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Crispy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe with Smoky Sweet Sauce Easy and Perfect

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This recipe delivers crispy air fryer chicken wings coated in a smoky sweet BBQ sauce, perfect for quick, flavorful snacks or meals without the mess of deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) barbecue sauce (preferably Sweet Baby Ray’s)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  2. Toss wings in a bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3 minutes.
  4. Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. While wings cook, mix barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl until smooth.
  6. After 25 minutes, toss wings in the smoky sweet sauce using a basting brush or bowl.
  7. Return wings to the air fryer and cook at 400°F (204°C) for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
  8. Check that wings are golden brown, crispy, and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let wings rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat wings dry before seasoning for extra crispiness. Flip wings halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. Add a pinch of baking powder to the seasoning mix to boost crispiness if desired. Use a meat thermometer to ensure wings reach 165°F internally. Prepare the smoky sweet sauce ahead of time for convenience. For gluten-free, use gluten-free BBQ sauce and substitute Worcestershire sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken wings, BBQ chicken wings, crispy wings, smoky sweet sauce, easy chicken wings, game day recipe, quick chicken wings

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/crispy-air-fryer-bbq-chicken-wings-recipe-with-smoky-sweet-sauce-easy-and-perfect/