pineapple chicken wings recipe

Pineapple chicken wings are a deliciously tropical twist on traditional chicken wings. The sweet and tangy pineapple glaze adds a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy, juicy wings. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a summer barbecue, or just looking for a tasty snack, these pineapple chicken wings are sure to be a hit!

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional)
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pineapple Glaze:

• 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
• ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon sesame oil for added flavor

For Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet or air fryer basket
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Tongs
• Saucepan

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

1. Dry the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy texture when cooking.

2. Season the Wings: In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Marinate (Optional)

1. Marinate the Wings: For extra flavor, consider marinating the wings in half of the pineapple glaze for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step enhances the flavor, but it can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Step 3: Make the Pineapple Glaze

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Whisk until well combined.

2. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the cornstarch-water mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Wings

Oven Method:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet if you have one (this helps the wings cook evenly).

3. Arrange the Wings: Place the wings in a single layer on the baking sheet or wire rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

Air Fryer Method:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Wings: Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the wings are crispy and cooked through.

Step 5: Glaze the Wings

1. Coat with Pineapple Glaze: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the pineapple glaze over the wings and toss until they are well coated.

2. Optional Final Bake: For an extra sticky glaze, return the glazed wings to the oven or air fryer for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce slightly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish: Transfer the wings to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

2. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious pineapple chicken wings!

Tips for Perfect Pineapple Chicken Wings

• Crispier Wings: For extra crispy wings, you can broil them for a couple of minutes after glazing to caramelize the sauce.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less brown sugar based on your taste preference.
• Add Heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze for a kick.
• Use Fresh Pineapple: For a more intense pineapple flavor, you can blend fresh pineapple and strain it to make your own juice.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving (4 wings):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 18g
• Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg

Note:

Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Always consult a nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.

Conclusion

Pineapple chicken wings are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these wings are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner. Enjoy the tropical flavors and the crispy goodness of these delicious pineapple chicken wings