Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings: Your Ultimate Game Day Appetizer!
Get ready for the most incredibly crispy and flavorful Sweet Chili Chicken Wings, perfectly prepared in your Ninja Foodi air fryer! These wings are a breeze to clean up and can be on your table in just 30 minutes. This ultimate game day appetizer, party snack, or quick weeknight dinner will vanish before your eyes – they’re truly *that* good!
Prepare yourself for a culinary journey with these sticky, sweet, and perfectly spicy Sweet Chili Chicken Wings. This recipe ticks every box for what makes the absolute best chicken wing. The beauty of these easy chicken wings lies in their versatility; whether you prefer using an oven or an air fryer, you’re guaranteed a fantastic result. Personally, I rely on my Ninja Foodi air fryer to achieve an unparalleled crispiness on the outside, while ensuring the meat remains incredibly tender and juicy on the inside. This balance is key to a truly satisfying wing experience.
As the cooler weather approaches and football season kicks off, these air fryer wings emerge as the perfect go-to snack. They are ideal for cheering on your favorite team with friends, serving at parties for any occasion, or even whipping up as a quick and satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup. Get ready to sink your teeth into the most delectable, crispy chicken wings you’ve ever tasted! And a friendly reminder: grab plenty of napkins, because things are about to get delightfully messy!
Air Fryer Operation Note
Please be aware that air fryer settings can vary slightly between models, which might influence the exact cooking time required. Always ensure the internal temperature of your chicken wings reaches a safe 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) for complete cooking. Additionally, if your air fryer is smaller than my Ninja Foodi (6.5 quarts), you may need to cook your chicken wings in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure maximum crispiness. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of air frying, preventing that coveted crispy skin.
How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Making incredibly crispy air fryer chicken wings is simpler than you might think, especially with a few expert tips. This method locks in moisture while creating an irresistible crunchy exterior, all without deep frying. Follow these steps to achieve air fryer wing perfection.
Sweet Thai Chili Chicken Wing Preparation
- Dry the Wings Thoroughly: The first and most crucial step for crispy wings is ensuring they are completely dry. Use paper towels to dab off any excess moisture from the chicken wings. If you’re using frozen chicken wings, make sure they are fully thawed before proceeding. Moisture on the skin will steam rather than crisp, so don’t skip this!
- Seasoning for Crispiness: Place your dried chicken wings into a large zip-lock bag. Add the baking powder and your chosen blend of spices. It is vital to use baking powder, NOT BAKING SODA, as baking powder creates tiny bubbles that expand and crisp up the skin, while baking soda can leave an unpleasant metallic taste.
- Coat Evenly: Once all ingredients are in the bag, seal it tightly, removing as much air as possible. Shake and press the wings together vigorously until every single wing is evenly coated with the baking powder and spices. This method is not only fast but also ensures a consistent coating. Alternatively, you can mix the baking powder and spices in a bowl and then individually dip each wing. I find the bag method more efficient and, dare I say, fun!
Cooking the Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
- Prepare Your Air Fryer: For these sweet Thai chili chicken wings, I highly recommend using the metal rack insert in your air fryer, if available. This allows for better airflow around the wings, ensuring both the tops and bottoms crisp up beautifully. If you don’t have a rack, the basket works perfectly fine. Regardless of which you use, remember to spray it generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Load the Air Fryer: Arrange the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer on the wire rack or in the basket. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer, as this can steam the wings instead of crisping them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in multiple batches.
- Initial Air Frying: Close the lid of your air fryer. If using a Ninja Foodi, select the “AIR CRISP” function, set the temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) using the TEMP button, and set the cook time to 20 minutes using the TIME button. Press “START” to begin the cooking cycle. While your wings are crisping up, this is the perfect time to prepare your delicious sweet Thai chili sauce.
- Flip for Even Cooking: At the 10-minute mark, carefully open the air fryer. Using tongs, flip and toss the chicken wings to ensure they cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the rack or basket. Close the lid and allow them to continue cooking for the remaining time.
