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    Home » Appetizers & Drinks

    Published: Apr 30, 2019 · Modified: Feb 18, 2022 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 52 Comments

    How to Make Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings (Keto & Low-Carb)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Making chicken wings in the Instant Pot is an easy and super flavorful way to cook them.  If you love hot wings, this will be your new go-to recipe for buffalo chicken wings. They will be juicy, flavorful, and addicting.  This electric pressure cooker chicken wing recipe is to die for.  Just a few steps and set the Instant Pot and you have the best spicy wings that are keto-approved, low-carb, & diabetic-friendly.

    Instant Pot chicken wings are a one-in-a-million recipe. That is - there are about a million recipes out on the internet for these spicy little numbers.  I won't convince you that mine is completely different than the rest but I have a secret step that most recipes skip   And what I will convince you is that these wings are easy and you can adjust the spice so you make one big batch in the instant pot that all the adults and kids will love to eat.  This Instant Pot recipe works great on drummettes, wings, drumsticks, and even boneless chicken strips.

    Full of flavor, spicy, tender, & crispy perfection

    Secret Step

    The key to this recipe is the liquid that the chicken is cooked in. Most instant pot recipes call for the chicken to be cooked on a trivet above water. Yes with just water. Now, how much flavor does water add to anything? NONE!  Then, in the end, the other recipes add some sauce after the chicken has all of its cooking.  The bulk of the flavoring is an afterthought.  My recipe layers the flavors in every step of the cooking process.

    To make the chicken more distinct, these wings are cooked in a vinegary buffalo liquid that helps infuse flavor deep into the meat.  In the end, they will all taste as every buffalo wing should even just straight from the Instant Pot.  They do not even need to be sauced but ideally, you will do that to get the extra buffalo kick that most of us want. I prefer Franks RedHot Original Buffalo sauce for this easy and delicious chicken wing recipe for your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker.   For me, the original buffalo wing recipe or flavor needs Franks RedHot.

    How to Make Keto Buffalo Wings

    It is as easy as 1 -2 - 3, to make low-carb chicken wings in the Instant Pot. The pressure cooker makes it fast & easy to have tender chicken wings.

    1. Cook in Instant Pot in Amazing Cooking Liquid
    2. Brown Chicken Wings under the Broiler to Crisp
    3. Toss in Additional Sauce

    I will warn you, if you do not like your chicken meat to fall right off the bone when you eat wings, this recipe is not for you.  These wings will be so very tender, there is no effort to eat these and they will be messy good.  This is another reason these are great for kids. If your kids are anything like mine are, they like to eat things that do not need a lot of fork and knife skills or can be eaten easily. These are a hit for them. They can use their hands and not get in trouble; yes, please.

    Instant Pot chicken wing

    Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Wings cooking liquid

    Difference Between Wings, Wingettes & Drumettes

    What I made with this recipe is what is technically called wingettes and drumettes, not a full chicken wing. But the consensus at home and in restaurants we all seem just simply call them wings.  Here is more information on Chicken Wings vs Wingettes.

    Seasoning the Chicken Wings

    To begin, mix together in a pourable bowl or pyrex measuring cup the melted butter, apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, and water.   Pat dry your chicken pieces and season liberally with salt and pepper.

    Instant pot chicken wings seasoned

    Seasoned chicken wings

    Best Liquid to Pressure Cook Chicken Wings

    Add the liquid and the chicken to the Instant Pot.  Secure and lock the lid.  Make sure the valve is set to sealing and is closed.  Set the Instant Pot to Manual and for 5 minutes.  The Instant Pot will say ON until it reaches pressure. Once it comes to pressure the 5 minutes will count down.

    Once it beeps at 5 minutes, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes.  After the clock reaches 10 minutes, move the valve carefully open using a wooden spoon or long utensil to release any remaining pressure.

    How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Wings from Frozen

    If you forgot to defrost your chicken wings, you can still make this recipe in a pressure cooker.  Even though they are not defrosted you can still add the frozen wings to the Instant Pot insert and sprinkle them with the seasonings.  Still pour the cooking liquid over them and seal the pressure cooker closed.  When cooking the wings from frozen, you will need to set them for a longer time on the Instant Pot. So instead of 5 minutes on Manual, set it for 15 minutes on Manual.  Still, let it release pressure naturally for 10 minutes after.

