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Crispy Sweet-Spicy Air Fryer Wings

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These Honey Garlic Jerk Chicken Wings combine Caribbean heat with Asian-inspired sweetness for an irresistible twist on classic wings. The secret to their perfect texture is air frying at high heat and using baking powder in the seasoning, which helps create an extra-crispy exterior. The wings are first seasoned with jerk spices, then air fried until golden brown. They're finished with a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze that brings together butter, fresh garlic, honey, and tamari. While best made in an air fryer for quick, crispy results, they can also be baked in a conventional oven for the same delicious outcome.
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Updated on Thu, 23 Jan 2025 20:29:25 GMT
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Juicy honey garlic jerk wings with a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tangy flavor. Pin it
Juicy honey garlic jerk wings with a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tangy flavor. | tasteofcook.com

A fusion of Caribbean jerk seasoning and Asian-inspired honey garlic sauce creates wings that deliver an exciting blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. These air-fried wings achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior, while the sticky glaze adds an irresistible finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

During my quest for the perfect wing recipe, I discovered that the secret lies in the dual cooking process - first achieving crispy skin, then caramelizing the sauce. This technique consistently produces restaurant-quality results that keep my family requesting these wings for every game day.

Essential Ingredients

  • Chicken Wings: Fresh wings work better than frozen for achieving crispy skin.
  • Jerk Seasoning: Look for authentic Jamaican brands that contain allspice and scotch bonnet peppers.
  • Baking Powder: The aluminum-free version prevents any metallic taste while ensuring crispy skin.
  • Tamari: Choose organic tamari for the cleanest flavor and guaranteed gluten-free status.

Instructions

Step 1: Wing Preparation
Start with completely thawed wings and pat them thoroughly dry - any moisture will prevent crispiness. Coat evenly with the baking powder mixture and let rest for 15 minutes to ensure proper adhesion.
Step 2: Air Frying Technique
Arrange wings with space between each piece to avoid steaming. Flip halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Step 3: Sauce Development
Melt butter on low heat, then add garlic, stirring constantly. Incorporate honey and tamari, cooking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Final Caramelization
Brush wings with sauce and air fry at a higher temperature to caramelize, ensuring the sauce bubbles but doesn't burn.
Sweet and spicy honey garlic jerk chicken wings with bold flavors and a caramelized glaze. Pin it
Sweet and spicy honey garlic jerk chicken wings with bold flavors and a caramelized glaze. | tasteofcook.com

My favorite part is watching the sauce transform into a glossy glaze during that final caramelization step - it's kitchen magic at its finest.

Crispy jerk chicken wings tossed in a rich honey garlic sauce for a flavorful appetizer. Pin it
Crispy jerk chicken wings tossed in a rich honey garlic sauce for a flavorful appetizer. | tasteofcook.com

After perfecting this recipe through countless test batches, I've found that the combination of proper preparation, precise timing, and careful sauce development creates wings that consistently impress while being easier to make than traditional fried versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these wings in a regular oven?
Yes, bake at 400°F on a wire rack until crispy, though it will take longer than air frying.
→ Why use baking powder on the wings?
Baking powder helps create a crispy exterior on the chicken wings.
→ Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, adjust the amount of jerk seasoning and hot sauce to your taste preference.
→ How do I know when the wings are done?
Wings should be golden brown and crispy, with internal temperature reaching 165°F.
→ Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the glaze ahead and reheat gently before coating the wings.

Honey Garlic Jerk Chicken Wings

Crispy air-fried chicken wings coated in jerk seasoning and glazed with a sweet-spicy honey garlic sauce for the perfect appetizer or game day snack.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
22 Minutes
Total Time
47 Minutes

Category: Snacks & Starters

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Caribbean-Asian Fusion

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Wings

01 2½ pounds party chicken wing dings, disjointed with tips removed
02 Salt and pepper to taste
03 8-9 teaspoons jerk seasoning, to taste
04 2 teaspoons baking powder
05 Cooking spray

→ Honey Garlic Glaze

06 2 tablespoons salted butter
07 5 garlic cloves, minced
08 1/4 cup honey
09 1½ teaspoons tamari
10 1/4 teaspoon gluten-free hot sauce
11 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger or fresh grated ginger
12 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 01

Pat wings dry with paper towel. Season with salt, pepper, jerk seasoning and baking powder, tossing until well coated.

Step 02

Set air fryer to 400°F. Spray rack with cooking spray and arrange wings in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.

Step 03

Cook wings for 15-17 minutes, flipping halfway through, until nearly done.

Step 04

Meanwhile, melt butter with minced garlic in a pot over medium heat. Add honey, tamari, hot sauce, ginger and paprika. Simmer 3-4 minutes.

Step 05

Coat crispy wings in sauce or brush with glaze, then return to air fryer for 8 more minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Wings can be baked in conventional oven at 400°F until crispy
  2. For oven method, use a wire rack over a parchment-lined pan
  3. Oven baking takes longer than air frying to achieve crispiness

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer or conventional oven
  • Medium pot
  • Large bowl
  • Wire rack (if using oven)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter)
  • Soy (tamari)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 239
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 11 g
  • Protein: 15 g