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–+ servings

Spicy Garlic Chicken Wings

Crispy spicy garlic chicken wings coated with baking powder and seasoning, baked, air fried, or smoked, then tossed in a homemade spicy garlic butter sauce with hot sauce, honey, and soy sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Wings & Rub
  • 2 lbs chicken wings
  • 1 tbsp baking powder aluminum-free
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne adjust to taste
Spicy Garlic Sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 0.5 tsp chili paste or sriracha optional
  • Juice of 1/4 lemon

Equipment

  • Oven, air fryer, or smoker
  • Wire rack and sheet pan
  • Small Saucepan
  • Large Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Pat wings completely dry. Toss with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne until evenly coated.
  2. Cook wings: Oven at 425°F for 40-45 min (flip halfway), Air Fryer at 400°F for 18-22 min (shake halfway), or Smoker at 250°F for 45 min then 400°F for 15-20 min.
  3. Make sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic 30-60 seconds. Add hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, chili paste, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Simmer 2-3 minutes.
  4. Toss hot wings in sauce immediately. Optional: return to heat for 2-3 minutes to caramelize.

Notes

Dry the wings: Pat completely dry before seasoning. Wet skin steams instead of crisping.
Aluminum-free baking powder: Regular baking powder with aluminum can leave a bitter aftertaste at this amount.
Cayenne is adjustable: 1/2 tsp is moderate heat. Reduce or increase to your preference.

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