Sweet, sticky, and irresistibly tangy—Air Fryer Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings are the ultimate tropical twist on classic wings. These golden, caramelized wings are coated in a luscious brown sugar-pineapple glaze that delivers bold flavor with every bite. Perfect for game day, parties, or weeknight indulgence—straight from your air fryer!
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (split, tips removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze:
- 1 cup pineapple juice (100% juice, no added sugar)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry to thicken)
How To Make Air Fryer Brown Sugar Pineapple Wings Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Season the Wings
- Pat wings dry with paper towels for a crispy finish.
- Toss wings in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Air Fry the Wings
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place wings in a single layer in the basket (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 24–26 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy. Internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Make the Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze
- In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and continue stirring until glaze thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Coat the Wings
- Transfer cooked wings to a bowl.
- Pour warm glaze over wings and toss until well coated.
- Optional: Return glazed wings to air fryer for 2–3 minutes to caramelize.
You Must Know
- Dry wings = crispier skin. Always pat dry before seasoning.
- Preheating your air fryer ensures even cooking and immediate crisping.
- Homemade glaze > bottled sauce: Using real pineapple juice gives unbeatable tropical flavor.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry—it’s key for a thick, sticky glaze that clings to every bite.
Topping Variations
- Crushed red pepper flakes for a sweet-heat contrast
- Toasted sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired crunch
- Chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color
- Pineapple chunks added after glazing for extra tropical bites
- Lime zest or a squeeze of lime juice for a bright finish
Make It A Meal
Pair your wings with:
- Coconut rice or pineapple fried rice
- Air fryer sweet potato fries or plantain chips
- Tropical slaw with cabbage, mango, and lime
- Grilled corn with chili-lime butter
- A cold drink like pineapple iced tea or a sparkling mocktail
Pro Tips
- Flip halfway through air frying for even browning and crispiness.
- Use parchment liner to catch glaze if you return wings to the air fryer.
- Taste the glaze before using and adjust sweetness or tang as needed.
- For crispier wings, air fry an extra 3 minutes before glazing.
- Make ahead: You can prep the glaze a day ahead and store in the fridge.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugar or syrup.
Can I use drumettes only or whole wings?
Absolutely. Adjust cooking time slightly—whole wings may take 2–3 minutes longer.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default. You can add sriracha or chili flakes for a kick.
Can I bake instead of air fry?
Yes. Bake wings at 425°F (220°C) for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes
