Honey Garlic Jerk Chicken Wings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honey Garlic Jerk Chicken Wings bring together the bold and spicy flavors of jerk seasoning with the smooth sweetness of honey garlic sauce. The air frying method ensures they turn out perfectly crispy without the excess oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep-fried wings. The best part? They’re gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lb party chicken wing dings (disjointed with tips removed)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8-9 tsp jerk seasoning
• 2 tsp baking powder
• Cooking spray
• 2 tbsp salted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 1/2 tsp tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
• 1/4 tsp gluten-free hot sauce
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger or fresh grated ginger
• 1/8 tsp smoked paprika

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Pat dry the chicken wings with a paper towel. Season with salt, pepper, jerk seasoning, and baking powder. Toss to combine.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray the rack with cooking spray and arrange the wings in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
3. Cook the wings for 15-17 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
4. While the wings cook, melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. Stir in honey, tamari, hot sauce, ginger, and smoked paprika. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes before removing from heat.
6. Once the wings are crispy and fully cooked, toss them in the honey garlic sauce, or brush the sauce on the wings and return them to the air fryer for an additional 8 minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add More Spice: If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of jerk seasoning or add extra hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce.
• Different Protein: Try using boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of wings for a different take.
• Make it Sweet: For an even sweeter variation, increase the amount of honey in the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the wings in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until they are hot and crispy again.

FAQs

How can I make these wings spicier?

You can add more jerk seasoning or increase the amount of hot sauce in the honey garlic sauce to adjust the heat level to your preference.

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, frozen chicken wings can be used, but make sure to thaw them before seasoning and air frying for the best results.

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?

Yes, you can substitute tamari with regular soy sauce if you don’t need the dish to be gluten-free.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the wings in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes or until crispy, flipping them halfway through.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

You can prepare the wings in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat them in the air fryer to bring back their crispiness before serving.

What can I serve with these wings?

These wings pair well with a variety of sides such as a green salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.

Can I use a different type of honey?

Yes, you can use any type of honey for this recipe, such as clover or wildflower honey, depending on your taste preferences.

Are these wings gluten-free?

Yes, these wings are gluten-free, especially when using tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?

Yes, fresh grated ginger can be used for a more intense ginger flavor. Just use about a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to replace the ground ginger.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Jerk Chicken Wings are an irresistibly delicious treat with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Whether for a quick dinner or a party snack, they’re sure to be a hit. The air frying method makes them crispy and healthy, while the honey garlic sauce adds a flavorful kick. Enjoy these wings fresh or as leftovers, and be ready to make them again!