Name: Sweet and Sour Wings
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 2 ½ pounds chicken wings and drumettes; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 16 ounce pineapple juice; ¼ cup rice vinegar; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup ketchup; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water

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There’s something undeniably comforting about diving into a plate of Sweet and Sour Wings. For me, these wings evoke memories of family gatherings, game days, and the kind of evenings where you just want to kick back and enjoy something finger-lickin’ good. Whether you’re hosting friends for a big event or simply treating yourself after a long day, these wings are the perfect answer to that craving for something sweet yet tangy. The best part? They’re simple to prepare, and the flavors blend beautifully for a truly irresistible taste experience.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 10 mins

Prep Time:
25 mins

Cook Time:
45 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
28 g

Diet:
Whole30, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Whisk, Oven, Saucepan, Baking Sheet

Why This Sweet and Sour Wings Shines

Perfect Balance of Flavors

One of the things I love about Sweet and Sour Wings is how they perfectly balance the contrasting flavors. The sweetness from the brown sugar and pineapple juice harmoniously mingles with the tangy rice vinegar and ketchup, creating a sauce that you’ll want to slather on everything. It’s a flavor explosion that tantalizes the taste buds!

Crispy Texture

Achieving that perfect crispy skin is essential, and this recipe delivers just that. Baked to golden perfection, the wings are coated in a light layer of baking powder, ensuring they crisp up beautifully in the oven. You won’t even miss frying them!

Easy to Customize

Another fantastic aspect of these wings is their versatility. You can easily adjust the sweetness or tanginess to suit your palate. Prefer it sweeter? Add a little more brown sugar or pineapple juice. Want it more tangy? A dash more vinegar will do the trick. This flexibility makes Sweet and Sour Wings a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Great for Any Occasion

These wings are a hit at parties, game nights, or even a cozy dinner at home. They bring people together and are perfect for sharing. Plus, they can be served with a variety of sides, making them an ideal choice for any meal.

Simple Ingredients

You don’t need a lengthy list of fancy ingredients for this dish. Most of what you need is likely already in your pantry. That’s another reason why I adore Sweet and Sour Wings: it’s straightforward and budget-friendly.

Family Favorite

Finally, this recipe has become a family favorite in my home. My kids love the sweet sauce, and I appreciate how easy it is to whip up. It’s always a joy to serve a dish that brings smiles to everyone’s faces!

What You’ll Need for Sweet and Sour Wings

When it comes to making Sweet and Sour Wings, the quality of your ingredients can make a real difference. Each component has its own role, contributing to that delicious flavor and satisfying texture. From the savory chicken wings to the sweet and tangy sauce, these ingredients work together harmoniously.

2 ½ pounds chicken wings and drumettes: The star of the dish, these wings are succulent and juicy, perfect for absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: This helps achieve that coveted crispiness when baking the wings.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of your wings.
16-ounce can pineapple juice: Adds sweetness and acidity, balancing the flavors.
¼ cup rice vinegar: Gives the sauce a delightful tang that complements the sweetness.
½ cup brown sugar: Provides rich sweetness and depth to the sauce.
¼ cup ketchup: Contributes to the sauce’s flavor and texture, making it thick and delicious.
3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a savory element that deepens the flavor profile.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, creating a luscious coating for the wings.
2 tablespoons water: Helps mix the cornstarch and achieve the right consistency in the sauce.

Directions for Sweet and Sour Wings

Making Sweet and Sour Wings is a straightforward process that yields irresistible results. Follow these steps for perfectly crispy and flavorful wings.

