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Keto Air Fryer Chicken Wings — Buffalo Style

Shatteringly crisp skin, juicy dark meat, and classic Buffalo heat — all under 1.3g net carbs per serving. The two-stage temperature method delivers deep-fryer crunch without the oil or the carbs.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Wings
  • 2 lbs chicken wings — drumettes and flats patted completely dry
  • 1 tbsp aluminium-free baking powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Buffalo Sauce
  • 0.33 cup Frank's RedHot Original or sugar-free cayenne hot sauce
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Pinch of cayenne — optional for extra heat
To Serve
  • Celery sticks
  • Cucumber slices
  • Blue cheese or ranch dressing — check labels for added sugar

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Meat thermometer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Pat wings completely dry with paper towels. This is the most important step — any surface moisture prevents crispy skin.
  2. Step 2: Combine baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add wings and toss until evenly coated on all surfaces.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Arrange wings in a single layer with space between each piece. Do not crowd the basket — work in batches if needed.
  5. Step 5: Cook at 390°F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. This stage renders the fat from underneath the skin.
  6. Step 6: Increase temperature to 425°F (220°C) and cook a further 5–7 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crackling. Do not flip during this stage.
  7. Step 7: While wings finish, melt butter over low heat. Add hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until fully emulsified. Keep warm off the heat — do not boil.
  8. Step 8: Remove wings from the air fryer and rest 1–2 minutes. This allows the crust to set before saucing.
  9. Step 9: Toss wings in Buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately with celery, cucumber, and your choice of dipping sauce.

Notes

Nutrition per serving (approx. 5–6 wings): 260 calories | 1.3g net carbs | 24g protein | 18g fat. Values based on 2 lbs wings with the Buffalo sauce recipe above. Actual values vary by wing size and hot sauce brand. Always check your hot sauce label for added sugar — this is the most common source of hidden carbs in this recipe.