If you’re craving wings with a sweet, tangy twist and that irresistible finger-licking flavor, then you’re going to adore this Coca Cola Air Fryer Wings Recipe. The magic lies in a luscious sauce made from Cherry Coke, brown sugar, and a blend of spices that caramelizes perfectly in the air fryer, giving you wings that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and layered with deep, complex flavor. It’s an easy recipe that turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable snack or meal that your family and friends will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that work together to create a dynamic taste and texture. Each element is essential, from the savory chicken wings to the sweet and tangy Cherry Coke glaze that makes these wings so special.
- 3 – 4 pounds Chicken wings: The perfect base for absorbing the sauce and crisping up in the air fryer.
- Garlic Salt – to taste: Adds a savory depth and enhances overall seasoning.
- Pepper – to taste: Provides a subtle heat and balances out the sweetness.
- 1 Bottle of Cherry Coke (20 ounces): The star ingredient, adding sweetness and a hint of fruitiness that caramelizes beautifully.
- 1 cup Brown Sugar: Gives the sauce a rich molasses undertone and helps with that sticky glaze.
- 1 small can Tomato Paste (6 ounces): Adds thickness and a slight acidity to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Brings aromatic pungency and a savory kick.
- 3-4 drops of Tabasco sauce: Just enough heat to keep things exciting without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 Tablespoon Paprika: Adds smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- 1 teaspoon dry Mustard: Contributes a slight tang and depth of flavor.
- 1/3 cup Honey: Enhances the sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze texture that clings to the wings.
How to Make Coca Cola Air Fryer Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Initial Cook
Start by laying out your wings on parchment paper, then seasoning generously with garlic salt and pepper. This simple seasoning step is crucial for layering flavors. Place the wings in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 4 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the magical sauce by combining the Cherry Coke, brown sugar, tomato paste, minced garlic, Tabasco, paprika, dry mustard, and honey in a large heavy saucepan. Bring the mix to a boil, let it cook for a minute, then turn off the heat and allow it to cool slightly. After the initial cook, grab the wings with tongs and dunk them into the luscious sauce, coating every inch before returning them to the air fryer basket.
Step 2: Cook, Dip, and Repeat
Place the sauced wings back in the air fryer basket and cook for 11 minutes at 400 degrees. Then, pull the basket out, dip the wings again in the sauce to build that irresistible sticky layer, and cook another 10 minutes. Continue this cycle of dipping and cooking until all of the wings are perfectly glazed and cooked through. Each dip builds more flavor and the wings develop a gorgeous caramelized exterior that’s crispy and packed with that unique Coca Cola Air Fryer Wings Recipe taste. When finished, plate the wings and get ready to enjoy a winning combination of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors.
How to Serve Coca Cola Air Fryer Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate the presentation and taste of your Coca Cola Air Fryer Wings Recipe. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and a mild herbal note that cuts through the richness. A few celery sticks alongside bring crunch and freshness to every bite.
Side Dishes
These wings pair wonderfully with classic sides like creamy ranch dipping sauce, which balances the sweetness and heat. For a fuller meal, serve them with crispy fries, classic coleslaw, or a bright cucumber salad. The cold, crisp veggies offer refreshment alongside the warm, sticky wings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party setup, arrange the wings on a large platter lined with parchment paper, surround with wedges of lime or lemon for added zing. You can also serve each guest a small bowl with a mini bunch of celery sticks and a ramekin of your favorite dip. This recipe shines when shared, and how you present it can make the experience even more memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the Coca Cola Air Fryer Wings Recipe even after the initial meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep wings longer, freezing is a great option. Place cooled wings in freezer-safe bags, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Frozen wings will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, use the air fryer again to maintain that crispy texture. Warm them at 350 degrees for about 5-7 minutes, checking to ensure they’re heated through. This method keeps the skin crisp and the sauce sticky, just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use regular Coke instead of Cherry Coke?
Absolutely! Regular Coke will give you a slightly less fruity, more classic cola flavor, but the wings will still be deliciously sweet and sticky. Cherry Coke just adds an extra layer of cherry sweetness that’s pretty delightful.
Do I need to remove the skin from the wings?
No need to remove the skin. The skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer and helps hold the sauce, creating that wonderful texture contrast that everyone loves.
Can I make this recipe in a conventional oven?
Yes, you can bake the wings in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but the air fryer tends to deliver crispier results in less time. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level is quite mild, thanks to just a few drops of Tabasco. If you want more kick, feel free to increase the amount or add a dash of cayenne pepper in the sauce.
Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?
Definitely! Just cook the wings in batches in your air fryer to ensure they cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness. The sauce can be made in a larger pot without any issues.
Final Thoughts
This Coca Cola Air Fryer Wings Recipe quickly becomes a go-to for game days, family dinners, or any time you want flavorful, crave-worthy wings without a fuss. The combination of sweet Cherry Coke glaze and perfectly crisped wings is a winning duo that impresses every time. Give it a try soon—you’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients can turn into such a delightful and memorable meal.
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 perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, thanks to a unique sauce made with Cherry Coke, brown sugar, and spices. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these wings are air-fried to perfection and repeatedly coated with a luscious homemade glaze, making them an irresistible appetizer or game-day treat.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 3 – 4 pounds chicken wings
- Garlic salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 bottle Cherry Coke (20 ounces)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 small can tomato paste (6 ounces)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3–4 drops Tabasco sauce
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/3 cup honey
Serving
- Ranch sauce, for serving
- Celery sticks, for serving
Instructions
- Season and Pre-cook Wings: Lay the chicken wings out on parchment paper and sprinkle them evenly with garlic salt and pepper. Place the wings in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 4 minutes. This initial cooking step helps render some fat and begin crisping the skin.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large heavy saucepan, combine the Cherry Coke, brown sugar, tomato paste, minced garlic, Tabasco sauce, paprika, dry mustard, and honey. Bring the mixture to a boil, cook for 1 minute, then turn off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. This sauce will provide a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze for the wings.
- Coat the Wings: Using tongs, pick up each pre-cooked wing and dip it into the prepared sauce, rolling it around to coat thoroughly. Place the coated wings back into the air fryer basket, filling it without overcrowding.
- Air Fry and Recoat: Place the basket in the air fryer and cook the wings at 400°F for 11 minutes. Remove the basket, dip the wings again in the sauce to add more glaze, and place them back in for an additional 10 minutes. Repeat dipping each wing in the sauce during this cooking process to build layers of flavor and maintain moisture.
- Serve: Once the wings are fully cooked and have a sticky, crispy coating, remove them from the air fryer. Serve immediately with ranch sauce and celery sticks for a classic accompaniment. Enjoy your sweet and spicy Coca Cola wings!
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crisping.
- You can adjust the amount of Tabasco sauce to control the heat level in the sauce.
- For extra crispiness, pat the wings dry before seasoning and cooking.
- This sauce can also be used as a marinade if you let wings soak overnight before cooking.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before using.
