You’ve probably heard the legendary tale of Buffalo’s Anchor Bar, where the iconic chicken wing was first tossed in that signature spicy sauce back in 1964. While traditional deep-fried wings have their place in culinary history, today’s health-conscious food lovers can still enjoy that same authentic taste without compromising on texture or flavour. The air fryer has revolutionised how you’ll approach this classic pub fare, delivering that satisfying crunch and tender interior with markedly less oil. Before you fire up your air fryer, there’s an interesting story about how these wings evolved from a late-night experiment to become America’s favourite game day essential.
Buffalo’s Anchor Bar, 1964
When you’re enjoying those crispy buffalo wings, you can thank Teressa Bellissimo at Buffalo’s Anchor Bar, who created the original recipe late one night in 1964 when her son and his friends needed a midnight snack.
She took some chicken wings (usually reserved for soup stock), deep-fried them, tossed them in a special hot sauce blend, and served them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
That fateful night sparked a food revolution, turning what was once considered a throwaway chicken part into the legendary buffalo wing that’s now a must-have at sports bars and restaurants across the UK.
Original Recipe Creation
The iconic Buffalo wing traces its origins to the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, where Teressa Bellissimo first created the dish in 1964.
As the story goes, Teressa’s son Dominic asked her to prepare a late-night snack for his friends, and she had to work with what was available in the kitchen. You’ll find it interesting that chicken wings weren’t particularly popular at the time – they were usually reserved for making stock.
Teressa decided to deep-fry these unappreciated wings and toss them in a special sauce she created by combining melted butter with Frank’s RedHot sauce. She served them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, creating what would become the classic wing presentation you know today.
The original recipe wasn’t complicated, but it was revolutionary in its simplicity. You can still taste wings made from this recipe at the Anchor Bar, where they continue to use Teressa’s original combination of ingredients.
The sauce’s perfect balance of heat and butter created a flavour profile that would go on to inspire countless variations and establish Buffalo wings as a cornerstone of American casual dining.
Late Night Bar Food
Buffalo wings’ rise to fame began as a late-night solution at the Anchor Bar, perfectly suited for hungry patrons seeking satisfying food after hours.
You’ll find it’s no coincidence that wings became a staple of pub menus everywhere – they’re easy to share, packed with flavour, and they pair wonderfully with cold beer and good conversation.
When you’re out late and craving something substantial, wings hit all the right notes. They’re hot, crispy, and satisfying, plus they’re the kind of food you can eat with one hand while holding your drink in the other.
It’s this practicality that’s helped wings maintain their status as the ultimate pub food for decades.
You’ll notice that most pubs now offer their own spin on buffalo wings, but they all follow that time-tested formula from the Anchor Bar: crispy wings, spicy sauce, and cooling blue cheese or ranch on the side.
Whether you’re winding down after work or out with friends until the wee hours, there’s something about that signature buffalo wing heat that makes them the perfect late-night indulgence.
Hot Sauce Legacy
Anchor Bar’s original hot sauce recipe sparked a culinary revolution in 1964 when Teressa Bellissimo first tossed fried wings in her signature cayenne pepper sauce.
You’ll find that this simple act at a small Buffalo, New York establishment created not just a dish, but an entire culture of wing sauce experimentation that’s still going strong today.
While Teressa’s original recipe remains a closely guarded secret, you can trace its influence in countless hot sauce variations across America.
Many restaurants now offer their own interpretations, ranging from mild to wild, but they all owe their existence to that first buttery, vinegar-based cayenne creation.
You’ll notice that authentic Buffalo wing sauce isn’t just about heat – it’s about achieving that perfect balance of spicy and tangy flavours that keeps you coming back for more.
Whether you’re making wings at home or ordering them at your favourite spot, you’re participating in a tasty tradition that’s been going strong for nearly 60 years.
The legacy lives on in every bottle of wing sauce you’ll find at the supermarket, each one trying to capture that original Buffalo magic.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings
Description
These air-fried buffalo wings deliver the perfect combination of crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, finished with a classic spicy buffalo sauce that clings beautifully to each piece.
The Ninja Speedi's dual-cooking capability allows you to prepare the sauce in the bottom pot while the wings crisp to perfection in the top section, maximising efficiency and ensuring everything is ready simultaneously.
Ingredients
Instructions
Crisping Tray:
- Pat wings dry with paper towels.
- Toss wings with oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Arrange wings in a single layer on the crisping tray.
- Select Air Fry at 180°C for 20 minutes. Check if they are done after 15.
- Flip wings halfway through cooking time.
In a Sauce Pan:
- Near the end of the wing cooking time, combine hot sauce, butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
- Set to Sear/Sauté function and heat until butter melts, whisking to combine.
- Keep warm until wings are ready.
Final Steps:
- Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl.
- Pour warm sauce over wings.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately.
Equipment
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Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 653.55kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 51.29g79%
- Saturated Fat 16.9g85%
- Trans Fat 0.2g
- Cholesterol 309.75mg104%
- Sodium 987.92mg42%
- Potassium 528.05mg16%
- Total Carbohydrate 1.19g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.28g2%
- Sugars 0.42g
- Protein 44.13g89%
- Vitamin A 127.65 IU
- Vitamin C 21.9 mg
- Calcium 37.4 mg
- Iron 1.39 mg
- Vitamin D 0.25 IU
- Vitamin E 3.51 IU
- Vitamin K 2.94 mcg
- Thiamin 0.14 mg
- Riboflavin 0.28 mg
- Niacin 14.34 mg
- Vitamin B6 1.37 mg
- Folate 19.94 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.65 mcg
- Phosphorus 316.62 mg
- Magnesium 43.23 mg
- Zinc 3.08 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips: For extra-crispy wings, pat them completely dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the crisping tray.
If cooking larger batches, work in multiple rounds to maintain proper air circulation.
The sauce can be adjusted for heat preference by varying the ratio of hot sauce to butter.
For best results, let wings rest for 5 minutes before tossing in sauce to help the coating adhere better.
