Easy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings

Crispy, sticky, and full of flavor, these Easy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings are the perfect appetizer or snack. Made in under 30 minutes, they’re sweet, spicy, and irresistible for game nights, parties, or weeknight dinners.

These Easy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings are the ultimate game-day snack or weeknight treat. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy chili sauce, they deliver big flavor without the extra oil or fuss.

Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for busy nights, parties, or anytime you want a finger-licking, crowd-pleasing appetizer straight from your air fryer.

If you have been looking for some great Air Fryer Chicken Wing Recipes, some of my favorites are Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Dry Rubbed Chicken Wings, and Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy without the deep fry: Achieve perfectly crunchy wings using the air fryer, no extra oil needed.
• Sweet and spicy perfection: The sticky chili glaze hits all the right flavor notes in every bite.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for game days, parties, or family dinners—everyone will be asking for seconds.
• Minimal cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer keeps your kitchen mess-free and fuss-free.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken Wings: Provides a juicy and tender meat base that crisps beautifully when cooked.
• Lemongrass: Infuses the wings with a light citrusy flavor.
• Fish Sauce: Adds depth and authenticity to the marinade.
• Soy Sauce: Offers a beautiful golden-brown hue when cooked.
• Brown Sugar: Helps caramelize the wings to perfection.
• Garlic: Aromatic touch that’s essential to the richness of the dish.
• Red Chili Peppers: Spicy kick, setting the signature heat level of Thai chili wings.
• Lime Zest and Juice: Cut through the richness and refresh the palate.
• Ginger: Introduces a warm, spicy undertone that complements the flavor profile.
• Coriander/Cilantro: Brings a fresh, earthy aroma and vibrant color to the wings.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a subtle toasted note to the wings.
• Thai Basil (optional): For garnish or within the marinade.

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings

Step One: Mix the chicken ingredients, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.

Step Two: Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 180 degrees C / 350 degrees F, air fryer setting. Brush the basket with little olive oil and put the chicken wings in it (7-8 per batch)—brush olive oil on the top of the wings. Set cook time for 10 minutes on one side, then turn the chicken wings and cook for another 7-8 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat with other chicken wings.

Step Three: Next, mix all the sauce ingredients, Thai sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, chili flakes, black pepper, minced garlic, Hoisin Sauce, cornstarch, and water. Heat a pan and add the sauce. Mix until the sauce thickens and becomes a little sticky.

Step Four: Add the air-fried chicken wings and toss them to coat correctly. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and red chili flakes (You can also use sesame seeds and green onions for garnishing).

Easy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings Recipe Tips

• Pat wings dry first: Removing excess moisture helps the wings crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give each wing enough space for even cooking and maximum crunch.
• Adjust spice level: Modify the amount of chili sauce or add a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
• Use a light oil spray: A small spray of oil helps the glaze stick and enhances crispiness without deep frying.
• Marinate for extra flavor: Let wings sit in the sweet chili sauce for 30–60 minutes before cooking to intensify flavor.
• Toss halfway through cooking: Shake the basket or flip the wings to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Serve immediately: Wings are crispiest straight out of the air fryer; leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer to maintain crunch.

Storing Instructions

• Refrigerate: Place leftover wings in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness, or use an oven. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crunchy.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer straight from frozen for best results.
• Sauce tip: If you have extra sweet chili sauce, store separately and toss wings in it when serving to keep them crispy.

Easy Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen chicken wings? Yes! Air fry frozen wings, but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and make sure they’re cooked through to 165°F.

How do I make wings extra crispy? Pat wings dry before seasoning, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, and flip halfway through cooking.

Can I make this less sweet or less spicy? Absolutely! Adjust the sweet chili sauce or add extra chili flakes or honey to balance sweetness and heat to your preference.

Can I prep wings ahead of time? Yes! Marinate the wings in sweet chili sauce for 30–60 minutes ahead, or prepare them fully and refrigerate before reheating in the air fryer.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket and ensure even cooking.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Easy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
• Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
• Air Fryer Weight Watchers Sweet Potatoes

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