Dinner

Buffalo Chicken Thighs (Air Fryer & Oven Baked) Recipe

ByClara Bennett January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Introduction

Buffalo chicken thighs offer a juicy, flavorful twist on the classic Buffalo chicken wings, made easy with either an air fryer or oven. This recipe combines a zesty marinade with a buttery buffalo sauce finish for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for game day or a weeknight dinner.

A white plate holds eight pieces of grilled chicken thighs coated in bright orange buffalo sauce, some with slight char marks on the edges, creating a mix of darker brown and orange colors. The chicken pieces are scattered and topped with small green sliced scallion rings that add a fresh contrast to the orange sauce. In the corner of the image, three celery sticks lay next to the plate on a white marbled surface, while two small white bowls, one with more buffalo sauce and the other with a white dipping sauce dotted with herbs, sit partially visible near the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6 pieces)
1/4 cup Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp salted butter, melted
2 tbsp Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Sauce

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, add the chicken thighs, 1/4 cup of Buffalo sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, and black pepper. Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2 (Air Fryer): Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with non-stick spray. Place the thighs in a single layer and air fry for 10 minutes. Flip them over and air fry for an additional 6 minutes until cooked through.
Step 3 (Oven-Baked): Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and arrange the chicken thighs on it. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy.
Step 4: While the chicken cooks, mix the melted butter and 2 tablespoons of Buffalo sauce in a small bowl to make the topping.
Step 5: Once cooked, brush or toss the chicken thighs with the prepared buffalo sauce mixture.
Step 6: Serve immediately, optionally drizzled with ranch or blue cheese dressing and garnished with chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, pat the chicken dry before marinating and do not overcrowd the air fryer or baking sheet.
Use chicken drumsticks instead of thighs if preferred; cooking times may vary slightly.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra heat.
Serve with celery sticks and carrot slices for a classic Buffalo wing experience.

Storage

Store leftover buffalo chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to retain crispiness and flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows close-up grilled chicken pieces with a shiny bright orange sauce covering the top layer, giving it a smooth and slightly wet look. The chicken underneath is a golden-brown color with some dark char marks around the edges, showing a slightly rough and crispy texture. On top, there are small pieces of fresh green onion, cut into rings and scattered to add color contrast. The chicken is served on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken thighs to ensure even cooking and proper marinating. If using frozen, thaw completely before starting the recipe.

How spicy is this buffalo chicken recipe?

This recipe has a moderate level of heat typical of Buffalo sauce. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce in the marinade and topping or by adding cayenne pepper for extra kick.