Sweet & Fiery Honey Garlic Jerk Chicken Wings Recipe | Air Fried

Caribbean winds carry whispers of spice through these honey garlic jerk chicken wings that dance between sweet and fiery.

Marinades from jamaica infuse each crispy morsel with robust flavor profiles.

Bold seasonings blend seamlessly across tender meat surfaces.

Perfectly balanced heat emerges from classic jerk techniques refined through generations of culinary artistry.

Gluten-free ingredients guarantee everyone can savor these delectable morsels without compromise.

Air frying ensures maximum crispness with minimal oil intervention.

Challenge you to experience a recipe that celebrates cultural complexity in every single bite.

Honey Garlic Jerk Chicken Wings Air Fried and Gluten Free

• Blast Flavor in Minutes: Packed with bold jerk seasoning and sweet-spicy honey garlic sauce, these wings deliver restaurant-quality taste without complicated cooking steps.
• Healthy Cooking Hack: Air frying creates super crispy wings using minimal oil, making this a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken while maintaining incredible texture.
• Gluten-Free Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings where dietary restrictions matter, this recipe offers a delicious option that everyone can enjoy without compromising on taste or satisfaction.
• Quick Kitchen Win: From prep to plate, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and cooking skills, allowing even novice cooks to create impressive, restaurant-style wings at home.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Jerk Chicken Wings

• Chicken Wings: Protein-rich poultry perfect for creating crispy and flavorful air-fried wings.
• Salt: Essential seasoning for enhancing the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle spicy warmth to the chicken.
• Jerk Seasoning: Signature Caribbean spice blend that adds complex and bold flavor to the wings.
• Baking Powder: Helps create extra crispy skin by drawing moisture out of the chicken.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds intense, aromatic flavor to the honey glaze.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
• Tamari: Gluten-free soy sauce alternative that adds depth and umami flavor.
• Hot Sauce: Brings a spicy kick to balance the sweetness of the honey.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy undertone to the sauce.
• Paprika: Contributes a subtle smoky flavor and vibrant color.

• Cooking Spray: Prevents wings from sticking to the air fryer rack.

How to Cook Honey Garlic Jerk Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Wings

Pat chicken wings dry with paper towel. Sprinkle salt and pepper over wings.

Dust wings with jerk seasoning and baking powder, ensuring every wing gets an even coating.

Step 2: Preheat Air Fryer

Set air fryer temperature to 400°F.

Lightly spray air fryer rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cook Initial Wing Batch

Arrange chicken wings in a single layer without overcrowding.

Cook for 15-17 minutes, turning wings halfway through cooking time to ensure even crispiness.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and cook until aromatic.

• Honey
• Tamari
• Hot sauce
• Fresh ginger
• Paprika

Step 5: Simmer Sauce

Combine all sauce ingredients in the pan.

Let mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.

Step 6: Glaze Chicken Wings

Toss cooked wings in sauce, ensuring complete coverage.

Return sauced wings to air fryer for additional 8 minutes to caramelize and set glaze.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer wings to serving plate.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips for Crispy Honey Garlic Jerk Chicken Wings

• Pat chicken wings completely dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness and better seasoning adherence in the air fryer.
• Add baking powder to the seasoning mix to create extra crispy skin by breaking down proteins and helping render fat faster.
• Space wings evenly in the air fryer basket to ensure consistent cooking and prevent steaming instead of crisping.
• Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free without compromising flavor profile.
• Let honey garlic sauce simmer gently to develop deeper flavors and create a perfect sticky coating for the wings.

