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Crispy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings Recipe

Crispy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings

Tender Instant Pot chicken wings are finished under the broiler or in an air fryer until crisp, then tossed with a buttery Buffalo sauce. Serve them hot with celery sticks and your favorite creamy dipping dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Seasoning
  • 3 pounds Chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats, tips removed
  • 1 cup Water or unsalted chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Buffalo Sauce
  • 1 cup Buffalo-style hot sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot Original
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Honey, optional
For Crisping and Serving
  • 1 tablespoon Cooking spray or neutral oil, optional
  • As needed Ranch or blue-cheese dressing and celery sticks

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Pat the wings very dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with the kosher salt, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Pour 1 cup of water or unsalted chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Add the trivet or a steamer basket, arrange the wings above the liquid, and secure the lid.
  3. Cook on High pressure for 5 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
  4. Transfer the cooked wings to a rack or baking sheet and pat them dry again. Arrange them with space between pieces so steam can escape during crisping.
  5. Melt the butter with the Buffalo-style hot sauce and honey, if using, in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir until the sauce is smooth.
  6. Broil the wings on high for about 5–8 minutes per side, or air-fry them at 400°F for approximately 8–12 minutes, turning once. Continue until browned and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
  7. Toss the crisp wings with the Buffalo sauce immediately before serving. Arrange them with celery sticks and ranch or blue-cheese dressing.

Notes

The Instant Pot tenderizes the wings but does not crisp the skin, so the broiling or air-frying step is essential. Pat the wings dry after pressure cooking and avoid crowding them. For frozen wings, many recipes use approximately 6–7 minutes of High-pressure cooking with a slightly longer release.