Name: Chili Lime Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; Zest and juice of 1 lime; 1 tbsp honey; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Savor the zesty, tangy delight of Chili Lime Air Fryer Chicken Wings! These crispy, juicy wings burst with bold chili heat and vibrant lime, perfect for game days or casual gatherings. Quick to prepare in an air fryer, they’re a healthier, mess-free treat everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

These Chili Lime Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a crowd-pleaser with their perfect balance of spicy chili and refreshing lime. The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior without the guilt of deep frying, making them a healthier option. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, requiring minimal prep and cleanup, ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous parties. The bold flavors pair wonderfully with your favorite dips, and the recipe is versatile enough to tweak to your spice preference. Whether you’re hosting a game day or craving a fun appetizer, these wings deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Pat Dry for Crispiness: Ensure wings are thoroughly dried with paper towels before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness.
Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking and crisp texture.
Shake the Basket: Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides cook evenly.
Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Rest Before Tossing: Let wings rest for 2-3 minutes post-cooking before tossing in sauce to retain crispiness.
Double the Sauce: Make extra chili-lime sauce for dipping to enhance the flavor experience.

Yield: Serves 4

Chili Lime Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crispy Chili Lime Air Fryer Chicken Wings with zesty lime and spicy chili, perfect for game day or quick dinners.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1 tbsp honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Wings: Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Place in a large mixing bowl.
Season the Wings: Drizzle wings with olive oil, then sprinkle with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes for optimal cooking.
Arrange Wings: Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if needed.
Cook Wings: Air fry wings for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping.
Check Doneness: Verify wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer for safe consumption.
Make Chili-Lime Sauce: In a small bowl, mix lime zest, lime juice, and honey until well combined.
Toss Wings in Sauce: Transfer cooked wings to a clean bowl, pour over the chili-lime sauce, and toss gently.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro (if using) and serve immediately with extra lime wedges or dipping sauce.
Enjoy the Fiesta: Dig into these zesty wings with friends, paired with your favorite beverage for maximum fun!

Notes

For extra crispy wings, increase air fryer temperature to 410°F for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
If wings stick to the basket, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray before adding wings.
Adjust honey quantity to taste for a sweeter or less sweet sauce.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 819Total Fat 60gSaturated Fat 21gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 35gCholesterol 191mgSodium 1031mgCarbohydrates 29gFiber 2gSugar 5gProtein 40g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes:

Chicken Wings (2 lbs): Fresh or thawed wings work best; split into flats and drumettes for even cooking.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps seasonings stick and promotes browning; substitute with avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
Chili Powder (2 tsp): Adds smoky heat; use a high-quality blend for depth, or adjust for milder flavor.
Lime Zest and Juice (1 lime): Freshly zested and juiced lime delivers vibrant tang; avoid bottled juice for best taste.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Enhances savory notes; fresh minced garlic can burn, so powder is preferred.
Honey (1 tbsp): Balances spice with subtle sweetness; maple syrup works as a vegan alternative.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper elevate all flavors.
Cilantro (optional, for garnish): Fresh chopped cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous finish; parsley is a great substitute.

Variations and Substitutions:

For a spicier kick, add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or swap chili powder for chipotle powder for smoky heat. If limes are unavailable, use lemon zest and juice for a similar citrusy tang. For a gluten-free option, ensure all spices are certified gluten-free. To make it kid-friendly, reduce chili powder to 1 tsp and increase honey to 2 tbsp for a sweeter profile. For a vegan twist, substitute chicken wings with cauliflower florets, adjusting cooking time to 20-25 minutes. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake wings at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway.

Storage Options:

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. For longer storage, freeze cooked wings in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wings soggy.