    Instant Pot buffalo wings

    Wings complete with the pressure cooker stage

    Low-Carb Wings That are Crispy

    There is one more step to perfect these wings.  Remove the chicken wings from the Instant Pot and place them on a baking sheet. Crisp them up under the broiler on low, rotating as you cook to ensure all sides get golden.  The skin will crisp up and caramelize the sauce that has been absorbed into every piece of chicken.

    This is how you get crunchy crispy skin on chicken wings that have no flour or breading. To keep these wings low-carb and keto, you rely on the natural fats in the skins to sizzle and fry them up under the heat of the broiler.

    How Many Carbs in Chicken Wings

    Without breading, these wings are low-carb and a keto diet dream.  There are almost zero carbs in this recipe - so enjoy all you want!   For a 6 ounce serving or ⅛ of this recipe, these chicken wings have 376 calories, 18g fat & .1 carbs. Yes - there is only 1/10 of a carb in a tasty serving!   The full nutritional information in the recipe card below for more details.

    Chicken wings

    Crispy wings ready for sauce

    Keto Chicken Wing Sauce

    Time to heat things up!  The final step is to melt the additional butter in a microwave-safe bowl and add ¼ cup of hot sauce.  Add the wings then toss with a set of tongs. You can also serve without the additional sauce for a mild version that even my kids like.

    If you do not like spicy, this is a great way to enjoy these too.  At this point do not add the additional sauce. Instead melt the butter and add the wings to coat.  Then sprinkle on ¼ cup of grated parmesan chese and toss to coat. This will give you the best crispy keto parmesan chicken wings ever. They will be crispy, buttery, with a salty cheese flavor that is addicting.

    I recently had these with the pickled vegetables that Miley helped me make.  This recipe is a favorite and was our first Pinterest hit as it had 8K impressions in one day. You must try the recipe here - https://theshortordercook.com/how-to-make-quick-pickled-vegetables-kids-in-the-kitchen/

    I also suggest serving these with my homemade ranch dressing. I make it without mayonnaise and it is the perfect cool creamy accompaniment for these spicy wings.  Try that here - https://theshortordercook.com/how-to-make-homemade-ranch-dressing-without-mayo/

    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings with Homemade Ranch & Quick Pickled Vegetables - all recipes on the blog

    PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken wings PIN

    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken wings PIN

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

    \

    plated buffalo wings topped with ranch dressing

    How to Make Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings (Secret Step Included)

    Angela
    Fall-off-the-bone buffalo chicken wings will please any crowd. The cooking liquid secret adds so much flavor. These spicy wings are keto-approved, low-carb, & diabetic-friendly.
    4.89 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8

    Equipment

    • pressure cooker

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 pounds chicken wings / drummettes
    • ¾ cup water
    • ¼ cup hot sauce
    • 2 TB apple cider vinegar
    • 4 TB salted butter melted
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • salt & pepper
    • ¼ cup additional hot sauce

    Instructions
     

    • Combine cooking liquid ingredients together – water, hot sauce, AC vinegar, 2 TB melted butter and the cayenne pepper. Pour into the insert of your Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker.
    • Season chicken thoroughly with salt and pepper. Add to the pot.
    • Lock and seal the lid. Close the steam valve on the lid. Select Manual and press the up or down arrows to set the Instant Pot to 5.
    • It will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure. Once it does it will count down the 5 minutes. After it counts down the Instant Pot will beep. At this point let the pressure release naturally by keeping the lid locked and the valve sealed until the clock counts back up to 10 minutes.
    • After 10 minutes, open the steam valve carefully with a wooden spoon or long utensil. Remove the chicken wings with tongs and place on a baking sheet.
    • Place under a low broiler and rotate to brown and crisp up all sides.
    • While crisping, in a large bowl combine the other 2 TB of melted butter and more hot sauce – to your taste. I use usually about another ¼-1/2 cup at this point for all the wings.
    • Once crispy toss wings in the butter and hot sauce mixture.
    • Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing, raw vegetable sticks or coleslaw.

    Notes

    Nutrition Facts
    Servings: 8
    Amount per serving  
    Calories 376
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 18.4g 24%
    Saturated Fat 7.1g 36%
    Cholesterol 167mg 56%
    Sodium 515mg 22%
    Total Carbohydrate 0.2g 0%
    Dietary Fiber 0.1g 0%
    Total Sugars 0.2g  
    Protein 49.3g  
    Vitamin D 4mcg 20%
    Calcium 28mg 2%
    Iron 2mg 12%
    Potassium 433mg 9%
    *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
    Keyword chicken, easy, gluten-free, grain-free, instant pot, keto, low carb, paleo, poultry, pressure cooker, spicy

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Laura says

      May 23, 2019 at 9:10 am

      These look absolutely delicious!!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        May 23, 2019 at 12:57 pm

        Thank you, they are delicious!