Variations on Honey Garlic Jerk Chicken Wings

• Caribbean Coconut Drizzle: Swap honey with coconut milk and add shredded coconut for a tropical island-inspired coating that brings rich, creamy texture to the wings.
• Jamaican Spicy Lime Glaze: Replace honey with fresh lime juice, add extra scotch bonnet peppers, and incorporate fresh cilantro for a zesty, authentic Jamaican flavor profile.
• Rum-Infused Sweet Heat: Mix dark rum into the sauce, increase hot sauce quantity, and garnish with green onions for a bold, spirited wing experience that packs complex layers of flavor.
• Pineapple Jerk Fusion: Blend fresh pineapple juice into the sauce, sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts on top, creating a sweet-spicy combination that transports taste buds to Caribbean coastal regions.

Pairings to Enjoy with Honey Garlic Wings

• Tropical Rum Cocktail Companion: Mix a Caribbean-inspired rum punch with pineapple juice, lime, and a dash of ginger to complement the jerk seasoning's bold spices.
• Fresh Herb Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light green salad with cilantro, mint, and arugula dressed in a citrus vinaigrette to balance the wings' rich and spicy flavors.
• Cool Yogurt Dip Rescue: Whip up a quick cucumber-mint yogurt dip to provide a cooling contrast against the hot and sweet chicken wings, helping to temper the heat.
• Coconut Rice Base: Cook fluffy coconut rice with a hint of lime zest as a perfect starchy accompaniment that absorbs the wing's delicious sauce and adds a tropical touch.

Storing Honey Garlic Jerk Chicken Wings

Store leftover chicken wings in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep wings whole and separate from the sauce to maintain crispiness.

Wrap wings tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or container. Store for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Preheat air fryer to 375F. Cook wings for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until heated through and crispy again. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

Place wings on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature. Add a splash of water to prevent wings from drying out. Best used as a last resort since microwaving can make wings soggy.

FAQs

• Is baking powder necessary for crispy wings?

Baking powder helps draw out moisture from the chicken skin, enabling crispier wings by breaking down proteins and creating a more textured surface.

• Can I use different types of hot sauce?

Yes, you can substitute hot sauce with sriracha, buffalo sauce, or any preferred hot sauce to adjust the heat level and flavor profile.

• What makes jerk seasoning unique?

Jerk seasoning is a traditional Jamaican blend with bold flavors including allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, and other spices that create a distinctive, spicy, and aromatic taste.

• How do I know the chicken wings are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the wing to ensure they are safely cooked through.

Honey Garlic Jerk Chicken Wings (Air Fried & Gluten Free) Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling honey garlic jerk chicken wings combine Caribbean spice with sweet-savory magic, creating an irresistible flavor explosion. Crisp air-fried perfection and gluten-free goodness make these wings a crowd-pleasing dish you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 pounds chicken wing dings
• 8 teaspoons (up to 9 teaspoons) jerk seasoning
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons salted butter

Seasonings and Spices:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika

Sauce and Cooking Additives:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons tamari
• 1/4 teaspoon gluten-free hot sauce
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly dry chicken wings using paper towels, then generously season with salt, pepper, jerk seasoning, and baking powder, ensuring even coating.
2. Heat air fryer to 400°F and lightly coat the rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Arrange chicken wings in a single layer without overcrowding, allowing proper air circulation for crispy results.
4. Cook wings for 15-17 minutes, carefully turning midway to ensure uniform crispiness and complete cooking.
5. While wings are air frying, create the glaze by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
6. Add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, releasing its rich flavor profile.
7. Incorporate honey, tamari, hot sauce, ginger, and paprika into the butter mixture, allowing it to simmer and reduce for 3-4 minutes.
8. Remove wings from air fryer once golden and crisp, then generously coat with the prepared honey garlic sauce.
9. Return sauced wings to air fryer for an additional 8 minutes, enabling the glaze to caramelize and adhere to the chicken.
10. Transfer to serving plate and enjoy immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

• Ensure chicken wings are thoroughly dried with paper towels to achieve maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
• Use baking powder as a secret weapon to help create extra crispy skin by drawing out moisture and breaking down proteins.
• Choose gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Control spice levels by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and jerk seasoning to suit individual taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 231 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg