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.
Table of Contents
Jump to:
- 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
- 📖 Recipe
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
- Have a Comment or Question?
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
- Easy Air Fryer Sticky Date Teriyaki Chicken Wings
- Best Air Fryer Caribbean Style Citrus Chicken Wings
- Spicy Peanut Chicken Wings with Mushroom Jollof Fonio Pilaf
- Loaded Plantain Fries with Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs and Spicy Slaw
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.
Instructions with Pictures
Follow the instructions and cooking tips below using the step-by-step instruction picture guide.
Using an immersion blender to emulsify dressings helps prevent fat separation in addition to honey, which works as a binding agent.
Massaging the vegetables with the dressing helps break down the cellular walls to increase the absorption of dressing quickly.
Modified: The chicken wings will be par-cooked before adding the honey jerk paste since honey burns quickly.
The dressing works in two ways: It marinates the vegetables and is later used as a vinaigrette.
The vinaigrette is finished with zest and chopped herbs to heighten the flavors in addition to presentation.
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?
Start by placing the flat side of the wing horizontally next to the salad.
You should place the second wing in the opposite direction to achieve contrast and stability.
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.
FYI: Scotch bonnet peppers are commonly used in Jerk paste seasoning.
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
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'!
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.
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).
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.
Air Fryer Recipes
Looking for other air fryer recipes like this? Try these:
- Jerk Fajita Trio: 3 Must-Try Recipes for a Spicy Weeknight Cook-Up
- Air Fryer Chicken and Pork Belly Tacos | Easy & Crispy
- Air Fryer Jerk Shrimp Fajitas | Easy Caribbean in 20 Minutes
- Beituti Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl | Quick and Easy
Poultry Recipes
Looking for other poultry recipes like this? Try these:
- Easy Sheet Pan Jerk Chicken Fajitas | Oven-Roasted Yum
- Quick Spicy Potstickers | Chili Momo Tibetan Style
- Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma | Quick with Beituti
- Creamy Curry Chicken Gnocchi Soup | Caribbean Style
📖 Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Honey Jerk Rubbed Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Pear Slaw Salad
- ¼ cabbage
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 medium pear
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- salt and pepper
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 3 cups baby mixed greens
- ¼ cup parsley leaves
Honey Jerk Chicken Wings
- 6 whole chicken wings
- salt and pepper
- ½ tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ tablespoon jerk paste
Equipment
Instructions
- Save time in the kitchen: Read the instructions thoroughly, then gather and prep all your ingredients before cooking! Learn Prepping Tips.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the cabbage, carrot, and pear into thin strips, place them in a resealable bag, and set them aside.
- Make the Dressing: Blend the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of honey, salt, and pepper Using an immersion blender. Then, blend it with avocado oil.
- Make the Slaw: Combine the dressing with the shredded salad, seal the bag, remove any air, massage the ingredients for 30 seconds, and refrigerate.
- Prepare the Chicken Wings: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit with a cooking time of 17 minutes. Then, pat dry the chicken with a paper towel and season with salt, pepper, and oil in a large mixing bowl.
- Cook the Chicken Wings: Place the chicken in the air fryer basket with the wing's tips tucked under the neighboring chicken and cook.
- Make the Wet Rub: Clean the bowl and combine the honey and jerk paste while the chicken cooks. When the time is up, add the hot chicken to the bowl, allow the heat to melt the honey mixture, and toss with the honey jerk paste.
- Re-fry the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F with a cooking time of 4 minutes, and cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165 °F Fahrenheit. In the meantime, chop the parsley and set it aside.
- Place the chicken with the tips tucked under the neighboring chicken wing again and cook. While the chicken fries, massage the slaw again and place it back into the fridge.
- Finish the Dressing: Drain dressing from the marinated vegetables into a container, add chopped parsley and zest, and set aside.
- Finish the Dish: Combine the vegetable mix with the mixed greens and plate it bunched up on the center half of the plate. Then, stack the chicken wings next to the salad. Note: You can find a photo tutorial on how to stack the chicken wings on the blog.
- Finally, drizzle the dressing on the salad and around the bottom of the plate.
Video
Nutrition
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