Easy Jerk Chicken Wings Recipe

“Discover the tantalizing flavors of our irresistible jerk chicken wings recipe. Indulge in a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy goodness that will have your taste buds dancing. Follow our simple steps to create these finger-licking wings that are guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering. Get ready to elevate your culinary game with this crowd-pleasing dish!”

Table of Contents

Easy Jerk Chicken Wings

These easy Jerk chicken wings are packed with spicy and flavorful jerk seasoning. They are cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, all in just 30 minutes in the oven. Jerk seasoning is a robust spice blend that originated from Jamaica and it adds a unique and iconic flavor to these wings. You can make your own jerk seasoning using a complex mix of individual seasonings, or you can easily buy it pre-made. The seasoning can be made into a marinade by mixing it with olive oil and coating the wings, or it can be used as a dry rub for storing.

To make the traditional wet jerk marinade, mix up the jerk marinade ingredients in a bowl or food processor until you get a paste-like consistency. Coat the chicken wings in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. While marinating is not strictly necessary, it enhances the flavors of the chicken wings even more.

There are several ways to cook chicken wings, but baking and air frying are two popular methods. To bake the wings, coat them with jerk seasoning and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to ensure they become crispy and browned. In an air fryer, simply place the seasoned wings in the basket and cook at 400°F for 20 minutes, shaking halfway through cooking for even crispiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these easy Jerk chicken wings, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Chicken Wings – plan for about 1/3 pounds of chicken wings per person.
Olive Oil – This will help make the seasoning a wet rub so that it sticks to the chicken wings better and helps to crisp them up.

Jerk Seasoning – You can make your own jerk seasoning using a blend of spices like ground thyme, brown sugar, soy sauce, white vinegar, ground allspice, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, dried ginger, and Scotch Bonnet peppers. Alternatively, you can buy pre-made jerk seasoning from the store.

How to Make Your Own Jerk Seasoning

Jerk seasoning is a complex blend of spices that originates from Jamaica. While you can buy pre-made jerk seasoning, making your own allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. Here’s how to make your own jerk seasoning:

In a bowl, combine the following spices: ground thyme, brown sugar, soy sauce, white vinegar, ground allspice, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, dried ginger. For extra heat, add Scotch Bonnet peppers.

Mix all the spices together until well combined. You can adjust the quantities of each spice according to your preference for flavor and spiciness.

Store the jerk seasoning in an airtight container until ready to use. It can be used as a dry rub or mixed with olive oil to create a marinade for chicken wings or other meats.

How to Cook Jerk Chicken Wings

To cook jerk chicken wings, start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Rinse and pat dry the chicken wings, then place them in a large mixing bowl.

In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning and olive oil. Stir well to mix the ingredients. Pour the jerk seasoning mixture over the chicken wings in the mixing bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated.

Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors of the jerk seasoning to marinate into the chicken wings.

After marinating, transfer the chicken wings onto a baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

After 15 minutes, flip the chicken wings over to ensure even cooking. Continue baking until the wings become crispy and browned. If needed, you can leave them in for a bit longer until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

Baking Chicken Wings

To bake the chicken wings, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Rinse and pat dry the chicken wings, then place them in a large mixing bowl. In a small bowl, mix together the jerk seasoning and olive oil until well combined. Pour the jerk seasoning mixture over the chicken wings and toss to coat evenly.

Place the coated chicken wings on a baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, flipping them over halfway through cooking. The wings should become crispy and browned. If they’re not quite crispy enough after 30 minutes, leave them in for a bit longer.

Air Frying Chicken Wings

Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy method that yields perfectly crispy and juicy results. To start, preheat the air fryer to 365°F (185°C) for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, rinse and pat dry the chicken wings. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning with olive oil to create a wet rub. Stir well to mix the seasoning evenly.

Add the chicken wings to the mixing bowl and toss them to coat thoroughly with the jerk seasoning mixture. Make sure each wing is coated evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to marinate into the meat.

Cosori 5-Qt Air Fryer

The Cosori 5-Qt Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that allows you to cook your favorite foods with little to no oil. It features a spacious 5-quart capacity, making it perfect for cooking large batches of chicken wings. The air fryer preheats quickly and evenly, ensuring that your wings are cooked to perfection every time.