- Check for Doneness: Once the timer expires, your chicken wings should be golden brown and wonderfully crisp. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) to be completely cooked through. If they’re not quite there, return them to the air fryer for an additional 2-4 minutes at 400 degrees F.
- Sauce Preparation: As mentioned, while the air fryer works its magic, this is the ideal moment to prepare your homemade sweet Thai chili sauce, ensuring it’s ready the moment your perfectly crispy wings are done.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR AIR FRYER USERS
These specific instructions are tailored for the Ninja Foodi air fryer. If you are using a different brand or model of air fryer, please note that your appliance’s settings, button labels, and cooking times may vary. Always refer to your air fryer’s manual and adjust accordingly to achieve the best results.
Crafting the Sweet Chili Sauce
This sweet chili sauce for chicken wings is truly a flavor explosion, boasting a vibrant blend of ingredients. I know, I know, the ingredient list might seem long, but trust me, each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory in this irresistible Asian-inspired sauce!
- Combine Ingredients: While your chicken wings are cooking, gather all the sauce ingredients and combine them in a small saucepan. Stir well to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
- Cook and Thicken: Place the saucepan over medium heat on your stove and bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to stir occasionally. Allow the sauce to simmer until it has reduced slightly and thickened to a sticky, glaze-like consistency. This concentration of flavor is what makes these wings so fantastic.
- Rest the Wings: When the chicken wings are finished cooking, it’s vital to allow them to rest for about 5 minutes before tossing them in the sweet chili sauce. This resting period helps the skin maintain its incredible crispiness and prevents it from becoming soggy. Don’t rush this step for the best texture!
- Sauce Application: You can either dip individual wings into the warm sauce for a lighter coating, or for maximum flavor and stickiness, place all the cooked wings in a large bowl with the sauce and toss them together until every wing is thoroughly coated. Choose whichever method you prefer for your ideal level of sauciness!
The Finishing Touches
Once your perfectly crispy chicken wings are coated in the luscious Thai sweet chili sauce, it’s time for the final steps to elevate them even further!
- Prepare for Broiling: Carefully arrange the sauced chicken wings in a single layer on a greased cookie sheet. For best results, I highly recommend using a wire rack insert on top of the cookie sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, ensuring even crisping and preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.
- Broil to Perfection: Place the cookie sheet on the top rack of your oven and broil the chicken wings on HIGH for 2-4 minutes. Keep a very close eye on them during this stage, as the sauce contains sugar and can burn quickly. You’re looking for the sauce to become even stickier and develop a beautiful caramelized color. Check the wings frequently!
- Serve Immediately: As soon as the wings have reached their desired stickiness and color, remove them from the oven and serve them warm. Enhance their presentation and flavor with optional garnishes like a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions. And don’t forget the essential accompaniment: a side of creamy, spicy Sriracha Ranch Dip!
Pro Tip for Ultimate Crispiness!
Allow your freshly cooked air fryer chicken wings to cool for 3-5 minutes before tossing them in the warm Thai chili sauce. This crucial step helps the wings retain their initial crispiness and allows the sauce to adhere better, creating that desirable sticky glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) About Air Fryer Chicken Wings
To reheat leftover sweet chili chicken wings and maintain their delightful crispiness, avoid the microwave if possible. The best method is to place them in your air fryer at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 5-8 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway. Serve warm with extra ranch or your favorite dip!
Yes, you can absolutely freeze cooked chicken wings for extended storage, up to 3 months. Once your wings have been cooked in the air fryer (but before tossing in sauce for best results), allow them to cool completely. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, ensuring they are stored flat to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat the frozen wings in the oven or air fryer until they are thoroughly warmed through and crispy, then toss them in fresh sweet chili sauce.
Unequivocally, yes! Air fryers are exceptionally good for making chicken wings. They consistently yield a crispier skin compared to traditional baked chicken wings, and they offer a much lighter alternative to deep frying, making them a healthier choice. An air fryer provides the perfect happy medium, combining the desirable crunch of fried wings with the reduced oil of oven baking. It’s truly a game-changer for wing lovers.
