Air Fryer Barbecue Glazed Wings

Air Fryer Barbecue Glazed Wings

Ingredients

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

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter for added richness)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika for a milder flavor)

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Barbecue Glaze:

• ⅓ cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite variety; smoky, sweet, or spicy)

• 1 tablespoon honey (for a touch of sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)

• ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar, for tanginess)

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)

For Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon chopped parsley (optional, for freshness)

• ½ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for visual appeal)

Equipment Needed:

• Air fryer

• Mixing bowl

• Small saucepan (for the glaze)

• 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 moisture is crucial for crispiness.

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

2. Season 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, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the wings. Toss until well coated.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures consistent cooking and crisping.

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, ensuring there’s space between each piece for proper airflow.

   • Air fry at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket 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. This final step crisps the skin to a golden, caramelized finish.

6. Prepare the Barbecue Glaze:

   • While the wings are finishing, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce (if using) in a small saucepan.

   • Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the glaze is warmed through and slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Adjust sweetness or spiciness to your taste.

7. Toss the Wings in Glaze:

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

   • Pour the warm barbecue glaze over the wings and toss gently until each piece is thoroughly coated.

8. Serve:

   • Arrange the glazed wings on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. Serve hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Barbecue Sauce: Tailor the flavor profile to your preference—use a smoky sauce for a classic taste, a spicy one for heat, or a sweet variety for a milder flavor.

• Double the Glaze: If you love saucy wings, double the glaze recipe and save some for dipping.

• Avoid Overcrowding: If your air fryer is small, cook the wings in batches to ensure even crisping. Keep finished wings warm in a low oven while cooking additional batches.

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. Toss with additional barbecue glaze before serving for added flavor. Air Fryer Barbecue Glazed Wings