One of the best features of the Cosori 5-Qt Air Fryer is its ease of use. Simply preheat the fryer, toss the chicken wings in jerk seasoning and olive oil, and place them in the fryer basket. Set the temperature and timer, and let the air fryer do all the work. The fryer’s high-powered fan circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy and tender.

Cleaning up after cooking is a breeze with the Cosori 5-Qt Air Fryer. The removable nonstick basket is dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and easy. With its compact design and sleek stainless steel finish, this air fryer will look great on any countertop.

Grilling Chicken Wings

Grilling chicken wings is a popular method for cooking them, as it imparts a smoky flavor and adds a nice char to the wings. To grill chicken wings, preheat your outdoor grill to 400°F (200°C). Once hot, place the marinated wings on the grill grates. Grill the wings for about 10-15 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and cooking. Once cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Baking chicken wings is another easy and convenient way to cook them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake the wings for about 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. The wings should be crispy and browned when done. If needed, you can leave them in the oven for a bit longer if they’re not fully crisped up. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Air frying is a popular cooking method that results in crispy chicken wings without using much oil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook the wings for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. The air fryer will give you perfectly juicy and crispy wings in no time. Remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

How to Reheat Chicken Wings

There are several methods you can use to reheat chicken wings, but one of the best ways is with an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 365°F (185°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This will help ensure that they heat evenly and become nice and crispy.

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also reheat chicken wings in a toaster oven or a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the wings on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Another option is to reheat the wings in a microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are hot all the way through.

Questions About Jerk Chicken Wings

1. What is jerk seasoning and where does it originate from?

2. Can I make my own jerk seasoning or should I buy it?

3. How can I marinate the chicken wings with jerk seasoning?

4. What are the different ways to cook chicken wings with jerk seasoning?

5. How can I reheat chicken wings with jerk seasoning?

6. What are the typical spices used in jerk seasoning?

7. Is jerk seasoning spicy? Can I make it less spicy?

8. What are some suggested side dishes to serve with jerk chicken wings?

9. Can I use an air fryer to cook the chicken wings?

10. How long do I need to bake/grill/air fry the chicken wings for them to be fully cooked?

What to Serve With Chicken Wings

When serving chicken wings, it’s always a good idea to have some delicious sides to accompany them. Here are a few options:

1. Bacon & Jalapeno Corn Salad: This salad combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the spicy kick of jalapenos, mixed with sweet corn for a tasty and refreshing side dish.

2. Chipotle Coleslaw: Give your coleslaw a twist by adding chipotle peppers for a smoky and slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the jerk seasoning on the wings.

3. Classic Wedge Salad: A simple yet satisfying option, the classic wedge salad features crisp iceberg lettuce, creamy blue cheese dressing, and crispy bacon bits.

4. Mac & Cheese: Indulge in some comfort food by serving macaroni and cheese as a side dish. The creamy and cheesy pasta complements the flavorful jerk wings perfectly.

5. Baked Beans: For a hearty side, try serving baked beans alongside your chicken wings. The sweet and savory flavors of the beans will complement the spicy seasoning on the wings.

No matter which side dishes you choose, they are sure to enhance your dining experience and provide a balanced meal with your delicious jerk chicken wings.

In conclusion, this jerk chicken wings recipe offers a delicious and flavorful twist on a classic dish. By marinating the wings in a blend of spices and allowing them to grill to perfection, you can enjoy a tantalizing combination of heat and sweetness. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, these jerk chicken wings are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

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Chef David

Hey, I'm David Everett and I'm an Executive Chef/Owner of The Trellis. I took over the reins of The Trellis from Chef Marcel DeSaulniers, reenergizing and renovating the Williamsburg landmark, bringing updated modern American fare to the visitors on Duke of Gloucester Street. I'm here to help you learn more about grilling, smoking, and backyard BBQ! With almost 4 decades of manning the grill and helping over 25,000 aspiring grill masters, you're in great hands! I've tried just about every type of grill, accessory, and gadget you can imagine. Because of that, I am here to help guide you to the best of the best and help you save time and money by avoiding the junk.