Name: Mango Habanero 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 drumettes and flats; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup fresh mango puree (from 1-2 ripe mangoes); 1-2 habanero peppers, seeded and finely chopped; 2 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richer sauce)

These Mango Habanero Air Fryer Chicken Wings blend sweet mango and fiery habanero for a bold, tangy flavor. Crispy, juicy, and easy to make, they’re perfect for game days or spicy food lovers seeking a healthier, air-fried treat in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with these Mango Habanero Air Fryer Chicken Wings! The combination of tropical mango sweetness and habanero’s fiery kick creates an irresistible flavor explosion. Air frying ensures crispy skin and juicy meat without the guilt of deep frying. This recipe is quick, taking under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. It’s customizable—adjust the heat to your liking—and perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner. Plus, the vibrant sauce looks as good as it tastes, elevating your wing game to a whole new level.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Pat Wings Dry: Remove excess moisture with paper towels for maximum crispiness.
Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
Shake the Basket: Halfway through cooking, shake or flip wings for uniform crispiness.
Test Heat Level: Add habanero gradually and taste the sauce to control spiciness.
Use Fresh Mango: Fresh mango puree yields a brighter, more authentic flavor than canned.
Double the Sauce: Make extra sauce for dipping or drizzling over sides.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat for 3-5 minutes to jumpstart crispy cooking.
Check Temperature: Ensure wings reach 165°F internally for safe consumption.

Yield: Serves 4

Mango Habanero Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Sweet mango and spicy habanero coat crispy air fryer chicken wings for a bold, easy, and healthier game-day favorite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup fresh mango puree (from 1-2 ripe mangoes)
1-2 habanero peppers, seeded and finely chopped
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter (optional, for richer sauce)

Instructions

Prep the Wings: Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Place in a large bowl.
Season Wings: Drizzle wings with olive oil, then sprinkle with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes for optimal crispiness.
Cook Wings: Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway.
Make Mango Puree: While wings cook, blend 1-2 peeled and pitted mangoes until smooth to yield 1 cup puree.
Prepare Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine mango puree, habanero, honey, lime juice, and garlic. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.
Thicken Sauce: Stir in butter (if using) for a glossy finish. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness as desired.
Check Wings: Ensure wings reach 165°F internally. They should be golden and crispy on the outside.
Toss in Sauce: Transfer hot wings to a large bowl, pour over half the sauce, and toss to coat evenly.
Serve Hot: Plate wings with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with lime wedges or cilantro for a fresh touch.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling habaneros to avoid skin irritation.
Start with one habanero and taste sauce before adding more to control heat.
For extra crispy wings, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Serve with cooling sides like ranch, blue cheese dip, or sliced cucumbers to balance spice.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 901Total Fat 64gSaturated Fat 23gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 36gCholesterol 199mgSodium 1019mgCarbohydrates 43gFiber 3gSugar 17gProtein 41g

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: Use fresh or thawed wings, split into drumettes and flats for even cooking. Pat dry to achieve crispy skin.
Mango: Fresh, ripe mangoes provide natural sweetness and vibrant color. Choose ones that yield slightly to pressure.
Habanero Peppers: These pack intense heat; remove seeds for milder flavor. Handle with gloves to avoid skin irritation.
Honey: Adds sticky sweetness to balance the spice. Use raw honey for a richer flavor.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the sauce with tangy acidity.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances savory depth. Avoid pre-minced for better flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps wings crisp up in the air fryer and adds subtle richness.
Spices: Paprika and cumin add smoky warmth to complement the sweet-spicy sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

Fruit Swap: Substitute mango with peach or pineapple puree for a different tropical twist.
Pepper Alternatives: Use jalapeños or serranos for less heat, or Scotch Bonnet for a Caribbean flair.
Sweetener Options: Swap honey with agave nectar or maple syrup for vegan-friendly or varied sweetness.
Citrus Switch: Replace lime juice with lemon or orange juice for a different tangy note.
Oil Choices: Use avocado oil or grapeseed oil instead of olive oil for high-heat cooking.
Spice Adjustments: Add chili powder or cayenne for extra heat, or skip cumin for a simpler flavor.
Baking Option: Bake wings at 400°F for 40-45 minutes if an air fryer isn’t available.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, but double-check spice blends for hidden gluten.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store cooked wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezer: Freeze cooked wings in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Sauce Storage: Keep extra sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat gently before using.