How to Grill Perfect Buffalo-Style Wings

2. Season Generously

Buffalo wings are all about bold flavors, so don’t hold back on seasoning.

Basic Wing Seasoning:

• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika for a smoky kick

Optional Dry Rub:

• Add cayenne pepper for heat or brown sugar for a hint of sweetness.

Even though you’ll toss the wings in buffalo sauce later, seasoning them before grilling enhances their flavor.

3. Preheat and Set Up Your Grill

Prepping your grill properly is key to achieving crispy, evenly cooked wings.

How to Set Up:

• Preheat to Medium Heat: Aim for 350°F-400°F.
• Two-Zone Cooking: Create a direct heat zone for searing and an indirect heat zone for finishing the wings.

4. Grill the Wings

Cooking the wings to perfection requires the right technique:

• Start Over Indirect Heat:

Place the wings on the indirect heat zone and close the lid.

Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally. This ensures the wings cook through without burning.

• Move to Direct Heat for Crispy Skin:

Transfer the wings to the direct heat zone to crisp up the skin.

Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, watching carefully to avoid flare-ups.

Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

The heart of buffalo-style wings is their signature tangy-spicy sauce.

Classic Buffalo Sauce Recipe:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)

1/4 cup melted butter

1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Directions:

Whisk the ingredients together in a small saucepan over low heat.

Adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce or butter to your taste.

Tip: Keep the sauce warm until the wings are ready for tossing.

6. Toss the Wings in Sauce

Once the wings are fully cooked and crispy, toss them in the buffalo sauce.

Steps for Tossing:

1. Place the wings in a large bowl.
2. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the wings.
3. Toss gently to coat evenly.

Tip: If you prefer extra-saucy wings, reserve some sauce for serving.

7. Serve with the Right Sides

Buffalo wings are best enjoyed with classic accompaniments:

• Dips: Ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.
• Veggies: Crisp celery and carrot sticks for crunch and freshness.

8. Pro Tips for Perfect Buffalo-Style Wings

1. Avoid Flare-Ups: Trim excess fat or skin from the wings to prevent flare-ups on the grill.
2. Crispier Skin: For extra crispiness, sprinkle a little baking powder on the wings before grilling.
3. Layer the Sauce: For bolder flavor, brush some buffalo sauce onto the wings during the last few minutes of grilling.

The Final Bite

Grilling buffalo-style wings adds a smoky, charred dimension that complements their tangy-spicy flavor. By following these tips, you’ll create wings that are perfectly crispy, juicy, and coated in mouthwatering sauce. Whether it’s game day or a backyard BBQ, these grilled buffalo wings will be the star of the table.

Fire up the grill, grab your favorite hot sauce, and enjoy the ultimate buffalo wing experience!