Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Sweet chili chicken wings are one of the crispiest and tastiest treats around. They have a delicious, sweet flavor with a bit of a spicy kick that just can't be beaten. I love how Air-fried sweet chili wings turn out with a yummy crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy.

Chicken Wings are one of my top favorite dishes to make in the air fryer. Some favorites are Garlic-Parmesan Wings, Korean Air-Fryer Wings, and Homemade Buffalo Extra Saucy Wings. Don’t even bother using napkins after the first wing, because you know that you will go for more.

I have never made chicken wings any other way since I got my air fryer. I feel that nothing quite compares to the taste and texture of air-fried wings. These wings are crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside - a combination that's hard to resist.

The secret to why chicken wings work so well in an air fryer lies in the cooking method. Air frying uses hot air to circulate around the food, creating that coveted crunch without any added or little amount of oil. This cuts down on fat and calories and also enhances the natural flavor of the chicken without the need for heavy seasoning. May I also recommend these crispy and juicy Air fryer chicken drumsticks, that I made with coffee and garlic dry rub?

This sticky, sweet, and spicy version of Air-fried Sweet chili wings is added to my new list of favorites. It’s simple (only 6 ingredients) and finger-licking delish.

What does Sweet Chili sauce taste like?

Sweet Chili sauce starts sweet from the honey, brown sugar, and pineapple juice, and then the chili peppers take over to add a bit of heat. When the sauces blend together, it creates a yummy balance of sweetness with just the right amount of heat. My other favorite wing sauce is my homemade Buffalo sauce - it won’t leave you disappointed!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken wings, cut into wingettes and drummettes.
• 1 Tablespoon oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Paprika powder
• ½ cup sweet red chili sauce. There are tons of selections at the supermarket and online. I used P.F. Chang's Sweet Chili sauce.

How to make Sweet Chili Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer

Pat dry fresh wings with a paper towel. If cooking from frozen, let the wings thaw so they can easily be separated.

Add the wings to a large bowl and drizzle with oil.

Add salt and pepper to taste, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are combined and wings are fully covered in seasoning.

Note: Do not add Sweet Chili sauce just yet.

While the wings are absorbing spices, preheat the air fryer to 400F (200C). If your air fryer does not have a preheat option, simply run it empty for 3 minutes. We must be going to add our wings to a very hot air fryer, so the wings will start cooking immediately.

While it’s preheating, place wings in the air fryer tray (basket) providing some space for them. Do not overcrowd and do not place wings on top of each other.

Cook on air fry mode at 400F (200C) for 16 minutes, turning each wing halfway or tossing them. 8 mins per side.

Generously brush each wing with the sweet Chili sauce and cook for an additional 6 minutes, turning halfway and brushing the other side with the sauce. 3 minutes per side with the sauce on.

Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped parsley, if desired. Serve with Homemade Blue cheese dip.

Why are we adding sweet chili sauce only at the end?

While you may love drizzling your wings or other dishes with a syrupy, sticky coating, when that goes into an air fryer, things can get a bit dicey. Sweet sauces can overpower the dish rather quickly and leave you with one big burnt mess in the end because they contain sugar. 

This is why we apply the Sweet Chili sauce for the last 6 minutes (3 minutes per side)

If you prefer your wings with more charred edges, brush the sauce on them for the last 10 minutes (5 mins per side).

Can I make this recipe with other parts of Chicken?

Yes, please! Sweet Chili sauce is one of the most versatile ingredients out there in terms of adding flavor to a variety of dishes. You can marinate and bake wholesome chicken breasts, and stir fry diced chicken thighs to create a stir fry as if you're dining at your favorite Chinese restaurant.

 Experiment with different levels of spiciness too. Add sriracha sauce or cayenne pepper powder to the mix.

Leftovers

Wings are best when devoured freshly cooked. If you have leftover wings, store them in an airtight plastic or glass container for up to 3 days. Or freeze them for up to 3 months! Reheat in the air fryer for 2 minutes per side to bring the outer crisp back.

Why Chicken Wings are so good in the Air Fryer

Air-fried chicken wings are everything that you expect from wings - tender inside, crispy skin, and fall off the bone - in one satisfying and crunchy healthier package. I feel that air-fried wings are even easier to make than traditional fried ones. I love how you can customize your flavors with different sauces and spices – it’s almost like a wing culinary adventure!

More Chicken Wings Recipes

• Garlic Parmesan Butter Wings
• Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
• Korean Air fryer wings
• Chipotle BBQ Wings
• Air Fryer Masala Drumsticks