Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Buffalo Wings made easy with a smoky spice blend and tangy hot sauce, perfect for a quick appetizer or game day snack. These wings are air fried for a healthier twist and served with a creamy blue cheese dip.
Ingredients
Scale
Wings and 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 and Garnish
- 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 and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Remember to disinfect your sink and countertops after handling raw chicken to maintain food safety.
- Season the Wings: Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper to the wings. There is no extra salt added because the Frank’s hot sauce is sufficiently salty. Marinate the wings for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration.
- Air Fry the Wings: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the wings in batches, fitting 16-18 wings per batch. Air fry them for 22-25 minutes; 22 minutes results in juicier wings, while 25 minutes yields crispier wings. Keep the cooked wings warm on a sheet pan in a warming drawer or oven set to 170°F as you finish cooking the remaining batches.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: While the wings cook, whisk together the melted butter and Frank’s hot sauce until emulsified and smooth, creating a classic buffalo wing sauce.
- Prepare Blue Cheese Dip: For the blue cheese dipping sauce, combine Ken’s chunky blue cheese dressing with the optional crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola cheese to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: Transfer the cooked wings to a large mixing bowl and pour over the buffalo sauce. Toss carefully with a wooden spoon or tongs to coat evenly; wearing an apron is advised as the sauce can splatter. If necessary, toss the wings in smaller batches for ease.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo wings hot alongside the creamy blue cheese dipping sauce for a classic and delicious combination.
Notes
- These air fryer buffalo wings cook quickly and are incredibly easy to make, perfect for a last-minute appetizer or snack.
- The air fryer crisps the wings without the need for deep frying, making them a healthier option.
- Marinating wings overnight will deepen the flavor and enhance seasoning.
- Adjust cooking times slightly depending on your air fryer model for best results.
- Blue cheese garnish is optional but adds a nice tangy contrast to the spicy wings.
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