In my 6.5-quart Ninja Foodi air fryer, I can comfortably fit about 12 average-sized chicken wings in a single layer. This is crucial for even cooking and optimal crispiness. Of course, smaller air fryers will accommodate fewer wings, while larger models can handle more. The key is to avoid overcrowding the basket or rack, ensuring sufficient space for hot air to circulate around each wing.
Sweet Chili Chicken Wings are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can elevate your meal! The Sriracha Ranch Dip provided in this recipe is a must-try. Other great options include a fresh, crisp coleslaw, steamed white rice to soak up the extra sauce, a refreshing cucumber salad, or even some simple steamed edamame. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside some delicious fried rice or spring rolls.
Absolutely! The sweet chili sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance. Simply follow the sauce instructions, allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warm and pourable. This makes meal prep even easier!
Storing Leftover Chicken Wings
IF (and that’s a big if, these wings are so good!) there are any leftover chicken wings, you can store the cooked wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When stored properly, sweet Thai chili chicken wings will remain fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. For best quality, follow the reheating tips above to restore their crispiness.
Delicious Sauce Ideas
While this recipe for sweet chili chicken wings is absolutely phenomenal (you truly won’t regret trying it!), these air fryer chicken wings are so versatile and super crispy that they can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. The beautifully seasoned and air-fried chicken wing base provides a perfect canvas for virtually any flavor profile.
Alternatively, you could enjoy them “naked” – simply seasoned and air-fried to crispy perfection. These plain crispy wings are fantastic dipped into a sauce of your choice. Some other phenomenal sauce options that pair wonderfully with the base chicken wing flavor include your all-time favorite classic buffalo sauce for a spicy kick, a super spicy, face-melting hot sauce if you dare, or a rich and savory garlic Parmesan sauce. The possibilities are truly limitless, and I highly encourage you to experiment and try these incredible wings with several different flavor combinations.
Because let’s be real, there’s no such thing as having TOO many sauce options when it comes to chicken wings (your girl absolutely loves her sauces!). For even more inspiration and exciting flavor combinations, be sure to check out my Grilled Peach Chicken Wings and Firecracker Wings recipes!
Traditional Oven Baking Instructions
No Ninja Foodi or air fryer on hand? No problem at all! These fantastic Thai Chicken Wings can be baked in a conventional oven with excellent results. While I personally adore the unmatched crispiness and super simple cleanup that the air fryer provides, the oven method still delivers wonderfully crispy wings, and it offers the significant advantage of allowing you to cook a much larger batch at once.
In an air fryer, you’re typically limited to cooking about 8-15 chicken wings per batch, which is perfect for small gatherings or a quick dinner for two. However, oven-baked chicken wings provide the capacity to prepare enough to feed a crowd, making them an ideal choice for larger parties, family get-togethers, or those lively game day celebrations.
If you opt to make these delectable sweet chili chicken wings in the oven, you’ll follow the exact same preparation steps for seasoning the chicken wings as outlined in the air fryer recipe, as well as the instructions for preparing the homemade sweet chili sauce. The key difference lies in the cooking method:
When you’re ready to bake the wings, preheat your oven to a robust 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Arrange the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer on a large cookie sheet (preferably lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup and equipped with a wire rack for optimal air circulation). Bake the wings for 20 minutes. After this initial period, carefully flip each chicken wing to ensure even cooking and browning. Continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Once baked, proceed to toss the crispy chicken wings in the warm sweet chili sauce, then broil for 2-4 minutes as described in the “Finishing Touches” section to get that perfect sticky glaze. Remember to watch them closely under the broiler!
