Name: BBQ Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs chicken wings; 2 cups passata; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 85 g / ⅓ cup brown sugar; 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp tomato purée

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If there’s one recipe that screams crowd-pleaser, it’s BBQ chicken wings. Juicy chicken covered in sticky, smoky, sweet barbecue sauce, it’s the kind of dish that makes people gather around the table with napkins in hand and big smiles on their faces. These wings are finger-licking good, and the best part? You can make them three different ways: baked in the oven, grilled outdoors, or crisped up in your air fryer.

Unlike store-bought BBQ wings that rely on bottled sauce, this recipe features a quick and easy homemade BBQ sauce. With a base of smooth tomato passata, a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, tangy apple cider vinegar, and savory depth from Worcestershire sauce, the flavor is bold and balanced. Whether you’re serving these up for game day, a summer cookout, or just a weeknight dinner, they’ll vanish fast, so you might want to make a double batch!

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Table of Contents

Why This BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe Works

Chicken wings: Naturally juicy with plenty of skin, perfect for getting that crisp exterior and soaking up sauce.
Passata: Smooth and rich, creating a velvety base for the homemade BBQ sauce.
Onion powder: Adds savory depth without the hassle of chopping fresh onions.
Garlic powder: Brings warmth and flavor that balances the sweetness.
Brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce while helping it caramelize into a sticky glaze.
Apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the sweetness with tangy brightness.
Worcestershire sauce: Boosts the sauce with smoky, umami undertones.
Tomato purée: Enhances the richness of the sauce and thickens it slightly.

This balance of sweet, tangy, smoky, and savory flavors makes the wings completely irresistible, while marinating ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Method:

Step 1: Make the BBQ sauce

In a saucepan, add passata, onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato purée. Simmer gently, stirring until thickened but still pourable.

Step 2: Prep the wings

Trim off wing tips (optional) and separate into drums and flats if you like, I tend to leave them whole. Pat dry with paper towels so the sauce sticks better and the skin crisps up.

Step 3: Marinate

Coat the wings in most of the BBQ sauce (save some for brushing later). Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Cook the wings

Oven baked BBQ chicken wings: Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C). Bake wings on a lined tray for 30–40 minutes, flipping halfway and brushing with sauce.
Air fryer BBQ wings: Heat to 350°F (175°C). Cook for 20 minutes, flipping once. Brush with extra sauce at the end.
Grilled BBQ wings: Grill over medium heat for about 15 minutes, turning often and basting with sauce.

how to make bbq chicken wings in the air fryer

Step 5: Serve

Brush wings with any remaining sauce and serve immediately. Expect sticky fingers, messy napkins, and zero leftovers.

Recipe FAQ

Q1: Can I use ketchup instead of passata?
Yes, but it’ll be sweeter. Passata gives a fresher tomato flavor.

Q2: How long do I need to marinate the wings?
At least 2 hours, but overnight gives the best flavor.

Q3: Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead?
Definitely. It keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Q4: What’s the best way to reheat BBQ wings?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Q5: Can I freeze BBQ chicken wings?
Yes—freeze cooked wings in a single layer, then reheat in the oven.

Q6: How do I know when wings are cooked through?
They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q7: Can I make these spicy?
Yes! Stir in cayenne, chili powder, or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.

Variations

Spicy BBQ Wings: Add chili powder or hot sauce for heat.
Honey BBQ Wings: Stir in honey for a stickier glaze.
Smoky BBQ Wings: Mix in smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
Asian-Style BBQ Wings: Use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire and add ginger.
Buffalo-BBQ Hybrid Wings: Blend hot sauce into the BBQ sauce for sweet heat.

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