Start by rinsing the chicken wings under cold water to remove any residue, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps achieve that desired crispy texture later on. Once dry, place the wings into a large mixing bowl, ensuring they have enough room to be coated evenly with seasonings.

Season the chicken wings with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure every wing is well-coated with the spices. For the best flavor infusion, let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes, but you can refrigerate them for up to overnight for deeper flavor.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is essential as it ensures that the wings cook evenly from the start, leading to perfectly crispy results. While your air fryer warms up, prepare a clean surface for your wings to be placed after marinating.

Carefully place the marinated wings into the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to allow proper air circulation. Air fry for about 22 to 25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to ensure even cooking. The wings should appear evenly browned and crispy on the outside, while remaining juicy on the inside.

While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then whisk in the Frank’s hot sauce until the mixture is well combined. This sauce will be the perfect finishing touch for your Air Fryer Buffalo Wings, delivering that signature spicy kick and rich flavor.

Once the wings are done cooking, transfer them into a large bowl and immediately drizzle the hot sauce mixture over them. Toss the wings gently but thoroughly to coat each piece in the delicious spicy sauce. Serve the wings hot, alongside Ken’s Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing for dipping, along with fresh celery and carrot sticks for a complete snack experience.