Crispy Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of crispy, tender, and flavorful, look no further than these Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings. Coated with a baking powder rub, these wings come out perfectly crispy from the air fryer and are then tossed in a deliciously sticky sweet and sour sauce. Get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Table of Contents
The Best Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings
These wings are the ultimate blend of crispy and tender, with a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The secret to their perfection lies in the baking powder rub, which ensures they come out golden brown and crispy every time. And the homemade sweet and sour sauce? It’s the perfect finishing touch, making these wings an irresistible treat.
Notes on Ingredients
- Chicken Wings: Make sure to pat them dry for maximum crispiness.
- Baking Powder: Essential for achieving that perfect crispy coating.
- White Vinegar and Pineapple Juice: These provide the tangy base for the sweet and sour sauce.
- Ketchup and Brown Sugar: Add the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tanginess.
- Soy Sauce and Sriracha: Give depth and a hint of heat to the sauce.
- Sesame Oil and Seeds: Add an authentic Asian touch and flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings
- Prep the Wings: Pat chicken wings dry and coat them with a mixture of baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Air Fry the Wings: Cook in the air fryer at 380°F for about 22-23 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the wings cook, combine vinegar, pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, Sriracha, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer and thicken with cornstarch and water.
- Crisp the Wings: Increase air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Coat and Serve: Toss the cooked wings in the sweet and sour sauce, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings
These wings are best served hot, straight from the air fryer, generously coated in the sweet and sour sauce. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of elegance. They make a fantastic appetizer for parties or a delicious main course when paired with a simple side salad or steamed rice.
How to Store Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until they regain their crispiness.
Nutrition Information
Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Calories | 395.37 kcal | 20% |
Total Fat | 22.75 g | 32% |
Carbs | 20.72 g | 8% |
Sugars | 11.35 g | 13% |
Protein | 26.23 g | 52% |
Sodium | 2284.9 mg | 114% |
Fiber | 0.89 g | 3% |
Saturated Fat | 5.51 g | 28% |
Trans Fat | 0.09 g | – |
Monounsaturated Fat | 9.95 g | – |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.11 g | – |
Cholesterol | 158.35 mg | 53% |
Calcium | 578.71 mg | 72% |
Magnesium | 41.58 mg | 11% |
Potassium | 609.2 mg | 17% |
Iron | 2.35 mg | 17% |
Zinc | 1.94 mg | 19% |
Phosphorus | 404.45 mg | 58% |
Vitamin A | 194.83 mcg | 24% |
Vitamin C | 4.52 mg | 6% |
Thiamin B1 | 0.1 mg | 9% |
Riboflavin B2 | 0.21 mg | 15% |
Niacin B3 | 8.71 mg | 54% |
Vitamin B6 | 0.85 mg | 61% |
Folic Acid B9 | 20.28 mcg | 10% |
Vitamin B12 | 0.36 mcg | 14% |
Vitamin D | 0.19 mcg | 4% |
Vitamin E | 1.65 mg | 14% |
Vitamin K | 13 mcg | 17% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQs About Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating with the baking powder mixture.
What can I use instead of pineapple juice?
Orange juice or apple juice can be a good substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
How do I prevent the wings from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the wings in it.
The Best Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- cooking spray
Wings:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken wings tips discarded
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Sauce:
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water plus more as needed
- 1 stalk green onion sliced
- ¾ teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Cook wings: Pat chicken wings dry with a paper towel. Whisk together baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl; pour into a large resealable plastic bag. Place some of the chicken wings into the bag, seal the bag, and shake until wings are well coated. Shake off excess baking powder mixture and repeat with remaining wings until all wings are coated.
- Place chicken wings in the prepared air fryer basket and cook in the preheated air fryer for 22 to 23 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Meanwhile, make sauce: Combine vinegar, pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, Sriracha, and sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir well and bring to a boil. Boil for about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to a simmer. Stir together cornstarch and water in a small bowl until well combined; pour into the saucepan and quickly whisk until sauce thickens, about 1 minute. If sauce is too thick, thin out with a little water.
- Increase the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and continue to cook wings until crispy and browned, about 2 more minutes.
- Pour sauce into a large bowl and add cooked wings; toss to coat well. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
These Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings are sure to become a favorite in your household. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, they’re perfect for any occasion!