Buffalo wings, oh, the glorious indulgence of spicy, crispy perfection! They remind me of those game nights with friends—cheers, laughter, and the inevitable mess of sauce on everything. With the magic of the air fryer, these wings reach an extraordinary level of crispiness, almost like they’re defying the laws of culinary physics.
Steps
- If desired, rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl, making sure to disinfect the sink and countertops afterwards.
- Season the wings with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. Allow the wings to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the wings in batches for 22-25 minutes, depending on your preference for crispiness. Keep cooked wings warm on a sheet pan in a warming drawer or oven set to 170°F while frying the rest.
- As the wings cook, combine melted butter with Frank’s hot sauce to create an emulsified sauce. For a richer dipping sauce, mix Ken’s blue cheese dressing with crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola.
- Once the wings are done, place them in a large mixing bowl and pour the sauce over them. Toss the wings with a wooden spoon or tongs until they are well-coated, being careful of splatter.
- Serve the wings hot with the blue cheese sauce on the side, and enjoy your homemade air fryer buffalo wings!
Ingredients
- 4 pounds of chicken wings (approximately 16 whole wings, resulting in 32 flats and drumettes)
- 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 stick of butter, melted
- 1/2 cup of Frank’s hot sauce
- 1/2 cup of Ken’s chunky blue cheese dressing
- 3 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2856kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 192g | Fat: 222g | Saturated Fat: 84g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 36g | Monounsaturated Fat: 78g | Trans Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 900mg | Sodium: 5376mg | Potassium: 1992mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5280IU | Vitamin C: 96mg | Calcium: 450mg | Iron: 12mg
FAQ
- Can I make these buffalo wings in the oven instead of an air fryer?
- Yes, you can bake the wings in an oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), and place the wings on a sheet pan lined with non-stick foil or parchment paper. Bake them in the center of the oven for 25-35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until they are golden brown.
- How do I adjust the cooking time for different air fryer models?
- Air fryer models can vary in how hot they run. For drawer-style air fryers, the cooking times provided (22 minutes for juicy wings and 25 minutes for crispy wings) should work well. If using a multi-purpose toaster oven variety, be cautious of higher heat, and consider reducing cooking time slightly to prevent burning.
- What is the purpose of smoked paprika in the recipe?
- Smoked paprika is used to enhance the flavor of the wings without making them taste overtly smoky. Even those who usually find smoked paprika overpowering have found that it adds a tasty depth to the wings.
- Do I need to rinse the chicken wings before cooking?
- Rinsing chicken wings is optional. Some choose to rinse to remove bone spurs and processing residue, but it’s important to disinfect your sink and countertops afterward. If you prefer not to rinse, you can skip this step.
- Can I enhance the store-bought blue cheese dressing?
- Yes, you can doctor your blue cheese dressing by mixing in crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola for extra flavor. Gorgonzola is a good option for those who prefer a milder taste.
Tips
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow the wings to marinate in the seasoning mix for at least 30 minutes or overnight to enhance the flavors. This step infuses the wings with the spices and ensures a more flavorful bite.
- Cooking Time for Desired Texture: Adjust the cooking time based on your texture preference. For juicier wings, cook for 22 minutes, and for a crispier finish, extend the cooking time to 25 minutes. This flexibility allows you to tailor the wings to your liking.
- Batch Cooking for Best Results: Cook the wings in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than crisping. Keep finished wings warm in the oven while preparing the rest to maintain their crisp texture.
- Enhance Store-Bought Dressing: If using a store-bought blue cheese dressing, mix in crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola for added richness and flavor. This quick enhancement elevates the dipping sauce without requiring a homemade recipe.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – If you don’t have one, this is essential for making the wings as described in the recipe.
- Large Mixing Bowl – Useful for marinating and tossing the wings.
- Non-stick Foil or Parchment Paper – Needed if you opt to bake the wings in the oven instead of using an air fryer.
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs – For tossing the wings in sauce.
