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    Home » Recipes » Chicken

    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings

    Published: Feb 26, 2023 · Modified: Jan 3, 2025 by Eileen Murphy Kelly

    Jump to Recipe
    Chicken wings in buffalo sauce for a Pinterest pin with text overlay.
    Instant Pot Chicken Wings on a plate topped with fresh parsley.

    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings are coated with zesty hot sauce. They are crispy wings that are super juicy and tender. The Instant Pot is a great way to quickly cook chicken wings with the tastiest results.

    Buffalo Chicken wings made in the instant pot on a plate.
    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment
    • Instructions
    • How to make homemade buffalo sauce
    • Storage
    • Expert Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Variations
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Similar recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

    • Instant Pot buffalo wings are an easy recipe that is a great make-ahead and freeze-to-use later recipe.
    • Our chicken wing recipe makes a delicious appetizer that is easy and affordable to prepare.
    • Using the instant pot or a pressure cooker cuts down the cooking time and the results are quick, juicy, tender wings.
    • Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings are the perfect appetizer for parties, game day snacking, family events, or any time you want a mouthwatering appetizer.
    • These electric pressure cooker wings are keto-friendly.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients to make chicken wings in the instant pot with text overlay.
    • chicken wings
    • salt
    • black pepper powder
    • garlic powder
    • onion powder
    • cayenne pepper
    • water
    • hot sauce
    • melted butter
    • celery sticks, carrot sticks, optional garnishes
    • blue cheese dressing, optional dipping sauce

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Equipment

    • 6 quart Instant Pot
    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups
    • Tongs

    Instructions

    This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.

    Process photos of buffalo chicken wings being made in the instant pot.
    1. In a large mixing bowl combine chicken wings with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
    2. Add the water to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside the pot and arrange the chicken wings on the trivet.
    3. Close the lid and pressure valve. Select the PRESSURE COOK button on HIGH PRESSURE and cook for 10 minutes.
    4. Once the pressure-cooking cycle is over, do a quick release of the pressure.
    5. Open the lid and select the CANCEL button.
    6. Carefully take the chicken out with the help of tongs.

    How to make homemade buffalo sauce

    Steps to make buffalo sauce for instant pot chicken wings.
    1. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet. Set aside.
    2. Mix hot sauce (such as Frank’s) with melted butter (you can add 1 Tablespoon of brown sugar if you want a little sweet/milder version. For low-carb, add your favorite low-carb sweetener).
    3. Transfer the cooked chicken wings to a large bowl and toss with half of the sauce.
    4. Place the wings in a single layer and be sure the wings are spread out on the prepared baking sheet. Broil the chicken wings for 3-4 minutes per side or until crisp.
    5. Remove the chicken from the tray and place them back in the bowl. Toss with the remaining sauce.
    6. Serve your crispy chicken wings with your favorite dipping sauce such as blue cheese dressing, veggies, and sides.
    Crispy chicken wings with buffalo sauce on a plate being picked up.

    Storage

    You can store the chicken wings in a covered airtight container for 3 days in the refrigerator.

    The cooked chicken wings can be stored in the freezer for about 2 months.

    Make-Ahead Instructions

    This is another make-ahead meal for those who meal plan. Make the recipe but do not add the sauce.

    Place in a freezer-safe bag or freezer-safe container for up to 2 - 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight.

    The wings can be defrosted and reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, to warm the chicken. Make the sauce while the wings heat and coat the wings with the sauce.

    Expert Tips

    Expert Tip: If making the wings ahead of time and freezing for later. Do not sauce them. Add the sauce when defrosted.

    • If using whole chicken wings, cut off the wing tips and use them for homemade chicken stock.
    • If you have a wire rack, place it on the baking sheet, and then add the cooked wings onto the rack before broiling. This will ensure the wings don't stick and will stay nice and crispy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I make things crispy in the Instant Pot?

    The instant pot is a quick-cooking vessel. There is a searing button that will brown food.
    For the best crisping of the chicken wings, once cooked, place them on a baking sheet in the oven under the broiler for a few minutes to get a crispy exterior.

    Can frozen wings be used in this recipe?

    Of course, follow the recipe below but set the pressure to high for 13 minutes for frozen wings and allow a natural release for 5 minutes before opening the valve to release the remaining pressure.

    Can I reheat the wings in the Instant Pot?

