Crispy Air Fryer Honey Jerk Rubbed Chicken Wings

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Air fryer honey jerk chicken wings are Jamaican-inspired spicy, crispy chicken wings infused with a hint of allspice and thyme, balanced with honey to tame the heat. Served with fresh sliced pears and a side of shredded vegetables with mixed greens tossed in a simple vinaigrette, these jerk-rubbed wings offer the perfect combination of heat and sweetness for an easy, flavorful meal.

top view of the Crispy Air Fryer Honey Jerk Rubbed Chicken Wings recipe next to marinated vegetables with greens and vinaigrette in a wide rim bowl

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A Flavorful Balance
Jerk Rub Origins
Cookout Memories
Ingredients with Steps
Culinary Glossary
Instructions with Pictures
Vinaigrette-Making Tips
How to Stack Chicken Wings?
Substitutions
Equipment
Storage
Cooking Tip
Frequently Asked Questions
Air Fryer Recipes
Poultry Recipes
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A Flavorful Balance

Try the Jamaican-inspired Crispy Air Fryer Honey Jerk Rubbed Chicken Wings! Illuminated by vibrant Caribbean flavors, these wings crisp perfectly in the air fryer and boast a spicy jerk rub infused with warming allspice and thyme.

A sweet honey tames the heat, creating a flavorful balance that will tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy them alongside refreshing sliced pears, crunchy shredded vegetables, and a mixed green salad tossed in a light, complementary vinaigrette for a healthy and satisfying island-inspired feast.

Get ready to spice up your busy weeknight, game night, or romantic dinner for two with this easy and delicious recipe idea! Tip: Multiply the recipe for party wings.

Jerk Rub Origins

Jerk rub, an important seasoning of Jamaican cuisine, traces its origins to the island's Maroon communities, descendants of escaped enslaved Africans. They developed this flavorful blend of spices to preserve meat, using ingredients readily available in their environment, such as Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and garlic.

Traditionally, jerk seasoning was applied to pork and cooked over an open flame or slow-cooked in pit ovens, a technique that imparted a distinctive smoky flavor. Over time, jerk seasoning gained global popularity due to its unique blend of heat and aromatic spices. Today, jerk seasoning is used on various meats and vegetables.

Cookout Memories

My love for jerk chicken runs deep from fond childhood memories of family cookouts on the beach. The unmistakable heat of Scotch bonnet peppers paired with the aromatic blend of spices creates a tantalizing experience that excites the senses.

The sight of fresh chicken legs sizzling on the grill, their skin charring to perfection, brings back vivid memories of those sun-soaked afternoons spent with loved ones. The robust flavors of the jerk seasoning—spicy, smoky, and fragrant—combined with the joy of family gatherings have cemented jerk chicken as one of my all-time favorite dishes.

Every bite takes me back to those cherished moments, making it not just a meal but a celebration of culture and family tradition.

Looking for Authen Jamaican Recipes? Check out That Nurse Can Cook and Jamaican Food and Recipes.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Ingredients with Steps

First, prepare the shredded vegetables slaw by thinly slicing the cabbage, carrots, and pear and combining it with a dressing made with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, kosher salt, and ground black pepper using an immersion blender into a resealable bag.

Season the whole chicken wings with salt, black pepper, and avocado oil. Cook the seasoned wings in the air fryer. Then, refry the hot air-fried batch of wings with a mixture of honey and Jamaican jerk paste in the preheated air fryer.

Next, drain the dressing from the marinated shredded vegetables and finish it with fresh chopped parsley and lemon zest. Finally, combine the marinated vegetables and pears with mixed greens.

Culinary Glossary

This section provides concise definitions of key ingredients and techniques to enhance understanding and improve cooking skills related to this recipe. Check out the live Culinary Glossary here.