You May Also Enjoy…
- Baked Firecracker Chicken Wings Recipe
- BBQ Peach Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe
- Easy Baked Roast Beef Sliders Recipe
- Pork Carnitas Nachos with Homemade Queso
Thank you so much for stopping by and checking out this delicious recipe! If you tried making these amazing Sweet Chili Chicken Wings, I would absolutely love to hear from you in the comments below. Your feedback and experiences truly make my day! If you want to keep up with what The Erhardts are Eating (and our latest adventures and explorations), be sure to follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter& Youtube.
Happy Eating!
Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
Caitlyn Erhardt
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Ingredients
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- 12 Chicken Wings
- ½ tablespoon Baking Powder NOT BAKING SODA
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Paprika
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoon Hoisin Sauce
- 3 ½ tablespoon Sweet Chili Sauce
- ½ tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar
- ½ tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Optional
- 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
- ½ teaspoon Ground Ginger
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
- ½ tablespoon Lime Juice
- ¼ Cup Water
Sriracha Ranch Dip
- ⅓ Cup Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Or your favorite store bought brand
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Optional Garnish
- Sesame Seeds
- Lime Juice
- Sliced Green Onion
- Cilantro
Instructions
Crispy Chicken Wings
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Dab chicken wings thoroughly with a paper towel to remove all moisture. Place the dried chicken wings into a large zip-lock bag along with the baking powder and all spices. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring all air is expelled, then shake and press the wings until they are evenly coated.
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Spray the metal rack (or basket) insert of your Ninja Foodi with cooking spray and arrange the chicken wings in a single, non-overlapping layer. Close the Ninja Foodi lid, select the “AIR CRISP” function, set the TEMP to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), set the TIME to 20 minutes, and press “START.” While the chicken wings are cooking, proceed to prepare the sweet chili sauce.
*See Recipe Notes below for detailed oven baking instructions!
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At the 10-minute mark of the cooking cycle, carefully open the lid and use tongs to toss or flip the chicken wings. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from sticking. Close the lid and allow them to cook for the remaining 10 minutes.
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Once the time has expired, check the internal temperature of the wings with a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked through (165 degrees F / 74 degrees C). Allow them to rest for 5 minutes before tossing in the prepared sweet chili sauce.
Sweet Chili Sauce & Finishing
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Combine all sweet chili sauce ingredients into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat on the stovetop. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, stirring continuously until the sauce has reduced and slightly thickened to a sticky glaze. Keep the sauce warm until the chicken wings are finished cooking.
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Toss or dip the rested, cooked chicken wings in the warm sweet chili sauce. Ensure they are thoroughly coated for maximum flavor and stickiness.
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Place the sauced chicken wings in a single layer on a greased cookie sheet, ideally with a wire rack insert. Broil the chicken wings on the top rack of your oven on HIGH for 2-4 minutes. Stay vigilant near the oven and check the wings frequently, as they can burn very quickly due to the sugar in the sauce! Once the sauce is wonderfully sticky and the wings have achieved some beautiful caramelization, remove them from the oven. Serve warm with optional garnishes like sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and a side of Sriracha Ranch dip.
Sriracha Ranch Dip
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Combine all Sriracha Ranch Dip ingredients in a small bowl and stir until thoroughly combined and smooth. Serve immediately with your warm Sweet Chili Chicken Wings.
Notes
- Leftover Storage: Store any leftover cooked chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For optimal taste and texture when reheating, use an air fryer or oven as detailed in the FAQ section.
- Oven Option: If you prefer to bake, follow all chicken wing prep instructions as written. When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Arrange wings in a single layer on a greased cookie sheet with a wire rack insert. Bake wings for 40 minutes, flipping them halfway through, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C). Follow the recipe instructions for making the Sweet Chili Sauce and broiling the sauced wings for the finishing touch.
- Air Fryer Specifics: This recipe was developed using a Ninja Foodi air fryer, which has a capacity of 6.5 quarts. While it performs exceptionally well in this appliance, cooking times and settings may vary slightly if you are using a different air fryer brand or model. Always monitor your wings and check their internal temperature to ensure they are completely cooked before serving. If your air fryer is smaller, you will likely need to cook the wings in multiple batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
Nutrition
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