Short Description
Jerk chicken wings are a flavor-packed delight, offering a perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and a touch of sweetness. This air fryer version ensures crispy wings without deep frying, making them a healthier and more convenient alternative. With the bold flavors of jerk seasoning complemented by a slight caramelized glaze, these wings are a must-try for spice lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Without Deep Frying – The air fryer delivers crunchy wings without excessive oil.
- Bold Caribbean Flavors – Authentic jerk spices bring a smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet taste.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Healthier Option – Less oil means fewer calories without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for game nights, parties, or a simple dinner.
Ingredients
chicken wings
jerk seasoning
garlic powder
onion powder
smoked paprika
black pepper
salt
olive oil
honey
lime juice
soy sauce
scotch bonnet pepper or hot sauce
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them get extra crispy in the air fryer.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, combine the wings with jerk seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
- Cook the Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 24-26 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix honey, lime juice, soy sauce, and finely minced scotch bonnet pepper (or hot sauce) to create a sweet and spicy glaze.
- Glaze the Wings: During the last 3 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze over the wings and return them to the air fryer.
- Serve: Once done, transfer the wings to a serving plate, garnish with fresh herbs or extra lime wedges, and enjoy!
Variations
- Milder Version: Reduce the amount of jerk seasoning or use a mild jerk seasoning blend.
- Extra Spicy: Add more scotch bonnet peppers or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
- Oven-Baked Alternative: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked wings in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
How spicy are these jerk wings?
They have a noticeable kick, but you can adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of jerk seasoning and scotch bonnet pepper.
Can I use store-bought jerk seasoning?
Yes! Store-bought seasoning works well, but making your own allows you to customize the flavor to your preference.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the wings in the oven at 400°F for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter. Boneless wings will take around 12-15 minutes in the air fryer.
What dipping sauces go well with these wings?
Ranch, blue cheese, or a cooling yogurt-based dip pairs well to balance the heat.
Can I marinate the wings ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinating for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavor.
What sides pair well with jerk chicken wings?
Rice and peas, coleslaw, or sweet plantains are great sides.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them first for even cooking and optimal crispiness.
How do I prevent the wings from sticking to the air fryer?
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding the wings.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, ensuring even crispiness.
Conclusion
These crispy air fryer jerk chicken wings bring the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors with a crispy texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a game night, or simply craving a flavorful snack, this easy recipe delivers delicious results every time. Try it today and enjoy the bold, mouthwatering flavors of Caribbean-inspired jerk wings!
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Crispy Air Fryer Jerk Chicken Wings with a Sweet & Spicy Kick
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy crispy and flavorful air fryer jerk chicken wings with a perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and sweetness. A healthier alternative to deep-frying, ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 finely minced scotch bonnet pepper or 1 tsp hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them get extra crispy in the air fryer.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, combine the wings with jerk seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
- Cook the Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 24-26 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix honey, lime juice, soy sauce, and finely minced scotch bonnet pepper (or hot sauce) to create a sweet and spicy glaze.
- Glaze the Wings: During the last 3 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze over the wings and return them to the air fryer.
- Serve: Once done, transfer the wings to a serving plate, garnish with fresh herbs or extra lime wedges, and enjoy!
Notes
- Milder Version: Reduce the amount of jerk seasoning or use a mild jerk seasoning blend.
- Extra Spicy: Add more scotch bonnet peppers or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
- Oven-Baked Alternative: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer,snack
- Method: air fryer
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Keywords: Jerk chicken wings, air fryer wings, crispy chicken wings, spicy chicken wings, Caribbean jerk wings
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