Prepare the Wings:
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up.
Toss the wings with baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the Wings (Choose a Method):
Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 45–50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Air Fryer: Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5 minutes for extra crispiness.
Deep Fryer: Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pot. Fry the wings in batches for 10–12 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Buffalo Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the hot sauce, honey or brown sugar (if using), and vinegar (if using). Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Coat the Wings:
Place the cooked wings in a large mixing bowl. Pour the Buffalo sauce over the wings and toss until they’re fully coated.
Serve:
Transfer the wings to a platter and serve with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.