Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing
GAME DAY RECIPES
10/15/20253 min read
The ultimate game-day staple for fall — made with Wild Pastures chicken and fresh, flavorful sauces.
When the weather cools down and football is back on TV, chicken wings are officially on repeat in my kitchen. There’s just nothing better than a cozy fall evening, a good game, and the sound of wings crisping away in the air fryer.
I’ve been getting all my meat from Wild Pastures, and it’s made such a difference. Their pasture-raised chicken is high-quality, clean, and ethically sourced — and when you’re feeding your family, that peace of mind matters.
The Secret to Crispy Air Fryer Wings
Most people think crispy wings require deep frying, but the real secret is simple:
baking powder (not baking soda!)
Ingredients
2 lbs pasture-raised chicken wings (I use Wild Pastures)
1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp sea salt
1–2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
Dry the wings thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels — moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Season. In a large bowl, toss wings with baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Oil lightly. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until coated.
Cook. Place wings in an air fryer oven at 425°F for 45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Rest & toss. Let them rest a few minutes, then toss in your favorite sauce.
Three Easy, Flavor-Packed Sauces
1. Primal Buffalo Sauce (Clean & Spicy)
This is the classic — buttery, tangy, and just the right amount of heat.
I love using Primal Kitchen’s Buffalo Sauce, which has no junky oils and the perfect kick for game day.
Simply toss your hot wings right in the sauce and serve with celery, carrots, and my homemade blue cheese dressing.
2. Homemade Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Creamy, garlicky, and rich — this one’s for the garlic lovers.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Pinch of salt & black pepper
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Directions:
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t brown it).
Stir in Parmesan, seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.
Toss wings immediately in the warm sauce and sprinkle with parsley.
3. Homemade Honey Mustard Glaze
Sweet, tangy, and perfect for anyone who doesn’t love spice.
Ingredients:
¼ cup Dijon mustard
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Pinch of paprika
Directions:
Whisk everything together until smooth.
Warm slightly before tossing with freshly cooked wings.
Garnish with extra paprika or parsley.
My Famous Blue Cheese Dressing with Greek Yogurt & Fresh Herbs
This is that dressing — the one you’ll want to dip everything in. Creamy, herby, tangy, and rich with bold blue cheese crumbles, this homemade dressing has been a favorite in our kitchen for years. It's high in protein thanks to the Greek yogurt and so fresh, you'll never go back to the bottled stuff.
Honestly? It makes my mouth water just thinking about it.....
Ingredients:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup avocado mayo
Juice of 1 lemon
Splash of milk (to thin, as needed)
½ cup blue cheese crumbles
½ tsp white vinegar
⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
Mix the Base: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, avocado mayo, lemon juice, and white vinegar. Whisk until smooth.
Add the Flavor: Fold in blue cheese crumbles and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
Thin It Out: Add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better). Keeps up to 5 days.
Best served with wings, veggie platters, or drizzled over a crisp wedge salad.
Serving Tips
Keep the wings warm in the oven (250°F) while you prep sauces.
Set up a “sauce bar” so everyone can pick their favorite flavor.
Pair with celery sticks, carrots, and a pitcher of cold beer or mocktails