Elote Chicken Wings

First, make the avocado ranch. In a blender, combine avocado, light sour cream, light mayonnaise, whole milk, pickled jalapeño brine, pickled jalapeños, and the ranch seasoning packet. Blend until smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water to reach your desired consistency.

Prepare the chicken wing rub. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, paprika, chile de arbol powder, ground mustard, and ground thyme.

Place chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Season generously with the wing rub.

Spray the seasoned wings with cooking oil to help the seasoning stick. Flip the wings, season the other side, and spray with oil again.

Air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, flip the wings, re-season lightly, and air fry for an additional 10 minutes at 350°F.

Increase the air fryer temperature to 375°F and cook for about 12 more minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Shake the basket halfway through this final cooking time.

While the wings finish cooking, prepare the coating. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lime juice until smooth.

Add the hot, cooked wings to the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture and toss to coat them evenly.

Sprinkle the coated wings with cotija cheese and the elote seasoning blend. Toss again to combine.

Serve immediately with the avocado ranch for dipping.