Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings (2024)

Published: Aug 27, 2019 · Modified: Apr 25, 2021 by Caitlyn Erhardt · This post may contain affiliate links. [feast_privacy_disclosure]

These Sweet Chili Chicken Wings are super crispy and prepared in the Ninja Foodi air fryer for easy clean up, plus ready in 30 minutes. This game day appetizer will be gone before you know it (yeah these wings are that good)!

Sticky, sweet and just a little bit spicy...yeah, these Sweet Chili Chicken Wings check all the boxes required for the best chicken wing recipe. These easy chicken wings can be made in an oven or air fryer, making them versatile. I use the Ninja Foodi air fryer and these wings turn out crisp on the outside, while leaving the meat tender.

Fall is nearly here (hallelujah I am really over the heat) which means football season is about to begin. These air fryer wings are perfect for game days with friends, parties of all occasions or a quick dinner with little clean up required. Get ready to dive into the best, most crispy chicken wings ever! Oh, and don't forget the napkins, because things are about to get messy.

Air Fryer Note
Your air fryer settings may be slightly different than mine, this can result in the cooking time varying slightly. Please make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken wings to make sure they are completely cooked through (165 degrees F). Also, if your air fryer is smaller than my Ninja Foodi (6.5 quarts) you may need to cook your chicken wings in several batches instead of one.

How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Sweet Thai Chili Chicken Wing Prep

1. Use a paper towel to dab off the chicken wings to ensure they are dry. If using frozen chicken wings make sure they are completely de-thawed.
2. Place your chicken wings in a zip-lock bag along with the baking powder and spices. Make sure to use baking powder and NOT BAKING SODA.
3. Once everything has been added to the bag close it tightly and remove all the air. Shake and press the wings together until all the wings are covered. Alternatively, you can place the baking powder and spice in a bowl, mix them then dip the wings in. I like the bag method because it is faster and it is fun to shake things up (LOL sorry, I had to).

Cooking the Chicken Wings

1. I like to use the metal rack insert for these sweet Thai chili chicken wings, because I think it helps the bottoms crisp up better. If you do not have a rack you can use the basket instead. Whichever you are using make sure to spray it with cooking spray!
2. Load the seasoned chicken wings onto the wire rack in a single layer (depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to do more than one batch).
3. Close the lid to the air fryer and press the AIR CRISP button, then set the temperature to 400 degrees F using the TEMP button. Finally, set the cook time for 20 minutes using the TIME button. Once you have done this press the START button. The timer should begin to count down.
4. At the 10 minute mark open the air fryer and flip/toss the wings. This will help them cook evenly and not stick. Once you have flipped the chicken wings, close the lid and let them continue to cook.
5. When time expires the chicken wings should be golden brown, and super crisp. Check the internal temperature to ensure they are cooked through. If they are not cooked through let those babies cook for an additional 2-4 minutes at 400 degrees F.
6. While the air fryer chicken wings are cooking make the sweet Thai chili sauce.

PLEASE NOTE
These are the instructions for the Ninja Foodi air fryer. If you are using something different then your settings, and buttons may be different.

Sweet Chili Sauce Instructions

1. This sweet chili sauce for chicken wings has A LOT of ingredients. I know, I know don't complain at me I promise they all combine for the perfect sweet and spicy Asian sauce! While the chicken wings are cooking, prepare the chili sauce sauce. Combine all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and stir to combine.
2. Heat the sauce over medium heat on the stove and bring to a boil. Reduce the sauce to a simmer and stir until the sweet chili sauce has reduced and has thickened slightly.
3. When the chicken wings are finished cooking allow them to rest for 5 minutes before tossing in the sweet chili sauce. This helps the outside stay crispy and not become a soggy disaster.
4. I like to dip the wings into the sauce, but you could also place them in a large bowl with the sauce and toss them together. Whichever you prefer, go for it!

Finishing Touches

1. Now that you have tossed your crispy chicken wings in the Thai sweet chili sauce it is time for the finishing touches! Place the sauced chicken wings on a greased cookie sheet (I suggest using a wire rack insert).
2. Broil the chicken wings on HIGH for 2-4 minutes until the sauce is sticky and the wings have developed some color. Hang out near the oven for this part they can burn quickly, so check the wings often.
3. Remove the wings from the oven and serve immediately with optional garnished like sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Also, don't forget the Sriracha Ranch Dip.

Pro Tip!
Let the chicken wings cool for 3-5 minutes before dredging them in the Thai chili sauce. Doing this will help the wings stay crispy AND the sauce will stick better.

FAQS

Storing Leftover Chicken Wings
IF (and that is a big if) there are any leftover chicken wings then you can store cooked cwings n the fridge in an airtight container. When stored in the fridge sweet Thai chili chicken wings will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Sauce Ideas

These air fryer chicken wings are super crispy and can be enjoyed several ways. You can of course follow this recipe for sweet chili chicken wings (you won't regret it).

Alternatively, you could enjoy them naked. The base of the chicken wing can pair with virtually any flavor or on their own dipped into a sauce of your choice. Some other great sauce options include your favorite buffalo sauce, a super spicy face melting sauce, or a garlic Parmesan sauce.

The options are limitless and I encourage you to try these wings several different ways. Because, let's be real, there is never such a thing as TOO many sauce options (your girl likes her some sauce). Check out my Grilled Peach Chicken Wings and Firecracker Wings for more sauce ideas!

Baking Instructions

Don't have a Ninja Foodi or an air fryer? No problem! These Thai Chicken Wings can be baked in the oven instead. Personally, I LOVE these chicken wings in the air fryer. They come out so crispy and the clean up is super simple.

If you want to use an oven for these sweet chili chicken wings they will still turn out crispy and you can also make a lot more at one time. In the air fryer you can make 8-15 chicken wings at a time. This is great for small groups or a quick dinner for two. Oven baked chicken wings allow you to make enough for a crowd which is perfect for parties or game days.

If making sweet chili chicken wings in the oven, follow all the prep for the chicken wings per recipe instructions and sauce instructions. When ready to bake the wings, heat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Place the wings on a cookie sheet in a single layer and cook for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes flip the chicken wings and continue to cook for an additional 20 minutes or until cooked through. Once finished cooking, toss chicken wings in sweet chili sauce and broil for 2-4 minutes.

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