Buffalo Wild Wings Recipe

Prepare wings

Pat the wings dry thoroughly with paper towels. If not already split, remove wing tips and separate into drumettes and flats. Place the wings in a large bowl or baking sheet.

Coat with baking powder and seasoning

Toss the wings with the baking powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. The baking powder helps dry the skin and produce a crispy finish when baked or air-fried.

Rest (optional)

For best results, place the coated wings on a wire rack set over a sheet pan and refrigerate uncovered for 1–4 hours to dry the skin. If short on time, proceed immediately.

Cook the wings

Choose one method: - Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange wings skin-side up on a wire rack over a sheet pan, leaving space between pieces. Bake 35–45 minutes, flipping once halfway, until skin is deep golden-brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you want extra crispiness, broil 2–3 minutes at the end watching closely. - Air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place wings in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Air-fry 18–22 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through. - Fry (optional): Heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry wings in batches 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

Melt butter

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter gently. Do not let it boil.

Combine ingredients

Whisk in the hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and salt. Keep over low heat and stir until the sauce is smooth and just warmed through (2–3 minutes). Taste and adjust for heat or salt as desired. Remove from heat.

Toss wings in sauce

Place the cooked wings in a large mixing bowl. Pour about three-quarters of the sauce over the wings and toss until evenly coated. Reserve remaining sauce for serving or heavier saucing on request.

Transfer sauced wings to a platter. Garnish with chopped parsley if using. Serve immediately with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks on the side. Provide extra warmed sauce if people want saucier wings.