    Yes, place about 1 cup of water and the trivet in the bottom of the vessel. Put the wings in the vessel and steam for about 4 minutes.

    A large bowl of pressure cooker made buffalo chicken wings.

    Variations

    Season the meat with Homemade Seasoning Salt or Homemade Cajun Seasoning before adding them to the Instant Pot.

    The process of making chicken wings in the instant pot does not change but you can adjust the sauce. Use Chipotle BBQ sauce or any good store-bought sauce to give a nice variation to the chicken wings.

    Feel free to adjust sauces and add in your favorite seasonings such as a bit of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce.

    Instead of water in the bottom of the pot, use chicken stock.

    Serving Suggestions

    • Slow Cooker Baked Beans are a must for my family.
    • Roasted potatoes are another winner.
    • Roasted Broccoli with Garlic would be a great pairing.
    • Cajun Mac and Cheese is a delicious pasta casserole that would be awesome with these wings. Having a party, both of these recipes would be perfect for a crowd.
    • Macaroni Salad is a great side dish for so many chicken recipes.
    • Carrot and celery sticks would be perfectly paired with these instant pot chicken wings.
    • Having a party, add Fruit Dip Marshmallow Fluff to the dessert or snack menu!
    • Having a party, these festive sprinkle cookies are always great for summer fun.

    Similar recipes

    We love chicken wings and here are a few of my favorites including oven-baked buffalo chicken wings.

    These air fryer lemon pepper wings are crispy and delicious.

    Dry rub wings are one of our most popular recipes for a reason. My family loves them. Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken Wings are fabulous. Marinated in Asian flavors.

    Grilled BBQ chicken wings are fabulous on the grill or grill pan.

    A personal favorite is this easy recipe for Chicken Cacciatore that can be made in the instant pot or stovetop.

    Check out all our Instant Pot recipes here.

    If you have not made our popular chicken drumstick recipe, next time, give it a try, it's delicious!

    I love any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.

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    Eileen  xo

    If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

    If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    📖 Recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Wings

    Instant Pot Chicken Wings, using the pressure cooker providess the most tender and juicy wings that are quickly cooked to perfection.
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    Course: Appetizer, Main Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: how long to cook chicken wings in air fryer, instant pot chicken wings, instant pot chicken wings crispy
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    0 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 3 servings
    Calories: 462kcal
    Author: Eileen Kelly

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

    Equipment Needed:

    • As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
    • 6 quart Instant Pot
    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups
    • Tongs
    • rimmed baking sheet
    • Cutting Board

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound fresh or frozen chicken wings
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ¾ cup water

    Wing Sauce

    • ½ cup hot sauce
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar, optional if low-carb use a low-carb sweetener or omit the sweetener
    • fresh parsley, chopped garnish

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    Instructions

    • In a large bowl combine chicken wings with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
    • Add the water to the bottom of the instant pot. Place the trivet inside the pot and arrange the chicken wings on the trivet.
    • Close the lid and pressure valve. Select the PRESSURE COOK button on HIGH PRESSURE and cook for 10 minutes. If using frozen chicken, set pressure for 13 minutes.
    • If using fresh chicken, once the pressure-cooking cycle is over, do a quick release of the pressure. For frozen wings, allow a 5-minute slow release before opening the valve to release remaining pressure.
    • Open the lid and select the CANCEL button.
    • Carefully take the chicken out with the help of tongs.

    How to make wing sauce

    • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together hot sauce (such as frank’s) with melted butter (you can add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar if you want a little sweet/milder version. For low-carb, add your favorite low-carb sweetener).
    • Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl and toss with half of the sauce.
    • Place the chicken on baking pan. Broil the chicken wings for 3-4 minutes per side or until crisp.
    • Remove from the tray and place it back in the bowl. Toss with the rest of the sauce.
    • Serve hot garnished with chopped parsley.

    NOTES

    Be sure to check Expert Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help make a delicious recipe.
    Note 1: If using frozen wings, the wings should not be altogether in a large block. The wings should be separated or they will not cook correctly. 
     
    Recipes written for  Everyday Eileen are for information purposes. Eileen Kelly is not a registered dietician or nutritionist. Any nutritional data we provide is an approximation. Actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. 
     
    Don’t forget to shop at the Everyday Eileen store on Amazon.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 3pieces | Calories: 462kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 1900mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1273IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @Everyday_Eileen or tag #everydayeileen!

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    Thank you for sharing!

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