Can you make these wings in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes. Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes on a lined sheet pan, flipping halfway through, until wings reach 165°F internal temperature.

How do you keep the cotija cheese and seasoning from falling off?

Apply the creamy lime sauce while wings are still hot and slightly wet—this helps the cheese and elote seasoning adhere better.

Can the avocado ranch be made ahead?

Yes, prepare it up to 2 hours ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator; stir before serving to reincorporate.

What if you don't have pickled jalapeños?

Substitute fresh jalapeños (minced) plus 1 tbsp lime juice or white vinegar to replicate the tangy heat.

How do you know when the wings are fully cooked?

Wings should reach 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh, and the skin should be golden and crispy with no pink meat.

Elote Chicken Wings (Air-Fryer)

Name: Elote Chicken Wings (Air-Fryer)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 32 min
Total time: 47 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken wings; 1/2 small Hass avocado; 1/2 cup light sour cream; 1/2 cup light mayonnaise; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño brine; 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños; 1 packet restaurant-style ranch seasoning; 1-2 tbsp water; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp seasoned salt; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp chile de arbol powder; 1/4 tsp ground mustard; 1 pinch of ground thyme; Cooking oil spray; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1/4 cup cotija cheese, grated; 2 tbsp elote seasoning blend

CookOSBeta

Elote Chicken Wings (Air-Fryer) | CookOS

Ingredients

1 lb chicken wings
1/2 small Hass avocado
1/2 cup light sour cream
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup pickled jalapeño brine
1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
1 packet restaurant-style ranch seasoning
1-2 tbsp water
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chile de arbol powder
1/4 tsp ground mustard
1 pinch of ground thyme
Cooking oil spray
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp lime juice
1/4 cup cotija cheese, grated
2 tbsp elote seasoning blend

21 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
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.
2
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.
3
Place chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Season generously with the wing rub.
4
Spray the seasoned wings with cooking oil to help the seasoning stick. Flip the wings, season the other side, and spray with oil again.
5
Air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes.
6
After 10 minutes, flip the wings, re-season lightly, and air fry for an additional 10 minutes at 350°F.
7
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.
8
While the wings finish cooking, prepare the coating. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lime juice until smooth.
9
Add the hot, cooked wings to the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture and toss to coat them evenly.
10
Sprinkle the coated wings with cotija cheese and the elote seasoning blend. Toss again to combine.
11
Serve immediately with the avocado ranch for dipping.