Jerk Seasoning - A traditional Jamaican spice blend made from ingredients such as allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and other herbs and spices. Jerk seasoning is known for its bold, spicy, and smoky flavors.
Allspice - A dried berry from the Pimenta dioica tree, native to the Caribbean. It has a unique flavor that resembles a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, often used in jerk seasoning.
Thyme - An aromatic herb commonly used in Caribbean cooking to enhance the flavor of savory dishes, especially jerk seasoning. It has a slightly minty, earthy flavor.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper - A variety of chili peppers known for its intense heat and fruity flavor. It is often used in Caribbean cooking to add a fiery kick to jerk dishes and sauces. Learn more about prepping chili peppers here. For heat comparisons? check out the Scoville Scale.
Honey - A natural sweetener made by bees from flower nectar. In this recipe, honey is used to balance the heat of the jerk seasoning, adding a touch of sweetness to the wings.
Pears - A sweet, juicy fruit that adds a refreshing balance to the spicy wings. Pears are served fresh alongside the dish to cool the palate.

See the air fryer jerk chicken wings recipe card for quantities.

ingredients in containers for the Crispy Air Fryer Honey Jerk Rubbed Chicken Wings recipe

raw whole chicken wings in a rectangle glass dish

Instructions with Pictures

Follow the instructions and cooking tips below using the step-by-step instruction picture guide.

vinaigrette being pour into the a sealable bag of shredded vegetables and fruits for the Crispy Air Fryer Honey Jerk Rubbed Chicken Wings recipe

Using an immersion blender to emulsify dressings helps prevent fat separation in addition to honey, which works as a binding agent.

the shredded vegetables and fruits with vinaigrette being massaged in a resealable bag for the Crispy Air Fryer Honey Jerk Rubbed Chicken Wings recipe

Massaging the vegetables with the dressing helps break down the cellular walls to increase the absorption of dressing quickly.

whole chicken wings being coated with a honey jerk rub mixture in a large stainless steel mixing bowl with a hand with gloves on

Modified: The chicken wings will be par-cooked before adding the honey jerk paste since honey burns quickly.

the vinaigrette being poured out of the bag of the marinated shredded salad mix

The dressing works in two ways: It marinates the vegetables and is later used as a vinaigrette.

the finished dressing with chopped herbs for the Crispy Air Fryer Honey Jerk Rubbed Chicken Wings in a glass round container with a mini whisk

The vinaigrette is finished with zest and chopped herbs to heighten the flavors in addition to presentation.

animated chef maika in full chef uniform and hat.

Vinaigrette-Making Tips

Balance your acid and oil - A general rule is three parts oil to one part acid, but you can adjust based on taste preferences.
Whisk thoroughly - Whisking or shaking the vinaigrette helps emulsify the oil and vinegar, ensuring a smooth, cohesive dressing.
Season well - Don’t forget to add salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices to enhance the vinaigrette’s flavor.
Use fresh ingredients - Fresh citrus juice or vinegar, along with good-quality oil, will make a big difference in the flavor.
Let it sit briefly - Allow the vinaigrette to rest for a few minutes to meld the flavors before serving.

How to Stack Chicken Wings?

plate up demonstration for stacking wings part 1: by placing the first with the out side flat part of the wing on the bottom of the plate

Start by placing the flat side of the wing horizontally next to the salad.

plate up demonstration for stacking wings part 2: with the second wing flipped and place on top of the first wing

You should place the second wing in the opposite direction to achieve contrast and stability.

plate up demonstration for stacking wings part 3: with the third wing placed in the same orientation as the second one.

Position the final wing with its flat side facing upwards for a more attractive presentation.

Substitutions

Dairy Free

Yay! This air fryer chicken recipe is already dairy-free.

Gluten-Free

Bonus! This delicious Jamaican jerk chicken wings recipe is already gluten-free.

Vegetarian

Unfortunately, there is no plant-based substitution for this air fryer chicken wings recipe.

Convenience

Shredded Cabbage and Carrots - Use store-bought pre-made slaw mix.
Honey - Try using brown sugar instead, working it into the paste.

Change Heat Level - Modify the recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.

animated chef maika cooking on the grill in the backyard.

