Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings with Tangy Blue Cheese Dip (Extra-Crunchy!)

🛒 Ingredients

• 2.5 lbs (1.1kg) fresh chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats (wingettes)
• 1 tbsp aluminum-free baking powder (do NOT use baking soda!)
• 1 tsp fine kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Original cayenne pepper sauce
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and warm
• 1 tbsp clover honey (balances the fiery vinegary heat)
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Chilled chunky blue cheese dressing, crisp celery ribs, and carrot sticks for serving

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1
   Thoroughly pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels on both sides. Place on a wire rack or baking sheet and let air-dry in the fridge for 15 minutes if time permits.
2. 2
   In a small bowl, whisk together the aluminum-free baking powder, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. 3
   Transfer wings to a large dry bowl, sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over them, and toss thoroughly until every single wing has a fine, powdery dusting.
4. 4
   Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly coat the basket grate with olive oil spray.
5. 5
   Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each piece (cook in two batches if your air fryer basket is under 6 quarts to prevent overcrowding).
6. 6
   Air fry at 380°F for 20 minutes, pausing to shake the basket or flip the wings with tongs at the 10-minute mark so they cook evenly.
7. 7
   Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (205°C) and cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden, blistered, and audibly crackles when tapped with tongs.
8. 8
   While wings finish crisping, whisk together the melted butter, Frank's RedHot sauce, honey, and Worcestershire sauce in a large heatproof bowl until glossy and blended.
9. 9
   Transfer hot wings directly from the air fryer into the bowl of warm buffalo sauce. Toss vigorously with tongs until glistening and fully coated.
10. 10
    Pile onto a warm platter and serve immediately with cool blue cheese dressing and crisp celery sticks!

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)