You know those nights when you’re craving something crispy, sticky, and just a little bit fancy? That’s when my peach bourbon air fryer wings come to the rescue. I stumbled onto this combo during a summer BBQ when I accidentally knocked over my cocktail into the wing sauce—best kitchen oops ever! The air fryer gives you that perfect crispy skin without all the oil, and the peach bourbon glaze? Oh wow. It’s this magical balance of sweet, smoky, and just enough kick to make you go back for thirds.
What I love most is how ridiculously easy these wings are. Twenty minutes in the air fryer while you mix up that gorgeous glaze, and boom—you’ve got restaurant-quality wings that’ll have everyone asking for your secret. Trust me, once you try that peach-bourbon magic clinging to crispy wings, there’s no going back to plain old buffalo sauce.
Why You’ll Love These Peach Bourbon Air Fryer Wings
Let me count the ways these wings will steal your heart (and probably your appetite):
- Crazy crispy without the grease – That air fryer magic gives you perfect crackly skin while cutting way down on oil
- Sweet meets smoky in every bite – Peach preserves and bourbon create this irresistible glaze that’s not too sweet, not too boozy – just right
- Ready before takeout would arrive – Less than 30 minutes from fridge to plate, even with the glaze prep
- Way healthier than deep-fried – All the flavor of bar wings without that heavy, greasy after-feeling
- Totally foolproof – Even my 12-year-old can make these without setting off the smoke alarm
Seriously, these wings check every box for game day, date night, or just because-it’s-Tuesday cravings.
Ingredients for Peach Bourbon Air Fryer Wings
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these sticky-sweet wings sing:
- 2 lbs chicken wings – I like the drumettes and flats separated, but whole wings work too
- 1/2 cup peach preserves – The chunkier the better! Smucker’s or Bonne Maman work great
- 1/4 cup bourbon – Use whatever you’ve got, though I’m partial to Maker’s Mark for this
- 2 tbsp soy sauce – Low-sodium works if you’re watching salt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar – That tang cuts through the sweetness perfectly
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Fresh minced garlic burns too easily in the air fryer
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – The secret smoky backbone of the flavor
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly cracked if you’ve got it
- 1/2 tsp salt – Adjust to taste after mixing the sauce
Pro tip: If you’re out of peach preserves, apricot jam makes a decent substitute – just add a pinch more smoked paprika.
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to grab from your kitchen:
- Air fryer – Any size works, but leave space between wings
- Mixing bowl – For that glorious peach bourbon sauce
- Basting brush – The silicone kind won’t lose bristles in your glaze
Nice-to-haves: tongs for flipping, a meat thermometer if you’re extra careful, and paper towels for those inevitable sticky fingers.
How to Make Peach Bourbon Air Fryer Wings
Okay, let’s get these wings from dream to reality – it’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have sticky, crispy perfection in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
First, grab those wings and pat them really dry with paper towels – this is the secret to extra crispiness! While you’re at it, mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Don’t be shy with that bourbon – the alcohol cooks off, leaving just that amazing flavor. Toss the wings in the sauce until they’re completely coated. I like using my hands (washed, of course!) to really massage that glaze into every nook and cranny.
Step 2: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes – this gives you that instant crisp when the wings hit the basket. Arrange them in a single layer with some space between each piece (crowding = soggy wings, and nobody wants that). Cook for 12 minutes, then flip them over – I use tongs because that glaze gets hot! Another 12 minutes and they should be golden brown and crispy. If you’re unsure, check that the internal temp hits 165°F.
Step 3: Glaze and Serve
Now for the best part – brush those gorgeous wings with any remaining sauce for extra flavor. I like to sprinkle on some chopped green onions or sesame seeds for color. Serve immediately while they’re piping hot and crispy – though fair warning, these disappear fast! A little bowl of extra sauce on the side never hurts either.
Tips for the Best Peach Bourbon Air Fryer Wings
Want restaurant-quality wings every time? Here are my hard-earned tricks:
- Patience pays off – Let wings sit uncovered in the fridge for an hour before cooking for maximum crispiness
- Sauce control – If your glaze seems too thin, simmer it for 5 minutes to thicken before basting
- Know your air fryer – Smaller models may need batches, while larger ones might cook faster – check early!
- Spice it up – Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you like heat with your sweet
Remember, wings continue crisping as they rest – resist eating them straight from the basket!
Variations to Try
Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the basic peach bourbon magic, try these fun twists:
- Spicy peach – Add a tablespoon of sriracha or diced jalapeños to the glaze
- Honey bourbon – Swap peach preserves for honey and add orange zest
- Smoky maple – Use maple syrup instead of preserves with extra smoked paprika
- Diet-friendly – Sugar-free preserves work surprisingly well (just go easy on the salt)
- Bourbon-free – Substitute apple juice in a pinch – still delicious!
Really, once you’ve got that crispy air fryer method down, the flavor combos are endless. What’ll you try first?
Serving Suggestions
These wings deserve the perfect supporting cast! I love them with:
- Creamy coleslaw – That cool crunch balances the sticky glaze
- Chilled ranch or blue cheese – For classic wing-dipping action
- Crisp celery sticks – The fresh crunch cuts through the richness
Don’t forget plenty of napkins – things get gloriously messy!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? (Unlikely, but just in case!) These wings keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When you’re ready for round two, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up like magic. Microwave reheating? Don’t do it – you’ll lose that perfect crunch we worked so hard for!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick heads up – these numbers are rough estimates since brands vary. Your peach bourbon wings might clock in around 280 calories per serving, with that sweet-spicy glaze adding about 12g sugar. Remember, air frying cuts way down on fat compared to deep-fried versions! For more context on how cooking methods affect nutrition, you can check out general health guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these wings instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get quite as crispy, but that peach bourbon glaze still shines.
How can I make these wings spicier?
Easy! Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the glaze or mix in some hot sauce with the peach preserves. My favorite trick? A pinch of cayenne right before serving for that sneaky heat.
Will the alcohol cook out completely?
Most of it does during cooking, but if you’re concerned, simmer the sauce separately for 5 minutes before glazing. The flavor stays amazing even without the booze kick.
Can I use frozen wings?
You can, but thaw them first and pat extra dry. Frozen wings straight into the air fryer get too soggy – trust me, I learned this the messy way!
What if my glaze is too thin?
No worries! Just simmer it in a small saucepan for a few minutes to thicken up. It’ll stick to those wings like edible gold. If you need other quick cooking hacks, check out this guide on air fryer beef meatballs for inspiration.
Crispy Peach Bourbon Air Fryer Wings in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Crispy and flavorful peach bourbon wings cooked in an air fryer for a healthier twist.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/2 cup peach preserves
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix peach preserves, bourbon, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Toss the wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12 minutes, flip the wings, and cook for another 12 minutes.
- Brush with extra sauce before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, let the wings sit uncovered in the fridge for 1 hour before cooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model.
- Serve with extra sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American