FYI: Scotch bonnet peppers are commonly used in Jerk paste seasoning.

Side view of the Crispy Air Fryer Honey Jerk Rubbed Chicken Wings recipe next to marinated vegetables with greens and vinaigrette in a wide rim bowl

Equipment

Resealable Bag - Used for marinating the vegetables and pear slaw with the dressing.
Immersion Blender - To make the vinaigrette. I developed this recipe using the KitchenAid Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender.
- However, you can use a portable blended like the Hamilton Beach Portable Blender or the Nutribullet Personal Blender (which I also own).
- Tips: The portable blender is weaker and can take longer to emulsify the dressing.
- When making the dressing in the Nutribullet, place all the ingredients, including the oil, and then blend.
Air Fryer - Used to fry the chicken wings. I developed this recipe using the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Electric Grill.
- Don't have an air fryer? Try using your oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 45 minutes, placing your wings on a single layer on a baking sheet tray with a wire rack. Then, brush on the rub for the last few minutes to finish to a nice dark golden brown.
- Tip: For easy cleanup, use parchment paper.
Paper Towel - For drying the chicken wings to remove the recess moisture, allowing the seasoning to adhere to the wings' skin for a crispier texture.
Large Mixing Bowl - Used for mixing the chicken wings. And later to finish the salad.
Meat Thermometer - Especially for chicken, It's always good to have a meat thermometer like the ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer handy to ensure the correct cooking temperature.

Kitchen Must Haves - Find other tools I use here.

Storage

Refrigerator - To store in the fridge, you can place the Jamaican jerk wings in a shallow 2-inch container to cool down quickly. Then, store it in an airtight container with the salad and dressing separately. As a result, the meal will last up to four days.
Freezer - Follow the refrigeration process mentioned above for the chicken. Then, place it in a labeled, airtight container or resealable freezer bag in the freezer.
Reheating Tip for Leftover Chicken Wings - Right after I cool my wings, I place them straight into the freezer bags, and when I want a snack, I throw them straight into the air fryer and reheat. The moisture from being frozen keeps them moist and steamy.

Airtight Food Containers - I interchange glass food storage containers with plastic clipping lids or wooden push-ins. I always suggest glass storage containers because they can be microwaved, they hold food without staining, and the glass keeps the food at a more stable temperature, keeping it fresher and longer.

Try the OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Glass Rectangle Food Storage Containers or the Pyrex Freshlock Glass Food Storage Containers.

Cooking Tip

Crispy Wings - For seriously crispy air fryer wings, pat them extra dry with paper towels before seasoning and air fry them at 400°F for 18 minutes for best results. This foolproof air fryer method makes the best wings by locking them in moisture, leading to golden perfection!

Your Cooking Tips Resource Guide - Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently on the Cook's Notebook tab. Click here for an extended live Culinary Glossary. Learn other ways to prep chicken. In addition, find out why avocado oil is used instead of olive oil for these air fryer recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Buy Jamaican Jerk Rub Seasoning?

Score that authentic jerk flavor! Major supermarkets offer popular jerk rubs like Walkerswood or Grace. Check out your local Caribbean grocery stores for island-made options.

I recommend Walkerswood Traditional Jamaican Jerk Seasoning.

Explore online retailers like Amazon for brand variety, or get crafty and customize your own with online recipes! Authentic jerk rubs usually feature allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, and nutmeg. Happy jerkin'!

Can I make these wings in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Yes, you can! To make the wings in the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and bake the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

How do I adjust the spice level in the jerk seasoning?

To reduce the heat, Use a homemade jerk seasoning recipe and use fewer Scotch bonnet peppers or substitute with a milder pepper like jalapeño. You can also add more honey to balance out the spiciness. Or you can buy a mild jerk seasoning sauce, like Walkerwood's Traditional Jamaican Jerk Seasoning (mild).

How long can I store leftover wings, and how should I reheat them?

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to retain their crispiness.

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