Sweet Heat BBQ Wings

Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken wings
• neutral oil (for tossing the wings)
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp smoked paprika (for the rub)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• chili flakes (to taste)
• 0.5 cup Buffalo wing sauce (Frank's used)
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (or lime juice)
• 2.5 cloves garlic (finely grated; source gives 2–3 cloves)
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika (for the glaze)
• dipping sauce (your favorite, for serving)

Steps

1. 1

   Pat the chicken wings completely dry. Toss them with neutral oil; the source does not specify an amount.

2. 2

   Mix the salt, black pepper, baking powder, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili flakes together. Coat the wings evenly with the rub.

3. 3

   Air-fry the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and deeply golden.

4. 4

   While the wings cook, melt the butter in a pot.

5. 5

   Add the finely grated garlic to the melted butter. Cook for 30 seconds, until aromatic.

6. 6

   Add the Buffalo wing sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar (or lime juice), and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.

7. 7

   Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until the glaze is thick, glossy, and slightly sticky.

8. 8

   Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl and pour the glaze over them. Toss thoroughly until every wing is coated.

9. 9

   Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

The source gives 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lime juice; choose one. Neutral oil and chili flakes are listed without measured amounts. The recipe does not specify the quantity or method for preparing a dipping sauce.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• main
• poultry
• air-fried
• spicy
• game-day