Air Fryer Orange Chicken Wings
9 June 2025
Air Fryer Orange Chicken Wings
These air fryer orange chicken wings are juicy, crispy, and bursting with citrus flavor. Made with fresh orange and lemon juice, a touch of soy sauce, and a buttery glaze, they’re the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory. The air fryer gives them a golden finish without deep frying, making this an easy and lighter wing recipe you'll want to make again and again.
So, if all that sounds good to you, read on!
Looking for a fresh twist on classic wings? This air fryer orange chicken wings recipe brings together bright citrus flavor, crispy texture, and simple ingredients, all in one delicious bite.
Here’s what makes it special:
Naturally sweet and tangy – The combination of orange and lemon juice creates a vibrant glaze without the need for added sugar.
Crispy without deep frying – Thanks to the air fryer, these wings turn golden and crunchy using just a bit of butter.
Quick and easy – No long prep or marinating. Just mix, air fry, and toss in the sauce.
Full of flavor – Tomato paste, soy sauce, and spices give the glaze a rich and balanced depth.
Perfect for any occasion – Great for game nights, family dinners, or just a weekend treat.
This recipe is a simple way to bring bold, homemade flavor to your table, without the mess or fuss. Once you try these orange-glazed wings, they’ll definitely earn a spot in your regular rotation!
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Crispy Baked Wings
A no-fry classic with oven-baked crispiness, simple, satisfying, and always a hit.
Minty Air Fryer Drumsticks
Fresh herbs meet juicy chicken in this easy, refreshing air fryer dinner idea.
Ingredients in Air Fryer Orange Chicken Wings
Here’s what you need to make Air Fryer Orange Chicken Wings:
Chicken Wings: Use fresh or thawed chicken wings, ideally whole wings split into drumettes and flats for even cooking in the air fryer.
Flour: A light coating of all-purpose flour helps absorb moisture from the wings and gives them a crispier texture during air frying.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice brings a natural sweetness and citrus brightness to the glaze. Bottled juice works too, but fresh is best for flavor.
Lemon Juice: Adds a sharp, tangy note to balance the sweetness of the orange and enhance the overall depth of the sauce.
Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce adds umami and saltiness, rounding out the glaze with savory richness.
Tomato Paste or Ketchup: Provides body and a slight tang to the citrus glaze. Ketchup adds a bit more sweetness; tomato paste gives a stronger tomato flavor.
Butter: Used both to pan-fry the wings before air frying and to finish the sauce. It adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors. If you have citrus-infused salt (like orange salt), it’s a great bonus for intensifying the glaze.
Dried Garlic and Black Pepper: A simple but flavorful spice base that complements the citrus and savory notes perfectly.
How to make Air Fryer Orange Chicken Wings
Making this crispy air fryer chicken wings recipe is quick, rewarding, and full of flavor. From the moment the wings start to sizzle to the final toss in that glossy citrus glaze, each step brings you closer to a golden, juicy bite. Thanks to the air fryer, you get all the crispiness without deep frying, perfect for anyone looking to keep things lighter and easier. This easy air fryer wings method is one you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Recommended Air Fryer
Looking for the perfect air fryer to make these juicy drumsticks? I recommend the Ninja AF101 4-in-1 Air Fryer – a best-seller on Amazon with over 84,000 ratings!
This compact and versatile appliance lets you air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate, making it ideal for easy, everyday meals with less oil. It’s perfect for cooking crispy chicken, vegetables, frozen foods, and more in no time.
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✅ Compact 4 QT size
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Follow Below for Step-by-Step Perfection
Follow the steps below to make these crispy air fryer orange chicken wings with ease. From prep to glaze, everything comes together simply for a delicious result every time!
Prep the Wings
Start by cutting the chicken wings into drumettes and flats, if they aren’t already separated. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels—this helps them crisp up in the air fryer.
Season and Coat
In a large bowl, toss the wings with salt, dried garlic, black pepper, and a light dusting of flour. The flour helps soak up any remaining moisture and gives the wings that golden crisp.
Air Fry the Wings
Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Make the Citrus Glaze
While the wings are air frying, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, tomato paste (or ketchup), salt, dried garlic, and pepper. Stir well and let the glaze simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened and aromatic.
Combine and Finish
Once the wings are done, transfer them directly into the pan with the hot citrus glaze. Mix everything gently but thoroughly for 1–2 minutes, allowing the wings to soak up the sauce and get beautifully coated. Serve warm, optionally with fresh herbs or dipping sauce on the side.
Ready to Serve
Transfer the crispy wings into the warm citrus glaze and let them finish together. Plate and serve hot with fresh herbs or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy every tangy, golden bite!
These crispy air fryer orange chicken wings are the perfect balance of bold flavor and easy prep. With their golden texture and tangy citrus glaze, they’re sure to become a favorite for weeknights, parties, or anytime you want something delicious without the fuss. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out, feel free to leave a comment or share a photo!
I’d love to know what you think if you give this a try! 🙂 – Angie
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Air Fryer Orange Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 1.2 kg chicken wings split into drumettes and flats
- 1 tablespoon flour for light coating
- Salt to taste
- Dried garlic to taste
- Black pepper to taste
🍊 Citrus Glaze
- Juice of 2 oranges
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste or ketchup
- 20 g unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
- Dried garlic and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the Wings
- Start by cutting the chicken wings into drumettes and flats, if they aren’t already separated. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels—this helps them crisp up in the air fryer.
Season and Coat
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with salt, dried garlic, black pepper, and a light dusting of flour. The flour helps soak up any remaining moisture and gives the wings that golden crisp.
Air Fry the Wings
- Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Make the Citrus Glaze
- While the wings are air frying, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, tomato paste (or ketchup), salt, dried garlic, and pepper. Stir well and let the glaze simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened and aromatic.
Combine and Finish
- Once the wings are done, transfer them directly into the pan with the hot citrus glaze. Mix everything gently but thoroughly for 1–2 minutes, allowing the wings to soak up the sauce and get beautifully coated. Serve warm, optionally with fresh herbs or dipping sauce on the side.
Ready to Serve
- Transfer the crispy wings into the warm citrus glaze and let them finish together. Plate and serve hot with fresh herbs or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy every tangy, golden bite!
Notes
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