There’s something truly magical about a plate of crispy, saucy chicken wings, especially when they’re coated in a bold, citrusy glaze with just the right amount of heat. These Spicy Orange Chicken Wings strike the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and spicy, making them an irresistible crowd-pleaser.

This recipe brings together the vibrant zest of fresh oranges with a kick of spice, creating a sticky glaze that clings beautifully to crispy, oven-baked or air-fried wings. Whether you’re making these for game day, a casual get-together, or just because you’re craving something delicious, these wings will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor – The combination of sweet orange, spicy seasonings, and a hint of garlic makes these wings absolutely addictive.
• Crispy Without Frying – No need for deep frying! These wings turn out perfectly crispy in the oven or air fryer.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make this a stress-free recipe.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a party, family dinner, or snack time, these wings fit the bill.
• Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice to your preference for a mild or fiery kick.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Spicy Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for slurry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

How to Make Spicy Orange Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings

Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting that crispy skin. In a large bowl, toss the wings with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cornstarch, and olive oil. Make sure each wing is well coated for maximum flavor and crunch.

Step 2: Bake or Air Fry for Crispy Goodness

Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden and crispy.

Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook for 25–30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 5 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Orange Glaze

While the wings are cooking, it’s time to make the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, sriracha, ginger, and garlic. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Once the mixture is bubbling, stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency. This should take about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Once the wings are crispy and cooked through, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the spicy orange glaze over the wings and toss them until they’re fully coated in that delicious, sticky sauce.

Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Helpful Tips

• Pat the wings dry – Removing excess moisture ensures crispier skin.
• Use a wire rack – If baking, placing the wings on a wire rack helps air circulate, making them extra crispy.
• Adjust spice levels – Reduce sriracha and red pepper flakes for a milder flavor or add more for extra heat.
• Make ahead – The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer, Main Course
• Method: Baking, Air Frying
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten-Free (Use tamari instead of soy sauce)

Notes

• You can swap honey for maple syrup if you prefer a different natural sweetener.
• If you like extra crispy wings, broil them for 2–3 minutes after baking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fat: 15g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these wings in advance?

Yes! You can bake or air-fry the wings ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes, then toss them in the warmed glaze.

How do I make these wings less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the sriracha and red pepper flakes. You can also add a little extra honey to balance out the spice.

What should I serve with these wings?

These wings pair well with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or even crispy fries. You can also serve them with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the wings (without sauce) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warmed through, then toss with fresh glaze.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes or air-fry at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

Related Recipes

If you loved these spicy orange chicken wings, you might also enjoy:

• The BEST Mongolian Beef – Tender, Saucy & Better Than Takeout!
• Sweet & Sticky Chicken
• Korean Chicken Skewers

Conclusion

These Spicy Orange Chicken Wings are the perfect blend of crispy, sticky, sweet, and spicy. Whether you’re serving them for a party or a simple weeknight dinner, they’ll be a hit. Best of all, they’re easy to make at home, no deep-frying required!

So go ahead, grab some napkins, and dig into these flavor-packed wings. Let me know how they turn out for you! Happy cooking!

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