Chicken wings became a popular bar food in the United States after the 1964 Buffalo Wings debut at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. Since then they have become a staple for game days, parties, and casual gatherings across the country.

Beyond the classic Buffalo style, American wings vary by region: Kansas City offers sweet‑and‑spicy sauces, Nashville hot wings are coated in a fiery cayenne rub, and Southern fried wings are breaded and deep‑fried. The air‑fryer method is a modern, healthier twist on these traditions.

In the U.S., crispy wings are typically served hot with celery sticks and a dipping sauce such as ranch or blue‑cheese dressing. They are often presented on a platter for sharing during sports events or casual get‑togethers.

Chicken wings are a go‑to snack for Super Bowl parties, tailgate gatherings, birthday celebrations, and casual weekend hangouts. Their finger‑food nature makes them perfect for communal eating.

Air‑fryer wings preserve the beloved crisp texture and bold flavor of traditional fried wings while using less oil, aligning with the growing American interest in healthier comfort foods without sacrificing taste.

Traditional Buffalo wings use chicken wings, melted butter, and Frank's RedHot sauce. Acceptable substitutes include using olive oil for the initial coating, swapping butter for ghee, or using a different hot sauce if you prefer a different heat level.

Serve the wings alongside classic sides like coleslaw, potato wedges, macaroni‑and‑cheese, or a fresh garden salad. A cold beer or a sparkling lemonade also complements the heat of the wings.

The recipe combines a simple oil‑and‑spice coating with a buttery hot‑sauce glaze, delivering extra richness while the air fryer creates a uniformly crisp exterior without deep‑frying, making it faster and less messy.

Common errors include not drying the wings, overcrowding the basket, skipping the mid‑cook flip, and using a hot sauce that already contains salt without adjusting the added salt. Each mistake can lead to soggy or overly salty wings.

Applying the glaze after cooking prevents the butter from burning in the air fryer and ensures the sauce clings to the already‑crisped skin, giving a glossy finish and richer flavor without sogginess.

Preppy Kitchen, hosted by John Kanell, focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that often feature modern kitchen gadgets, easy‑to‑follow techniques, and family‑friendly meals.

Preppy Kitchen emphasizes minimal prep, the use of versatile appliances like air fryers, and clear visual cues, making classic comfort dishes such as chicken wings faster and more accessible for busy home cooks compared to more elaborate or traditional methods shown on other channels.