Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Buffalo Wings coated in a spicy, buttery sauce and served with a tangy blue cheese dressing. Perfect as a quick appetizer or game day snack, these wings are seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and thyme, then air fried to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings
- 4 pounds chicken wings (16-18 whole wings, yielding 32-36 flats and drumettes)
Seasoning
- 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
Buffalo 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 the wings: If desired, rinse your chicken wings under cold water. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Ensure all surfaces and sinks are disinfected afterwards for safety.
- Season the wings: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper over the wings. Toss to evenly coat. Avoid adding salt as Frank’s hot sauce provides enough saltiness. Let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for enhanced flavor, up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Air fry the wings: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange 16-18 wings per batch in the air fryer basket without overcrowding to ensure crispiness. Cook for 22-25 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Cook 25 minutes for crisper skin or 22 minutes for juicier wings. Keep cooked wings warm in an oven set at 170°F or a warming drawer while cooking remaining batches.
- Make the buffalo sauce: While wings cook, whisk together the melted butter and Frank’s hot sauce until the mixture is emulsified and smooth.
- Prepare blue cheese dip: If desired, enhance Ken’s chunky blue cheese dressing by mixing in crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola for extra flavor and texture.
- Toss wings in buffalo sauce: Transfer the cooked wings to a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss carefully using a wooden spoon or tongs. Toss in batches if needed to avoid splatters. Wear an apron to protect your clothing.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo wings hot with the blue cheese dip on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- These air fryer buffalo wings are quick, easy to make, and deliver fantastic flavor.
- You can marinate the wings overnight to deepen the seasoning absorption.
- Adjust cooking time to achieve preferred crispiness or juiciness.
- Use an apron during tossing to prevent sauce splatters.
- Use a warming drawer or low oven to keep wings hot between batches.
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
