Craving a delicious, spicy kick to your weeknight meals? Try these easy Garlic Buffalo Wings! This air fryer recipe combines the perfect balance of crispy chicken wings and a robust garlic Buffalo sauce, making it a hit for any occasion.
Hungry for more like this? Try our Chicken Tenders with No Breading!

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Buffalo wings are a popular American dish, often enjoyed during game days or casual gatherings. The addition of garlic to the traditional Buffalo sauce adds a robust, aromatic twist that elevates this classic favorite.
If you like this appetizer recipe, you may also love our Garlic Parmesan Wing Sauce or Honey BBQ Wings.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthier Option: Made in the air fryer for less oil and fewer calories.
- Flavorful: The homemade garlic Buffalo sauce packs a punch.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Garlic Buffalo Chicken Wing Ingredients
- Party Wings: The star of the dish, perfectly crispy when air-fried.
- Char Crust Seasoning (Hickory Smoked): Adds a smoky depth to the wings.
- Nashville Hot Seasoning: Provides a spicy kick.
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick and adds a touch of healthy fat.
Garlic Buffalo Sauce:
- Unsalted Butter: The base of the sauce, providing a rich, creamy texture.
- Crystal Hot Sauce: The primary source of heat and flavor.
- White Vinegar: Adds tanginess to balance the spice.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Brings umami depth to the sauce.
- Celery Salt: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle hint of celery.
- White Pepper and Cayenne Pepper: For additional heat and seasoning.
- Garlic: The key ingredient, adding aromatic richness.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Char Crust Seasoning: Use smoked paprika and a pinch of salt.
- Nashville Hot Seasoning: Substitute with cajun seasoning and a dash of black pepper.
- Crystal Hot Sauce: Replace with Frank's RedHot or your favorite hot sauce.
- Flavor: Add honey to the sauce for sweetness.
- Spice: Increase cayenne pepper for extra heat.
How to Make Garlic Buffalo Wings
STEP ONE: Prepare the Wings
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix party wings with Char Crust seasoning, Nashville hot seasoning, and olive oil until evenly coated. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
STEP TWO: Air Fry the Wings
Air fry the wings for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through. Check for doneness at the 15-minute mark.
STEP THREE: Prepare the Garlic Buffalo Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Crystal hot sauce, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, white pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir the sauce and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
STEP FOUR: Coat the Wings
Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the prepared garlic Buffalo sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Make sure wings are evenly coated with seasonings and oil.
✔️ DO Check wings for doneness at the 15-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Storage
Store leftover garlic buffalo wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftover garlic buffalo sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and using. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
To make the sauce milder, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and Crystal hot sauce. You can also add more butter or a tablespoon of honey to balance the heat.
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📖 Recipe
Garlic Buffalo Wings + Video
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
- Tongs
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 16-20 party wings
- 1 ½ tablespoon Char Crust seasoning hickory smoked
- 1 tablespoon Nashville hot seasoning
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¾ cup garlic buffalo sauce
Garlic Buffalo Sauce (Makes approximately 1-½ cups)
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- ¾ cup Crystal hot sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 small head of garlic chopped
Garnish and Dipping Sauce
- green onions
- celery
- ranch or blue cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the party wings with Char Crust seasoning, Nashville hot seasoning, and olive oil until evenly coated.
- Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry the wings for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through. Check for doneness at the 15-minute mark.
Prepare the Garlic Buffalo Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Crystal hot sauce, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, white pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir the sauce and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes while the wings cook.
- Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the prepared garlic Buffalo sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately.
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Video
Notes
- Char Crust Seasoning: Use smoked paprika and a pinch of salt.
- Nashville Hot Seasoning: Substitute with cajun seasoning and a dash of black pepper.
- Crystal Hot Sauce: Replace with Frank's RedHot or your favorite hot sauce.
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