Air Fryer Sriracha Honey Lime Chicken Wings Recipe
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What’s Up, Hungry People
I’ll be the first to admit I know nothing about sports. But when it comes to the food associated with tailgating or watching the the BIG GAME—put me in, coach! This recipe for air fryer wings will certainly make you the MVP of any sporting event, whether you understand what’s happening during the game or not.
The “oil-less” fryer is all the rage right now. Also known as an air fryer, it’s essentially a portable convection oven. This versatile appliance isn’t just for wings; you can cook nearly anything in it. While this recipe is specifically for an air fryer, all the ingredients are the same whether you use an air fryer, slow cooker, or bake them in your oven.
The best part about these wings is that they are everything their name implies—sweet, spicy, with a hint of tang. For this particular session, I used a full wing, mostly because I was cooking these wings for myself and my boyfriend only. However, if you’re cooking for a crowd, I’d definitely recommend using “fryer wings” or pre-cut wings and flats. The more consistent their size, the more evenly they will cook, ensuring every bite is just as delicious as the last.
Here’s What You Need
- Chicken wings & flats: Provides the base for the recipe, great for texture and flavor.
- Flour: Coats the chicken to help the sauce adhere and adds crispiness.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness to balance the spice.
- Sriracha: Brings heat and depth to the wing’s flavor profile.
- Lime juice: Offers a fresh, citrusy zing that cuts through the sweetness.
- Soy sauce: Contributes a salty, umami flavor that complements the honey and sriracha.
Let’s Cook
Prep the Wings
First things first, pat those chicken wings as dry as you can with a paper towel. If you can, gently pull the skin away from the flesh and pat between the skin and the meat. Just don’t take the skin off completely—we want that crispy goodness!
Coat with Flour
Grab a large baggie and toss in the flour along with the wings. Give that bag a good shake until all the wings are well-coated with flour.
Make the Sauce
Pop the honey in the microwave for about 30 seconds to loosen it up a bit (optional but helpful). In a bowl, whisk together the honey, sriracha, lime juice, and soy sauce until you’ve got a smooth, delicious sauce. Split this sauce into two bowls—you’ll need both.
Sauce the Wings
Take the wings out of the bag one by one, shaking off any extra flour. Dip or roll each wing in the first bowl of honey sauce until it’s nicely coated. Let the extra sauce drip off—you want a thin layer, not a heavy coat. Depending on the size of your wings, you might have a little sauce left over. If so, just toss it since it’s touched raw chicken.
Air Fryer Time
Lightly spray your air fryer racks or container with cooking spray. Lay out the wings in a single layer in the air fryer. If you’ve got a double-layer fryer, stick to one layer at a time to keep them from burning.
Cook to Perfection
Set your air fryer to 400°F. Cook the wings for 30 minutes, brushing them with the sauce from the second bowl every 10 minutes. This will give them a shiny glaze. For extra crispy skin, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. Serve them up hot and enjoy!
Wing Wisdom: Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Choosing the right chicken: Opt for similarly sized wings or flats to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces will cook faster and more uniformly, making it easier to avoid overcooking some while others are just right.
- Prepping your wings: Make sure the wings are as dry as possible before coating them in flour. This helps achieve a crispier finish because moisture can steam the wings instead of frying them.
- Sauce application: After coating the wings in the honey sriracha mixture, let the excess drip off. A thin layer of sauce ensures that the wings get a nice glaze without becoming soggy.
- Using your air fryer: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Air circulation is key in an air fryer, so give your wings plenty of space to ensure that each one cooks evenly and gets a nice exterior crisp.
- Final crisp: After the initial cooking time, if your wings aren’t as crispy as you’d like, increase the temperature for the last 5-10 minutes. This can help achieve that desirable crispy skin without overcooking the interior.
Whether you’re gearing up for the big game or just craving something that ticks all the boxes for flavor, these sriracha honey lime chicken wings are sure to hit the spot. They’re a snap to whip up in an air fryer, making them a perfect choice for any sports gathering or a cozy night in without all the fanfare. The blend of sweet honey, fiery sriracha, and zesty lime creates a wing experience that’s out of this world. Remember to keep those wings spaced in the fryer to get that ideal crispy finish. So, next time you’re looking for a winning snack that’s guaranteed to please, these wings are your go-to!
Sriracha Honey Lime Chicken Wings | Air Fryer Recipes
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings as dry as possible with a paper towel. Gently pull the skin off of the flesh and pat between the skin and the meat, if you can do so easily. Do not remove the skin from the wing completely. Place the wings and flour into a large baggie. Shake the bag vigorously to completely coat all of the wings with flour.
- Microwave the honey for about 30 seconds to make it less viscous (optional). Whisk in the sriracha, lime juice, and soy sauce until a smooth sauce forms. Divide the sauce between two bowls.
- Remove the wings from the baggie one at a time, shaking off any excess flour. Dip or roll the chicken in one bowl of honey sauce until completely coated. Let the excess sauce drip off – you want the wings coated with a thin layer of sauce, not thickly coated. You may have a little leftover sauce when all of the wings are coated, depending on the size of the wings. Discard any leftover sauce as it contains raw chicken.
- Lightly spray the air fryer racks or container with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken wings in an even layer in the air fryer. If you have a double-level air fryer, it's recommended to use only one layer at a time to prevent burning.
- Heat the air fryer to 400°F. Bake for 30 minutes, brushing every 10 minutes with sauce from the second bowl until the wings are cooked through and have a shiny glaze. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to achieve your desired crispiness to the skin. Serve hot and enjoy!
