Air Fryer Sweet Chili and Orange Marmalade Glazed Chicken Wings: A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy
Introduction
Chicken wings are an all-time favorite, known for their versatility, crispy texture, and ability to soak up incredible flavors. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, preparing a family dinner, or simply craving something deliciously sticky and flavorful, these Air Fryer Sweet Chili and Orange Marmalade Glazed Chicken Wings are the perfect option.
This recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the crispiness of air-fried wings combined with a luscious glaze made from sweet chili sauce and orange marmalade. The sweet and spicy combination offers a mouthwatering contrast, making these wings a standout dish for any occasion. Plus, using an air fryer allows you to achieve crispy wings without the excess oil and mess of deep frying.
In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of cooking wings in an air fryer, provide a detailed step-by-step recipe, share expert cooking tips, and offer serving suggestions. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to make perfectly crispy, sticky, and flavorful wings that will impress your friends and family.
Benefits of Cooking Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer
- Healthier Cooking: Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, making these wings a better option for those looking to cut back on fat without sacrificing flavor.
- Crispy Texture: The rapid air circulation in an air fryer ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside.
- Quick and Efficient: Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens, making them ideal for weeknight meals and last-minute gatherings.
- Even Cooking: No need to worry about unevenly cooked wings—air fryers distribute heat evenly, ensuring consistent results.
- Less Mess and Easy Cleanup: No deep-frying means less splattering and a much simpler cleanup process.
Air Fryer Sweet Chili and Orange Marmalade Glazed Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (for extra crispiness)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup orange marmalade
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (to enhance the glaze’s richness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is a crucial step for achieving crispy skin.
- Season the Wings: Place the wings in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over them and toss to coat. In a separate bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and baking powder. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook in batches if necessary for even crisping.
- Cook the Wings:
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.
- For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the last 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the wings cook, combine sweet chili sauce, orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Coat the Wings in the Glaze: Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the wings and toss until they are fully coated.
- Serve and Garnish: Place the wings on a serving plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Sweet Chili and Orange Marmalade Wings
- Use Baking Powder for Extra Crispiness: Baking powder helps remove moisture and creates a crispier skin.
- Pat the Wings Dry: Ensuring the wings are dry before seasoning allows them to crisp up better in the air fryer.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cooking in batches ensures that each wing gets evenly crisped.
- Flip the Wings Halfway Through Cooking: This promotes even browning on both sides.
- Adjust the Heat Level: Add more red pepper flakes for extra spice or reduce them for a milder version.
- Let the Sauce Simmer: Allowing the glaze to thicken slightly helps it cling better to the wings.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet and spicy wings pair wonderfully with various sides and dips. Here are some great ideas:
- Classic Sides: Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- With Rice: Enjoy over steamed jasmine rice for a hearty meal.
- As a Wrap or Sandwich: Place the wings in a wrap with lettuce and drizzle with extra glaze for a delicious hand-held meal.
- With a Side Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette.
- As a Party Platter: Serve alongside other air-fried favorites like fries, onion rings, or spring rolls.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Sweet Chili and Orange Marmalade Glazed Chicken Wings are an incredible combination of crispy texture, sweet citrusy notes, and a slight kick of spice. The air fryer method ensures a healthier preparation without sacrificing any of the flavors we love in classic wings.
With a simple yet flavorful glaze, easy cooking process, and irresistible results, these wings are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, a cozy dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
So grab your air fryer, mix up that delicious sweet chili and orange marmalade glaze, and get ready to enjoy a plate of wings that are guaranteed to impress!
