If you are on the hunt for a game-changing snack or appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe, look no further than this vibrant, finger-licking delight: the Coca Cola Air Fryer Wings Recipe. These wings are the perfect marriage of crispy exterior and tender, juicy inside, all coated in a rich, sweet, and tangy glaze made from Cherry Coke and spices. Trust me, once you try these wings, you’ll be hooked on their irresistible flavor and the incredible convenience that the air fryer brings to the table. Whether it’s for game day, a party, or just a craving for something special, this recipe will not disappoint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe, but each item plays a crucial role in creating the perfect flavor balance and texture that make these wings shine. From the savory garlic salt to the luscious honey, every component adds a layer of deliciousness that you’ll appreciate.
- Chicken wings (3 – 4 pounds): The star of the show, these provide that flavorful, crispy base.
- Garlic Salt – to taste: Adds a punch of savory goodness right at the start.
- Pepper – to taste: Gives a subtle heat and depth to the wings.
- Cherry Coke (1 bottle, 20 ounces): Brings sweetness and a unique caramel undertone that perfectly complements the spices.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup): Enhances the sweetness and helps form that sticky glaze.
- Tomato Paste (6 ounces): Adds richness and a slightly tangy base to the sauce.
- Minced Garlic (2 teaspoons): Injects fresh, aromatic punch to the sauce.
- Tabasco Sauce (3-4 drops): Just a touch for a subtle kick of heat without overpowering.
- Paprika (1 tablespoon): Brings a smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- Dry Mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a hint of sharpness that brightens the glaze.
- Honey (â…“ cup): Gives a beautiful glossy finish with a natural sweetness that balances the spice perfectly.
How to Make Coca Cola Air Fryer Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Par-Cook the Wings
Start by laying out your chicken wings on a sheet of parchment paper for easy seasoning. Sprinkle garlic salt and pepper evenly over the wings to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Pop them into your air fryer at 400 degrees for 4 minutes to get a head start on crisping the skin and rendering some fat. Meanwhile, combine your sauce ingredients in a heavy saucepan: the Cherry Coca Cola, brown sugar, tomato paste, garlic, Tabasco, paprika, dry mustard, and honey. Bring this luscious mixture to a boil, let it cook for a minute, then turn off the heat to cool slightly. This sauce is where the magic happens—full of that signature sweet and tangy vibe.
Step 2: Dip, Cook, and Repeat
Grab the wings carefully with tongs and dip each one into your warm sauce, rolling them around to coat every inch thoroughly. Once coated, place them in the air fryer basket until it’s full. Cook the wings for 11 minutes at 400 degrees. After that, remove the basket, dip all wings again in the sauce to build up layers of flavor and glaze, then return to cook for another 10 minutes. Continue this process of dipping and cooking until all the wings have been beautifully glazed and cooked through. This layering technique ensures maximum saucy, caramelized goodness accompanied by a perfect crispy bite.
How to Serve Coca Cola Air Fryer Wings Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Coca Cola Air Fryer Wings Recipe even further, consider a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serving with crunchy celery sticks not only adds a textural contrast but also helps to refresh your palate between spicy bites. A cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dip is a classic companion that complements the sweet and smoky wings effortlessly.
Side Dishes
Pairing these wings with crispy fries, a tangy coleslaw, or even a light cucumber salad creates a balanced plate. The crispy fries echo the crunch of the wings, while the creamy or vinegary sides help balance out the rich, sticky glaze. These sides will have your meal feeling complete and indulgent without being overwhelming.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to make these wings the star of your next gathering? Serve them on a large wooden board lined with parchment paper with small ramekins of dipping sauces arranged around. Add some fun with colorful napkins and maybe some pickled vegetables on the side to cut through the richness. You can even skewer the wings for a mess-free party snack that’s easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken wings are always tempting to eat all at once, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, retaining most of their flavor and texture with proper reheating.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious wings for longer, you can freeze them after cooking and cooling completely. Place the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months, making for a fantastic make-ahead treat.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in your air fryer at 350 degrees for about 5-7 minutes. This method crisps up the skin again without drying out the meat, preserving that wonderful balance of crispy and juicy that makes the Coca Cola Air Fryer Wings Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use regular Coke instead of Cherry Coke?
Absolutely! While Cherry Coke adds a lovely cherry undertone, regular Coke will still provide that signature sweetness and caramel flavor that the sauce needs. Feel free to experiment to see which you prefer.
Do I need to marinate the wings before cooking?
Not necessary for this recipe since the wings get coated multiple times during cooking in the sauce. The process of dipping and cooking builds flavor beautifully without the need for long marinating.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, though the air fryer gives the wings that perfect crisp without excess oil. You can bake them in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit on a wire rack for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, then proceed with the dipping and glazing steps.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is quite mild, thanks to just a few drops of Tabasco. You can adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more or less, or even swapping it out for a hotter sauce if you love spicy wings.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just be sure to cook the wings in batches in your air fryer so they cook evenly and get that crispy exterior. Doubling the sauce ingredients also ensures enough glaze to coat all the wings perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Making the Coca Cola Air Fryer Wings Recipe is not just about enjoying a magnificent meal, it’s about creating memories over great food that’s surprisingly simple to make. The unique blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors, combined with the crunch of air frying, makes these wings a standout in any setting. Give it a try, invite some friends over, and watch these wings disappear faster than you can say “pass me another!”
Print
Coca Cola Air Fryer Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 41 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Coca Cola Air Fryer Wings are a deliciously sweet and spicy treat featuring crispy air-fried chicken wings coated in a rich, tangy sauce made from Cherry Coke, brown sugar, tomato paste, and a blend of spices. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer to achieve a crispy exterior without the mess of deep frying, these wings are an irresistible appetizer or snack served best with ranch dressing and celery sticks.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 3 – 4 pounds Chicken wings
- Garlic Salt – to taste
- Pepper – to taste
Sauce
- 1 Bottle of Cherry Coke (20 ounces)
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 small can of Tomato Paste (6 ounces)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 to 4 drops Tabasco sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon dry Mustard
- 1/3 cup Honey
Instructions
- Initial Seasoning and Pre-Cooking: Lay the chicken wings out on parchment paper and sprinkle evenly with garlic salt and pepper. Place them in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 4 minutes to start rendering the skin and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the wings are pre-cooking, combine Cherry Coke, brown sugar, tomato paste, minced garlic, Tabasco sauce, paprika, dry mustard, and honey in a large heavy saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil, cook for 1 minute to thicken slightly, then turn off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- First Dipping and Cooking: Using tongs, dip the pre-cooked wings into the sauce one by one, rolling them in the pan to fully coat. Place the coated wings back into the air fryer basket, filling it but not overcrowding. Cook at 400°F for 11 minutes, letting the sauce caramelize and the wings crisp further.
- Second Dipping and Final Cooking: Remove the basket after 11 minutes, dip the wings again in the sauce to maximize flavor and moisture, then return them to the air fryer. Cook for an additional 10 minutes at 400°F. Repeat this dipping process until all wings have been fully cooked, sauced, and caramelized.
- Serving: When cooked to perfection with a crispy and sticky coating, remove the wings from the air fryer basket and transfer them to a plate or platter. Serve alongside ranch sauce and celery sticks for a classic wing accompaniment. Enjoy immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- The sauce is best applied multiple times during cooking to create a thick, sticky glaze.
- Adjust the heat of the wings by varying the amount of Tabasco sauce according to preference.
- Allow the sauce to cool slightly before dipping wings to avoid breaking down the coating.
- This recipe works well with other cola varieties but Cherry Coke adds a unique fruity note.
