If desired, rinse your chicken wings under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels, and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Be sure to disinfect your sink and countertops afterwards!
Season with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. There’s no added salt, because the Frank’s is plenty salty. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or as long as overnight.
Air fry the wings in batches at 400°F (200°C) for 22-25 minutes. 25 minutes will get them crispy, while 22 minutes yields a juicier but slightly less crisp wing. I was able to fit 16-18 wings in my air fryer. Keep the finished wings warm on a sheet pan in a warming drawer or oven set to 170°F while you air-fry the remaining wings. You can also just cook and toss the wings in batches, and serve them up as they are ready!
While the wings cook, whisk together the melted butter and Frank’s hot sauce until you have an emulsified sauce.
If you’re doctoring your blue cheese dipping sauce, combine the Ken’s blue cheese dressing with the crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola cheese.
When the wings are ready, transfer them to a big mixing bowl (we use a large stainless steel bowl), and pour over the sauce, tossing them with a wooden spoon or tongs. Wear an apron, as they can splatter a bit as you toss them! If needed, you can do this in batches so they are easier to toss. Serve with the blue cheese sauce.
Notes
Oven Instructions: Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C, and position a rack in the center of the oven. After marinating, transfer the wings to a sheet pan lined with non-stick foil or parchment paper. Bake on the center rack for 25-35 minutes until golden brown, rotating the pan once at the halfway point. Then toss in the sauce and serve.