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Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings

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Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings are crispy, juicy wings coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze that balances heat and sweetness. Baked or air-fried to perfection, they’re ideal for game day, parties, or a fun dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • For the Sauce:
  • 1/3 cup honey or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce (e.g., sriracha or Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil until evenly coated.
  3. Arrange wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, or air-fry for 20–25 minutes until crispy and golden.
  4. Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
  5. Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl and toss with the sauce until fully coated.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • Dry wings thoroughly and use baking powder for maximum crispiness.
  • Adjust heat by varying the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
  • Grill wings instead of baking for a smoky twist.
  • Maple syrup or agave can substitute honey for different sweetness.
  • Double the sauce if you like them extra sticky or want more for dipping.

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