

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is classic)
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Pinch of salt

For Serving

• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks
• Blue cheese or ranch dressing

---

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet or air fryer
• Large bowl
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for baking)
• Tongs

---

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking. If using an air fryer, preheat to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Toss wings with vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using).

---

Step 2: Cook the Wings

Oven Method:

1. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Arrange wings in a single layer on the rack.
3. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until skin is golden and crispy.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Place wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
2. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

---

Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
2. Stir in hot sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce (optional), cayenne (optional), and a pinch of salt.
3. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, whisking until fully combined. Remove from heat.

---

Step 4: Toss Wings in Sauce

1. Place cooked wings in a large bowl.
2. Pour the warm Buffalo sauce over the wings.
3. Toss thoroughly with tongs until wings are evenly coated.

---

Step 5: Serve

• Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
• Arrange with celery and carrot sticks.
• Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

---

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Wings

• Dry the wings well before cooking to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Adjust heat level by increasing or reducing cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• Double-coat in sauce if you prefer extra sticky wings.
• Optional broil for 2–3 minutes at the end to get extra crispy edges.
• Leftovers: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.