Jerk Chicken Wings | Air Fryer, Oven, and Grill Recipe

If you’re craving bold, Caribbean flavors and crispy wings, these jerk chicken wings are exactly what you need! Perfectly seasoned with jerk spices, then cooked to perfection using your air fryer, oven, or grill. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a quick weeknight meal, these wings are a family favorite.

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

Why This Recipe Works

• Air Fryer Efficiency: The air fryer quickly circulates hot air around the wings, giving them a crispy texture without needing much oil.
• Cornstarch Coating: The cornstarch absorbs moisture and helps create a perfect crunch, similar to deep frying but with fewer calories.
• Flavor-Packed Jerk Seasoning: Jerk seasoning combines heat, sweetness, and warmth from spices like allspice and cinnamon, making these wings flavorful with little effort.
• Multiple Cooking Methods: No matter what kitchen equipment you have, this recipe adapts easily for the air fryer, oven, or grill.

How to Make Jerk Chicken Wings

Ingredients

• 1 ½ to 2 pounds chicken wings (wing tips removed)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Fresh ground pepper (about 10-12 turns of the pepper grinder)
• 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Air Fryer Instructions

1. Prepare the Wings: Trim the wing tips from the chicken wings and place them in a bowl.
2. Season the Wings: Sprinkle the wings with salt and pepper. Coat the wings with jerk seasoning and cornstarch. Mix well to ensure the wings are evenly coated.
3. Preheat and Arrange in Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with olive oil.
4. Cook the Wings: Cook for 20-22 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check for doneness at 20 minutes, and cook longer if you prefer them crispier.
5. Serve: Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Oven Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Arrange the Wings: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the seasoned wings in a single layer.
3. Cook the Wings: Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Grill Instructions

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
2. Grill the Wings: Grill the wings for 10-15 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Expert Tips

• Marinate for more flavor: While not required, marinating the wings for a couple of hours in the jerk seasoning will enhance the flavors.
• Adjusting the spice level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of jerk seasoning or use a mild variety. For extra heat, add some cayenne pepper.
• Cornstarch for crispiness: The cornstarch is key for extra crispiness, especially in the air fryer, so don’t skip it!

Serving Suggestions

These jerk chicken wings are packed with bold, spicy flavors, so it’s best to pair them with sides that complement and balance the heat. Here are some great ideas for serving:

• Cool Coleslaw: A creamy, cool coleslaw balances out the spiciness of jerk chicken wings. Try using a tangy, vinegar-based slaw for a refreshing bite.
• Grilled Pineapple: The sweetness of grilled pineapple pairs perfectly with the heat of the jerk seasoning. The caramelization from the grill adds depth to the dish.
• Rice and Peas: A classic Caribbean side, rice and peas (pigeon peas or kidney beans with rice) are a flavorful and hearty option to serve alongside jerk chicken wings.
• Sweet Potato Fries: A sweeter take on fries, the crispy texture and natural sweetness of sweet potatoes provide a great contrast to the spicy wings.
• Cucumber Salad: A light, crunchy cucumber salad can help refresh the palate in between bites of spicy wings, providing a cooling effect.
• Plantain Chips: Crispy plantain chips add a tropical, crunchy element to the meal and pair well with the bold jerk seasoning.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the wings back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg

Pairings and Related Recipes

• Island Style Air Fryer Chicken Legs: Juicy and packed with tropical flavors, these chicken legs are the perfect island-inspired complement to jerk chicken wings.
• Air Fryer Fried Chicken: For those who love crispy, golden fried chicken, this air fryer version pairs excellently with your jerk wings for a delicious combination of textures and flavors.
• Instant Pot Teriyaki Buffalo Chicken Wings: These wings bring a sweet and spicy contrast to your jerk chicken wings, making them a fun, flavorful addition to any meal.

These jerk chicken wings are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re air frying, baking, or grilling, the flavors are bold, the wings are crispy, and the recipe is so easy to follow. Don’t forget to serve them up with some refreshing sides for the perfect meal!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a star rating and review below, and don’t forget to tag your creations with #StuffMattyCooks on social media. I can’t wait to see your delicious jerk chicken wings!

Equipment and Items Used in this Recipe

COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt
Misto Oil Sprayer
Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
AmazonFresh Organic Cold Pressed Olive Oil
365 by Whole Foods Market, Corn Starch