Crispy Baked Tequila Lime Chicken Wings (Air Fryer Option)

These crispy Tequila Lime Chicken Wings are baked to perfection, and then coated in a zesty tequila-infused lime glaze. Great for game day and summer events!

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love These Tequila Lime Chicken Wings
• Tequila Lime Chicken Wing Ingredients
• Ingredient Notes
• How To Make Tequila Lime Chicken Wings
• Substitutions & Variations
• Expert Tips
• Storage
• FAQ
• More Recipe's You'll Love
• Recipe
• Reviews

Why You Will Love These Tequila Lime Chicken Wings

When it comes to game day, Tequila Lime Chicken Wings are the perfect appetizer to serve. These zesty wings are baked in the oven at a high temperature, which helps crisp the outside while keeping a tender juicy center. You could also use an airy fryer, one pound at a time. Once they are cooked, we toss the golden crispy wings in a tangy citrus glaze, infused with tequila, fresh lime, honey, and a touch of heat.

For more wing recipes to serve at your next party, check out our Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings, Honey Mustard Chicken Wings, and Honey Garlic Chicken Wings. Here are some more reasons why you will love these tequila lime wings:

• Crispy, Baked to Perfection. A much healthier method compared to deep frying, baking wings in the oven, or using the air fryer gives the perfect amount of crispiness without using all the oil.
• Healthier Option. Different brands have popularized tequila lime chicken wings, but they often have artificial flavors and preservatives. Cooking at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients that go into the recipe.
• Perfect Party Wings! Everyone loves a great recipe, and these chicken wings are easy to make and bursting with flavor. They can be served on a platter for gatherings like Super Bowl parties, summer events, and holidays.

Tequila Lime Chicken Wing Ingredients

Ingredient Notes

Prep your wings before baking with these ingredients:

• Chicken Wings: 2 pounds, which is about 20-24 wings (make sure the tips are removed and drumettes are separated).
• Avocado Oil: To coat the wings for nice crispy skin. Avocado has a higher smoking point which helps prevent the wings from burning, but you can use extra virgin olive oil. 
• Salt & Black Pepper: Season the wings with plenty of salt and pepper to your liking.

Here’s what you’ll need to make the tequila lime sauce:

• Tequila: You can use any brand of tequila that you prefer. We used Patrón, a silver tequila with a smooth light pepper finish. 
• Limes: You'll use fresh lime juice and lime zest.
• Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.  You can also use agave.
• Minced Garlic: Enhances the flavors in the glaze and adds texture.
• Spices: A combination of ancho chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper gives these wings a spicy flavor.

How To Make Tequila Lime Chicken Wings

• Step 1: Prep the wings. Preheat the oven to 425℉. Layer a piece of parchment paper onto a baking sheet then place a wire rack on top of the parchment paper. Lightly grease the wire rack with a little oil to keep the wings from sticking. Using paper towels, pat the wings dry to remove any moisture. In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with the avocado oil, salt, and black pepper.
• Step 2: Bake the wings. Spread out the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crispy.
• Step 3: Make the glaze. While the wings are cooking, make the glaze. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the tequila, honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin powder, ancho chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer while whisking continuously for 15-20 minutes or until reduced and thickened with a jammy texture.
• Step 4: Set the glaze aside. Turn off the burner and let the glaze rest until the wings are ready. The glaze will thicken as it cools.

• Step 5: Remove the wings from the oven. Once the wings have reached a crispy golden brown color, remove the wings from the oven and add them to a large bowl.
• Step 6: Coat the wings. Pour the glaze on top of the wings, and toss until fully coated. Top with cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.

Substitutions & Variations

• Adjust the level of spice: If ancho chili powder is too spicy for your palate, you can substitute it with regular chili powder or chili lime seasoning.
• Honey alternatives: Both agave syrup and maple syrup work well to sweeten the glaze.
• Use garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic works best, but you could also use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in the sauce.
• Coat the wings in baking powder.  For extra crispiness use 1 tablespoon of baking powder to evenly coat the wings. Then add the salt, black pepper, and oil. 

Expert Tips

• Bring the sauce to a simmer. It’s important to let the sauce simmer so that the tequila can cook down. This may take between 15-20 minutes. Make sure the heat is not too avoid burning the honey.
• Dry the wings: Drying the chicken wings thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning is essential for achieving extra crispy skin. 
• Bake the wings on a wire rack. Placing the wings on a wire baking rack is the best way to help air circulate, making the wings crispier. Make sure to slather the rack with oil to help prevent the wings from sticking.

Storage

• To store: Place any leftover chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• To reheat in the oven: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Cover the wings with foil and reheat for 15-20 minutes or until they’re warmed through.
• To reheat in the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350℉ and cook the wings for just 3 to 5 minutes until they’re warmed through.

FAQ

More Recipe's You'll Love

I hope you love this tequila lime chicken wings recipe as much as I do! If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your review will help other readers in the community.

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