Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings Recipe – Crispy Game Day Wings

When game day arrives or you’re craving restaurant-quality wings without the guilt, these Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings deliver everything you want and more. Perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a homemade sweet and spicy sauce that hits all the right notes. The air fryer transforms ordinary chicken wings into extraordinary appetizers, using significantly less oil than traditional deep-frying, making them a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor or texture.

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Sweet and spicy wings made in an air fryer

Chicken wings are just about the perfect fun-time food. Whether you are watching the big game with the family or just enjoying a few beers with friends, you can’t do better than fried wings as a please-all snack. And if you happen to have an air fryer at home, you are all set to cook up some fabulous air fryer chicken wings at home.

Air fryer chicken is just as good as traditional deep-fried wings with less fat. If you love sweet and spicy food, and you happen to have an air fryer, you need to try this air fryer wings recipe!

Preparing the chicken wings

Whole Wing Breakdown: While pre-cut wings offer convenience, whole wings are more economical and often fresher. To break down whole wings, locate the three sections: the drumette (meaty middle), the wingette (flat middle section), and the wing tip. Feel for the joints with your fingers, then use a sharp knife to cut through the cartilage between sections. Save drumettes and wingettes for cooking; reserve wing tips for stock or discard.

Moisture Management: The key to crispy air fryer wings is starting with dehydrated chicken. Pat wings thoroughly with paper towels and let them air-dry for 30 minutes after seasoning. This allows the spices to penetrate while removing surface moisture that prevents proper browning.

Ingredients

For the Wing Seasoning:

• Chicken wings – Choose fresh wings with good fat content for juiciest results and best texture
• Chili powder – Provides earthy heat and deep red color that forms the flavor foundation
• Cumin powder – Adds warm, nutty depth that complements the chili powder perfectly
• Garlic powder – Contributes savory aromatics without burning like fresh garlic might
• Onion powder – Delivers sweet, savory notes that enhance the overall flavor profile
• Salt – Essential for seasoning and helps draw out moisture for crispier skin
• Ground pepper – Adds subtle heat and aromatic complexity to the spice blend

For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:

• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavor components
• Honey – Creates the sweet base that balances heat and adds a glossy coating
• Lime juice – Provides bright acidity that cuts through richness and adds freshness
• Cornstarch – Acts as a thickening agent for a perfect sauce consistency that clings to wings
• Hot sauce – Delivers customizable heat level and tangy vinegar notes
• Butter – Adds richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious sauce texture
• Worcestershire sauce – Contributes umami depth and complex savory undertones
• Garlic powder – Enhances savory elements and ties sauce flavors together

Recommended equipment

You need an air fryer, but which one? There are so many models out there.

If you are cooking for just 1 to 2 people I really like the Phillips Air Fryer because it doesn’t take up a lot of counter space, and it is a workhorse. I have heated up slices of pizza, egg rolls, made grilled cheese sandwiches in here and so much more.

If you have a larger family, or a larger budget the Breville Smart Oven can air fry, bake, proof bread, and so much more. Its capacity is very large. You can make food for 4 to 6 people in his model.

How to make sweet and spicy chicken wings in an air fryer

1. Wash and use a paper towel to pat dry the chicken wings.
2. Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. 
3. Mix together the chili powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
4. Add chicken wings into the spice mix and toss to coat well.
5. Marinate for 20 to 30 minutes.
6. Place the marinated chicken wings in the air-fryer basket.
7. Air-fry at 380 degrees for 24 minutes, flipping wings halfway through cooking time.
8. After 24 minutes, increase the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees and air-fry for 6 minutes.
9. While the wings are air frying, prepare the sweet and spicy sauce.
10. Place honey, lime juice, cornstarch, hot sauce, butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt in a small microwave-safe bowl.
11. Microwave sauce ingredients for 2 minutes. Stir or whisk to thoroughly combine. 
12. Once the chicken wings are air-fried, transfer them to a large bowl along with some of the wing sauce.
13. Toss to coat wings well with the sauce.
14. Serve with the wing sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Recipe tips

Don’t oversauce your wings. The goal is only to coat the wings with sweet and sour sauce. You don’t want them to be dripping with sauce. If you wish, you can serve with extra sauce on the side.

Be careful when flipping the wings. Use tongs or chopsticks to avoid burning yourself.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Reheating Method: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Oven method: 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping once. Avoid the microwave for crispy results.
• Refrigerator Storage: Store cooled wings in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce separate for the best texture.
• Freezer Storage: Freeze wings in a single layer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Love chicken wings? Try these recipes!

• Boneless Wings
• Garlic Buffalo Wings
• Grilled Buffalo Chicken Wings
• Habanero Wings
• Hooters Wings
• Hooters Wing Sauce
• Lemon Pepper Wingstop
• Parmesan Chicken Wings
• Pluckers Wings

Favorite Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
• Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
• Air Fryer Panko Shrimp

Be sure to check out more of my easy chicken wing recipes and the best air fryer recipes here on CopyKat.com!