        Reply
      • Cindy says

        May 27, 2019 at 9:35 am

        Looks like a great recipe. I love using the pressure pot, especially as the temps warm up outside.

        Reply
        • Angela says

          May 27, 2019 at 9:58 am

          Yes, it really is great for cooking in the hot summer months. Helps to not heat up your house for sure.

          Reply
      • Judith says

        December 19, 2019 at 5:36 pm

        That look sooooooo yummy.

        Reply
    2. Kyndall Bennett says

      May 23, 2019 at 9:41 am

      OMG, these look amazing! I'm not a big fan of spicy food, but I would at least try this! I wonder if it would still work out if I substituted the hot sauce for teriyaki! 🤔

      Reply
      • Angela says

        May 23, 2019 at 12:56 pm

        HI, I have done this with teriyaki as well. Perfecting a gluten-free version using Tamari. You do not want straight soy/teriyaki as it will be VERY salty. I would do 1/2 & 1/2 w something like apple juice maybe and see if you like that? CHeck back as I hope to have a few other instant pot wings recipes on here soon.

        Reply
    3. Brittany says

      May 23, 2019 at 12:30 pm

      Yummy! I love chicken wings, and I love my instant pot! Thank you for the recipe....and the secret step!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        May 23, 2019 at 12:57 pm

        You are welcome - enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Karla says

      May 23, 2019 at 10:14 pm

      I have not gotten an instant pot yet. I'm not sure why.... I hear continuously how wonderful it is. But this might push me over the edge. 🙂

      Reply
      • Angela says

        May 23, 2019 at 10:18 pm

        Do it!

        Reply
        • Stacey says

          May 24, 2019 at 10:18 am

          Looks yummy! I like the meat to fall off the bones.

          Reply
    5. Suzan says

      May 24, 2019 at 2:59 am

      Like Karla, I too do not have an instant pot but could easily adjust this recipe for my needs. Looks delish!

      Reply
    6. Charlene says

      May 24, 2019 at 5:49 am

      I love that secret tip! I bet it makes things extra flavorful!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        May 24, 2019 at 4:27 pm

        It really does allow the meat to take on more flavor.

        Reply
    7. Leigh Ann says

      May 24, 2019 at 7:42 am

      These sound so good and are just another reason I need an Instapot!

      Reply
    8. Emily says

      May 24, 2019 at 8:00 am

      YUM YUM YUMMMMMMMMMM!

      Reply
    9. Robin says

      May 24, 2019 at 8:50 am

      We love wings, although can't eat them very often! Can't wait to try these!

      Reply
    10. jen says

      May 24, 2019 at 9:06 am

      Sharing with my husband...the chicken wing master

      Reply
      • Angela says

        May 24, 2019 at 4:28 pm

        I hope the Master loves these as much as I do!

        Reply
    11. Ramae Hamrin says

      May 24, 2019 at 11:34 am

      What a great idea! I cook chicken in the instant pot all the time with just water, salt and pepper. This looks much tastier, and we always have hot sauce around.

      Reply
    12. Lina says

      May 24, 2019 at 6:17 pm

      Another great recipe for my instant pot. Thanks1

      Reply
    13. Junell DuBois says

      May 25, 2019 at 9:41 am

      This looks like something that my husband and sons would love!

      Reply
    14. Tiffany says

      May 25, 2019 at 7:06 pm

      This looks so easy and so tasty! Can't wait to try this for my boys! Yum!

      Reply
    15. Pauline says

      May 27, 2019 at 5:02 am

      I love chicken wings. They are so delicious. This would be a great treat for our next get together.

      Reply
    16. Carolina says

      May 27, 2019 at 6:50 pm

      I love chicken wings and these look delicious!

      Reply
    17. Lisa says

      May 28, 2019 at 8:22 am

      I was JUST looking up instapot recipes... Thank you for this!!!

