Honey Garlic Jerk Chicken Wings are a delicious and flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion. These wings are air-fried to perfection, making them crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. The combination of jerk seasoning and a sweet honey garlic sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that is also gluten-free. Serve them immediately for the best flavor, or reheat leftovers in the air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
Honey Garlic Jerk Chicken Wings are a delicious and flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion. These wings are air-fried to perfection, making them crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. The combination of jerk seasoning and a sweet honey garlic sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that is also gluten-free. Let's gather the ingredients you'll need to create these tasty wings.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 1/2 lb party chicken wing dings: Make sure they are disjointed with the tips removed for easier handling and cooking.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances the overall flavor of the wings.
- 8-9 tsp jerk seasoning: Adds a spicy, flavorful kick to the chicken wings.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps to make the wings extra crispy in the air fryer.
- Cooking spray: Prevents the wings from sticking to the air fryer rack.
- 2 tbsp salted butter: Adds richness to the honey garlic sauce.
- 5 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with a robust garlic flavor.
- 1/4 cup honey: Provides a sweet contrast to the spicy jerk seasoning.
- 1 1/2 tsp tamari: A gluten-free soy sauce alternative that adds depth to the sauce.
- 1/4 tsp gluten-free hot sauce: Adds a bit of heat to the sauce.
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger or fresh grated ginger: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the sauce.
- 1/8 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor to the sauce.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, pat dry chicken wings with a paper towel. Season with salt, pepper, jerk seasoning, and baking powder. Toss until well combined.
- Step 2:
- Set your air fryer temperature to 400°F. Spray the rack with cooking oil spray and arrange chicken wings evenly on the rack, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Step 3:
- Cook the wings for 15-17 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Step 4:
- As the chicken cooks, add butter and minced garlic to a pot over medium heat. Cook until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Step 5:
- Stir in honey, tamari, hot sauce, ginger, and paprika. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Step 6:
- Once the wings are done cooking and are crispy, add them to the sauce and coat evenly. Alternatively, you can brush the sauce onto the wings, then add them back to the air fryer for another 8 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Serve the wings hot and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Honey Garlic Jerk Chicken Wings immediately for the best flavor and texture. They make a perfect appetizer or snack for any gathering.
- Pair the wings with fresh vegetables and a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese to balance out the spiciness.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the wings in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again.
Helpful Notes
- Ensure the chicken wings are dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere better and to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer less heat, use less seasoning.
- You can substitute tamari with gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Marcus Samuelsson suggests marinating the chicken wings in the jerk seasoning for a few hours before cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends using fresh ginger instead of ground ginger for a more intense flavor.
- Chef Jamie Oliver advises toasting the jerk seasoning briefly in a dry pan before adding it to the chicken for a deeper, more complex flavor.