Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Honey Sriracha Wings

Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Honey Sriracha Wings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a different sweetness)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for a touch of umami)

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or lime juice for tang)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added depth)

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Optional Add-ons:

• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (for extra heat)

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (for a zingy touch)

Equipment Needed:

• Air fryer

• Mixing bowl

• Small saucepan (for the sauce)

• Paper towels or a clean kitchen towel

• Tongs

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:

   • Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for crispy wings.

   • If your wings are whole, separate them into drumettes and flats using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. Save the wing tips for stock if desired.

2. Season and Coat the Wings:

   • Place the wings in a large mixing bowl.

   • Drizzle olive oil over the wings to help the seasoning adhere.

   • Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the wings. Toss until evenly coated.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the wings cook evenly and crisp up properly.

4. Cook the Wings:

   • Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or a small amount of oil.

   • Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space between each piece.

   • Air fry at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping or shaking the wings every 8–10 minutes for even cooking.

5. Crisp to Perfection:

   • After 25 minutes, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy texture.

6. Prepare the Honey Sriracha Sauce:

   • While the wings are finishing, combine the Sriracha sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan over low heat.

   • Stir until the ingredients are well combined and slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Taste and adjust the balance of sweetness, heat, and tang as needed. For a spicier sauce, add red chili flakes or more Sriracha.

7. Toss the Wings in Sauce:

   • Remove the cooked wings from the air fryer and transfer them to a large bowl.

   • Pour the warm Honey Sriracha sauce over the wings and toss gently until thoroughly coated.

8. Serve:

   • Arrange the sauced wings on a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately with a side of celery sticks or steamed jasmine rice.

Pro Tips for Success

• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey to 1 tablespoon or swap with agave syrup for a lighter flavor.

• Double the Sauce: For extra saucy wings, double the sauce recipe and reserve some for dipping.

• Crispy Garlic Option: Add freshly minced garlic to the sauce for a richer, more aromatic flavor.

Storage and Reheating:

• Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat wings in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Toss with additional Honey Sriracha sauce if desired before serving. Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Honey Sriracha Wings