Mango Habanero Wings
These mango habanero wings are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, featuring crispy chicken wings coated in a rich, sticky glaze made from ripe mangoes and fiery habanero peppers. Ideal as a game-day snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they deliver bold flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Servings 5
Calories 320kcal
Cost $15-$20
Equipment
- Baking sheet with wire rack or air fryer
- Saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Basting brush (optional)
Ingredients
For the Wings
- 2 lbs Chicken wings (drumettes and flats, patted dry)
- 1 tbsp Baking powder (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
For the Mango Habanero Sauce
- 1 Large ripe mango (peeled, pitted, and cubed, or 1 cup frozen mango)
- 2-3 Habanero peppers (seeded for less heat, or leave seeds for extra spice)
- 2 tbsp Honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option)
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Lime juice
- ½ cup Water
- 1 tbsp Unsalted butter (optional, for richness)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Wings
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- If baking, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Season the Wings
- In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken wings with baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the wings are evenly coated.
Cook the Wings
- For Baking: Arrange wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake for 20 minutes, flip, and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- For Air Frying: Arrange wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12 minutes, flip, and fry for another 10-12 minutes.
Make the Mango Habanero Sauce
- While the wings cook, prepare the sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine mango cubes, habanero peppers, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, and water. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in butter for a glossy finish, if desired.
Coat the Wings
- Once the wings are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the mango habanero sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the wings to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the number of habanero peppers. For a milder option, substitute with jalapeños.
- Crispiness Tip: Pat the wings dry before seasoning to remove moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Make-Ahead: The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat before using.
- Substitutions: For a vegan alternative, use cauliflower florets instead of chicken wings and agave syrup instead of honey.
Pro Tips:
- Perfect Pairings: Serve these wings with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Extra Glaze: Reserve some sauce on the side for dipping.