Instant Pot® Buffalo Wings: Heat in a Flash

Delicious Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings that are full of flavor and can be prepared quickly, bringing the popular game-day dish directly to your table. The Instant Pot® works its magic, turning ordinary wings into tender, juicy, and incredibly tempting bites coated in a delightful buffalo sauce.

Whether you're throwing a party, craving a spicy snack, or simply indulging in a mouthwatering feast, these wings are a game-changer. Prepare yourself to savor the bold and tangy deliciousness without the long cooking time – because exceptional taste shouldn't require endless hours in the kitchen

Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings are far from being a one-trick pony

And let's talk about their versatility – these Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings are far from being a one-trick pony. Pair them with celery sticks and a creamy ranch dip for the classic experience, or add them to a salad for an invigorating protein boost. Thanks to the Instant Pot®, each wing is infused with the distinctive buffalo flavor, creating a delightful combination of spice and succulence with every bite. No need to rely on takeout when you can effortlessly prepare a batch of these wings that not only taste amazing but can also be customized to your desired level of spiciness. Prepare to elevate your wing game with this hassle-free and flavor-packed recipe that's suitable for any occasion!

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Active cook time: 14-16 minutes (+ time to come to pressure)
Natural release: 10 minutes
Serves: 4-6

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Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings are far from being a one-trick pony
Ingredients needed to make Delicious Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings
How to make Delicious Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings
Variations on the Delicious Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings recipe
Equipment
Storage for the Delicious Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings
Top tips to know when making Delicious Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings
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Pairing

Ingredients needed to make Delicious Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings

4-4½ lbs. chicken wings1 t. garlic powder, divided
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 c. water
Sliced celery, for serving

Buffalo Wing Sauce Ingredients:
1 c. Frank’s original hot sauce
½ c. unsalted butter, melted
½ t. garlic powder

How to make Delicious Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings

Sprinkle wings with garlic powder and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Place metal trivet inside Instant Pot® and add one cup of water. Arrange seasoned wings on top of the trivet before securing the cover in place. Switch the vent to “Sealing” and adjust the “Manual” setting to 8 minutes.
While the wings cook, whisk the Frank’s hot sauce, melted butter, and remaining garlic powder in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
When done cooking, allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining steam. Carefully remove lid and transfer
wings to a large bowl. Set aside until just cool enough to handle.
Meanwhile, position a top oven rack in the top position and pre-heat the broiler to high. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire cooling rack on top. Set aside.
Pour ⅓ of the buffalo sauce on top of the wings and toss to coat. Transfer the wings to the wire rack on the prepared baking sheet and place under the broiler for 3-4 minutes or until the wings start to get crispy and develop some color. Turn the wings and repeat this process.
Remove baking sheet from oven and toss the wings with half of the remaining buffalo sauce. Serve immediately with sliced celery and the remaining sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Variations on the Delicious Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings recipe

Honey Garlic Twist: Elevate your wings with a sweet and savory kick by adding a honey garlic glaze. The combination of honey's sweetness and garlic's savory notes will make your taste buds dance.
Crispy Parmesan Perfection: Toss your Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings in a crispy parmesan coating for an extra layer of texture and a cheesy burst of flavor.
Asian Fusion Magic: Infuse an Asian flair by mixing soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil into your buffalo sauce. Top with sesame seeds and green onions for a tantalizing twist.
Zesty Lime Chipotle: Give your wings a citrusy kick by adding lime juice to the buffalo sauce. Amp up the smokiness with a hint of chipotle for a flavor explosion.
Sticky Sriracha Glaze: For a spicy and sticky sensation, incorporate sriracha into your buffalo sauce. The heat combined with a touch of sweetness will make these wings a crowd-pleaser.
Cool Ranch Kick: After tossing the wings in buffalo sauce, sprinkle a homemade ranch seasoning mix for a cool and tangy contrast. Serve with extra ranch on the side for dipping.
Lemon Pepper Punch: Switch things up by incorporating lemon pepper seasoning into your buffalo sauce. The bright citrusy notes will add a refreshing twist to the classic flavor.
Mango Habanero Explosion: Mix diced mango and habanero into your buffalo sauce for a fruity and fiery fusion. The sweetness of mango balances the heat of habanero, creating a tropical delight.
Garlic Parmesan Ranch Fusion: Combine the irresistible flavors of garlic parmesan and ranch by tossing your wings in a mixture of both seasonings. It's a flavor-packed marriage made in wing heaven.
Bourbon Maple Glaze: Elevate your wings with a touch of sophistication by adding a bourbon maple glaze. The rich sweetness of maple combined with the depth of bourbon creates a delectable and grown-up version of buffalo wings.

Equipment

Instant Pot®

Storage for the Delicious Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings

The 'Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings' can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It is important to properly store them in an airtight container or tightly sealed plastic bag to maintain their freshness.

Top tips to know when making Delicious Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings

Prep Work Matters: Don't skip patting the chicken wings dry before cooking. Dry wings mean crispy wings, and that's the golden rule for perfect Instant Pot® Buffalo Chicken Wings.
Mind the Trivet: Use the Instant Pot® trivet to elevate the wings above the liquid. This prevents them from getting soggy and ensures they cook evenly.
Layer for Flavor: Layer the buffalo sauce – half before cooking and half after. This double-dipping technique guarantees a saucy punch in every bite.
Broil for Crispiness: After pressure cooking, don't forget the final step! Broil the wings in the oven for a few minutes to achieve that coveted crispy texture.
Experiment with Heat: Adjust the heat level of your buffalo sauce to your liking. Add extra hot sauce or a dash of cayenne for an extra kick.
Freshness is Key: Opt for fresh chicken wings for the best results. Fresh wings yield juicier and more flavorful results compared to frozen ones.
No Crowding Allowed: Avoid overcrowding the Instant Pot®. Cook in batches if needed to ensure each wing gets that perfect amount of pressure-cooking love.
Save Drippings for Gravy: Don't let those flavorful drippings go to waste! Use them to whip up a quick and delicious gravy that pairs perfectly with your wings.
Dress for Success: Customize your wings with different dressings and toppings. Blue cheese crumbles, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of fresh lemon can add extra layers of flavor.
Serve with Cooling Sides: Since buffalo wings bring the heat, balance it out with cooling sides like celery sticks and a generous dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.