      Reply
    18. Angela Greven | Mean Green Chef says

      May 29, 2019 at 8:53 am

      I love a good basket of crispy wings every now and again and these look super scrumptious!! 🙌

      Reply
    19. Annette says

      May 29, 2019 at 7:54 pm

      YUM!! I'm excited to try this recipe!!! I just got an Instant Pot three months ago, and am always looking for a new recipe to try. Thanks for sharing!!

      Reply
    20. T.M. Brown says

      June 01, 2019 at 7:59 am

      These look delish! I don't have an Instant Pot yet (I know, for shame!), but I wonder if I can do this with a crockpot.

      Reply
    21. Shanna says

      June 03, 2019 at 2:22 pm

      yes! I have never made homemade buffalo wings, and I don't have an instant pot. But I need this in my life!

      Reply
    22. Amanda says

      June 04, 2019 at 9:01 pm

      These look amazing!! I don't cook but I am passing this recipe onto my husband 🙂

      Reply
    23. Eileen Thorsen says

      June 06, 2019 at 10:42 am

      My husband would die for these wings! I'm more of a boneless-buffalo-wings-girl, so I would love to try it with boneless wings as well. I think I'll have to surprise my family with this recipe when football season starts this summer!

      Reply
    24. Jerri says

      July 11, 2019 at 12:11 pm

      We LOVE hot wings! I've been wanting to try them in the Instant Pot, but my husband is a little skeptical! Maybe I can convince him to try this recipe! Thanks for linking up for Friday Favorites. I'm featuring you this week.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        July 11, 2019 at 8:14 pm

        Thanks so much Jerri for featuring this on simplysweethome.com! I have full confidence your husband will be a convert. Cannot wait to hear his review.

        Reply
    25. Miz Helen says

      July 16, 2019 at 3:30 pm

      I just pinned your recipe and can't wait to try your instant pot wings! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and hope you are having a great week.
      Miz Helen

      Reply
      • Angela says

        July 16, 2019 at 4:15 pm

        Thank you Miz Helen - the wings are pretty amazing. I got a text the other night from a friend that made them and her whole family loved them. Hope you like them just as much.

        Reply
    26. Julie says

      June 29, 2020 at 5:27 pm

      5 stars
      Love making wings in the Instapot!!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 29, 2020 at 7:09 pm

        Me too! They are so tender and full of flavor this way.

        Reply
    27. Michelle says

      June 29, 2020 at 6:21 pm

      What a great way to make this popular party food.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 29, 2020 at 7:08 pm

        Thanks Michelle. Buffalo Chicken Wings are a party must!

        Reply
    28. Nart at Cooking with Nart says

      June 29, 2020 at 10:04 pm

      5 stars
      Those wings look delicious. Thank you for sharing your secret step - I bet they're full of flavor!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        June 30, 2020 at 7:05 am

        You are welcome and they are amazingly full of flavor.

        Reply
    29. Genevieve says

      June 30, 2020 at 1:26 pm

      5 stars
      Angela this recipe looks delicious! Wonderful job!

      Reply
    30. Travel Clans says

      July 01, 2020 at 12:55 am

      looks fantastic!

      Reply
    31. Patrice says

      July 01, 2020 at 9:16 pm

      5 stars
      I'm a fan of anything I can make in my instant pot. Your secret step is a wonderful idea! I'm going to try this next time.

      Reply
    32. Jacqueline Debono says

      July 02, 2020 at 3:32 am

      5 stars
      Fall off the bone chicken wings are definitely what I like. These look great. Good idea to grill them at the end to get them crispy!

      Reply
    33. Anindya Sundar Basu says

      July 02, 2020 at 7:12 pm

      4 stars
      Thanks for the secret steps and I love chicken wings. So will try out the buffalo chicken wings. Thanks a lot for the recipe

      Reply
    34. Felicia Austin says

      July 04, 2020 at 12:12 pm

      5 stars
      We love wings! And we all agree that Franks Hot sauce is the BEST hot sauce out there! Believe when I say we have tried ALL kinds of hot sauces and Franks tops them all. Also I love that you added your secret step! Thank you for that.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        July 04, 2020 at 8:33 pm

        Glad you like it and live a Franks Hot Sauce life as we do too - haha!

        Reply
    35. Nisha says

      December 01, 2020 at 12:58 pm

      5 stars
      This looks just perfect and delicious , Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    36. Arlene says

      March 15, 2021 at 1:13 pm

      5 stars
      I made these for my teenage boys and they loved them. They really did fall off the bone and make it easy to eat.

      Reply

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