A unique take on a culinary favorite!
If you’re looking for the ultimate game day snack or a restaurant-worthy appetizer made right at home, these Sweet Potato BBQ Chicken Wings are it. This recipe takes classic BBQ chicken wings recipe to the next level by combining bold seasoning, a crisp air-fried finish, and a sweet, smoky homemade BBQ sauce featuring sweet potato syrup. The result? Perfectly golden wings with a sticky glaze that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
The secret to these wings lies in the preparation. Before cooking, the chicken wings are dry brined in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This simple step draws out excess moisture from the skin, ensuring that when the wings hit the air fryer, they crisp up just like your favorite restaurant wings—without the need for deep frying. By skipping the heavy grease and oil, you get all the crunch with a lighter, healthier twist.
Once the wings are seasoned with garlic, onion, smoked paprika, cayenne, and BBQ seasoning, they’re air fried until crispy perfection. But what truly sets this recipe apart is the sauce. Made with brown sugar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and the rich depth of my sweet potato syrup (check the grocery list for the recipe), the BBQ glaze has the perfect balance of tang, smokiness, and caramelized sweetness. Tossed generously over the hot wings, the sauce clings beautifully, making every bite finger-licking good.
These wings are perfect for parties, tailgates, or even a weeknight dinner when you’re craving something indulgent yet easy. With restaurant-quality crispiness, bold spices, and a one-of-a-kind sauce, these wings are guaranteed to impress. Serve them up with extra napkins and watch them disappear fast!
Grocery List for the Sweet Potato BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
For the Chicken Wings
- 1–2 lbs chicken wings
- Salt (for dry brine)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp BBQ seasoning
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
Sweet Potato BBQ Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup sweet potato syrup (https://cookingwithpatlee.com/recipe/how-to-make-sweet-potato-syrup/)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
How to Make Sweet Potato BBQ Chicken Wings
Description
Take your chicken wings to the next level with this crispy air fryer recipe. A 24-hour dry brine ensures maximum crunch, while the sweet potato BBQ sauce adds smoky, tangy flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Wings
For the Sweet Potato BBQ Sauce
Instructions
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Place chicken wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt and refrigerate uncovered for 24 hours.
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After brining, season wings with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and BBQ seasoning. Toss with oil until evenly coated.
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Place wings in air fryer and cook at 400°F for 20–23 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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While wings cook, make the sauce: In a pot, combine brown sugar and lemon juice. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, and sweet potato syrup. Simmer until thickened. Stir in honey and liquid smoke. Remove from heat.
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Toss hot wings in the BBQ sauce until fully coated.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
