Description
Crispy, juicy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings tossed in a tangy, buttery hot sauce and served with a creamy blue cheese dressing. Perfectly seasoned and quick to prepare, these wings are a delicious game day or party favorite made healthier and easier using an air fryer.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings Seasoning
- 4 pounds chicken wings (16-18 whole wings, yielding 32-36 flats and drumettes)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1/2 stick butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup Frank’s hot sauce
Blue Cheese Dressing
- 1/2 cup Ken’s chunky blue cheese dressing
- 3 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Wings: Rinse the chicken wings under cold water if desired, and pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Transfer the wings to a large mixing bowl. Remember to disinfect your sink and countertops afterward to maintain kitchen hygiene.
- Season Wings: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper evenly over the wings. Mix well to coat all pieces thoroughly. No added salt is needed because the hot sauce is already salty. Marinate the wings for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Air Fry Wings: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place 16-18 wings in the basket without overcrowding and air fry for 22-25 minutes. For crispier wings, cook for the full 25 minutes; for juicier wings with slightly less crispiness, cook 22 minutes. Keep cooked wings warm in a 170°F oven or warming drawer while you cook the remaining batches.
- Make Buffalo Sauce: While the wings cook, whisk melted butter with Frank’s hot sauce to create a smooth, emulsified buffalo sauce.
- Prepare Blue Cheese Dip: If desired, enhance the blue cheese dressing by mixing in crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola for a richer taste.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: Once all wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss gently with wooden spoon or tongs to coat evenly. Be careful as the sauce may splatter. Work in batches if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo wings immediately with the blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful and crispy air-fried buffalo wings!
Notes
- Patting the wings dry before seasoning helps achieve maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor but 30 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
- Cooking wings in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Keeping wings warm while finishing other batches maintains the ideal serving temperature.
- Use an apron during the tossing step to avoid getting splattered by the hot sauce.
- Optional crumbled blue cheese intensifies the dip’s taste but can be omitted for a smoother dressing.
- This recipe yields 6 servings, great for a small gathering or family meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 476 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 896 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