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier, and place a baking rack on top. This allows air to circulate around the wings, helping them get crispy.
Take the chicken wings and drumettes and pat them dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step as it helps the skin to crisp up nicely. Then, place them in a large bowl.
Add the baking powder and kosher salt to the bowl. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated. You’ll notice that the baking powder gives them a nice coating.
Arrange the wings on the baking rack, ensuring they’re spaced out and not touching. This is key for achieving that golden crunch all around.
Bake the wings for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them crispy and golden, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.
While the wings bake, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Heat over medium-high, stirring to combine until it simmers.
In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. Once the sauce is simmering, whisk in this slurry and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and feels luxurious.
Once the wings are out of the oven, transfer them to a large heat-safe bowl. Pour about two-thirds of the sauce over the wings and toss them to ensure they’re well coated.
Serve the wings right away, with the extra sauce on the side for dipping. Your guests will be diving in for seconds!

Things Worth Knowing

Ensure even cooking: Make sure the wings are arranged in a single layer on the rack. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy all over.
Don’t skip drying: Patting the wings dry before seasoning is crucial for that coveted crispiness.
Adjust your sauce: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients to cater to your taste. More sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang can be easily adjusted.
Thickening the sauce: If the sauce doesn’t thicken as you like, a little extra cornstarch slurry can help achieve your desired consistency.

Make It Your Own

While the Sweet and Sour Wings recipe is fantastic as it is, here are some tips to help you personalize it further.

Fry instead of bake: For an alternative approach, consider frying the wings in oil heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 12 minutes. This will give you that extra crunch and flavor.
Air Fryer method: If you’re using an air fryer, arrange the wings in the basket without overcrowding. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 18 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
Experiment with spices: You can add garlic powder or pepper to the wings before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
Try different sauces: Mix it up with different sauce variations. A sweet chili sauce can replace the pineapple juice for a different twist.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
Freezing: These wings can be frozen for up to three months. Just freeze them before adding the sauce for optimal results.
Pairing: Serve these wings with fresh veggies, a crisp salad, or fluffy rice to balance out the flavors.

Best Served With

When it comes to serving your delicious Sweet and Sour Wings, the choices are plentiful. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

Crispy fries: A side of golden, crispy fries pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy wings.
Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds a crunch and a creamy element that complements the wings beautifully.
Steamed rice: Serving wings over a bed of fluffy rice soaks up the sauce and adds a filling component to the meal.
Vegetable platter: Fresh veggies, such as carrots and cucumbers, provide a crunchy, healthy side to balance the rich flavors of the wings.
Perfect for gatherings: These wings are fantastic for parties and game days, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Seasonal twist: During summer, consider serving these with a light salad to refresh the palate.
Family dinners: Perfect for cozy family meals, they can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.

FAQ

The magic of Sweet and Sour Wings lies in the perfect blend of flavors. The sweetness from the brown sugar and pineapple juice is balanced by the tanginess of rice vinegar and soy sauce, creating a sauce that’s deliciously complex. Each bite offers a crispy exterior and tender meat inside, making them irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer or a main course, they’re sure to impress and satisfy.

Absolutely! One of the best features of this Sweet and Sour Wings recipe is its flexibility. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a little more brown sugar or pineapple juice. Conversely, if you’re leaning towards a tangier flavor, simply increase the amount of rice vinegar. This allows you to tailor the recipe to your taste, ensuring that it’s just how you like it.

If you have any leftover Sweet and Sour Wings, storing them is easy! Simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will typically last for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the wings in the oven to restore their crispiness. This way, you can savor the delicious flavors even after the first serving!

Yes, you can definitely make Sweet and Sour Wings in an air fryer! To do this, spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray and arrange the wings in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 18 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway for even cooking. This method will yield deliciously crispy wings with less oil than traditional frying.

When serving Sweet and Sour Wings, there are plenty of delicious side options to consider. Crispy fries are always a favorite, or you could go for a refreshing coleslaw to balance the flavors. Additionally, fluffy rice or steamed vegetables make for excellent complements. These sides not only enhance the meal but also help soak up the tasty sauce!

Conclusion

The Sweet and Sour Wings are more than just a recipe; they’re a celebration of flavors that brings people together. These wings are crispy, tangy, and sweet, making them a hit at any gathering. I encourage you to try these at your next dinner or party, as they’re sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the process of making them and the joy they bring to your meal!