Air Fryer Asian Sticky Wings
Sometimes you just need a quick and tasty dinner solution that won't leave you with a pile of dishes in the sink. Last Monday, after getting home from Sarah's ballet class, I had a craving for something sticky and satisfying. That's when these Air Fryer Asian Sticky Wings came to the rescue. They're simple to prepare and are always a hit at the dinner table.
Jump to:
For more delicious air fryer recipes, check out our Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Legs for Flavorful Feasts.
Why you’ll love this recipe
These wings are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and sticky — ideal for a quick family meal or game day snack. With minimal prep and cook time, you won't be stuck in the kitchen for hours. Plus, they turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful every time!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken wings, cut into drumettes and wingettes
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ⅔ cup Melinda’s Sweet and Spicy Sticky Asian Wing Sauce or something similar
- Sesame seeds, optional garnish
- Chopped green onions, optional garnish
Step-by-step instructions
- Allow the wings to come to room temperature and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the air fryer is preheating, mix together the dark brown sugar, ground ginger, and garlic salt in a small bowl.
- Toss the wings in the sesame oil in a medium-sized mixing bowl and then sprinkle all over with the spice mixture.
- Carefully place the wings in a single layer in the hot air fryer, cooking in batches if necessary. Do not overcrowd the air fryer.
- Cook for 7-8 minutes on each side, flipping them carefully with tongs, then remove the wings from the fryer and place them on a large plate or platter.
- Coat both sides of the wings well with the sticky Asian wing sauce and then return them to the fryer for 3-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reads at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the sauce is sticky and beginning to char.
- Serve hot garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Recipe tips & variations
- Crispy skin: For an extra crispy finish, make sure to pat the wings dry thoroughly before cooking. This helps the skin crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Substitutions: No sesame oil? Olive oil works as well, though it will change the flavor slightly.
- Spicy kick: If you love extra heat, add a bit of crushed red pepper to the spice mix.
Storage & reheating
Leftovers (if there are any!) store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes, just until warmed through.

FAQs
How do you get Air Fryer Asian Sticky Wings crispy before adding the sauce?
Patting the wings dry before cooking them in the air fryer ensures a crispier skin. Also, avoid overcrowding the fryer so the air can circulate properly.
Can these Asian sticky wings be made ahead and reheated later?
Absolutely! They taste just as delicious when reheated. Just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to get them crispy again.
What type of sauce works best for making Asian sticky wings in the air fryer?
A sweet and spicy sticky sauce, like Melinda’s, works perfectly. Feel free to experiment with your favorite store-bought or homemade sauces.
How long should chicken wings cook in the air fryer to reach a safe internal temperature?
Typically, 7-8 minutes per side will get the wings to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Recipes you may like
- Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Legs for Flavorful Feasts
- Crispy Air Fryer Tortellini with Parmesan
- Crispy Air Fryer Tilapia with Lemon and Herbs
Air Fryer Asian Sticky Wings
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Deliciously sweet, spicy, and sticky Air Fryer Asian Sticky Wings, perfect for a quick family meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken wings, cut into drumettes and wingettes
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ⅔ cup Melinda’s Sweet and Spicy Sticky Asian Wing Sauce or something similar
- Sesame seeds, optional garnish
- Chopped green onions, optional garnish
Instructions
- Allow the wings to come to room temperature and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the air fryer is preheating, mix together the dark brown sugar, ground ginger, and garlic salt in a small bowl.
- Toss the wings in the sesame oil in a medium-sized mixing bowl and then sprinkle all over with the spice mixture.
- Carefully place the wings in a single layer in the hot air fryer, cooking in batches if necessary. Do not overcrowd the air fryer.
- Cook for 7-8 minutes on each side, flipping them carefully with tongs, then remove the wings from the fryer and place them on a large plate or platter.
- Coat both sides of the wings well with the sticky Asian wing sauce and then return them to the fryer for 3-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reads at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the sauce is sticky and beginning to char.
- Serve hot garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Notes
- Crispy skin: For an extra crispy finish, make sure to pat the wings dry thoroughly before cooking.
- Substitutions: No sesame oil? Olive oil works as well, though it will change the flavor slightly.
- Spicy kick: If you love extra heat, add a bit of crushed red pepper to the spice mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 100 mg





