Sticky Pineapple-Teriyaki Chicken Wings
Enjoy irresistibly crispy and tender Sticky Pineapple-Teriyaki Chicken Wings coated in a luscious glaze combining sweet pineapple notes with savory teriyaki flavors. Perfect for any occasion, these wings are easy to make with simple ingredients and offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors wrapped in a delightful crunch.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds fresh chicken wings (party-sized, separated into wingettes and drumettes if desired)
Coating
- 1/2 cup cornstarch or flour
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sticky Pineapple-Teriyaki Glaze
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 3/4 cup teriyaki sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha for heat
For Cooking
- 1/2 cup neutral cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil) for frying or as needed for roasting
Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Optional: additional chili flakes for sprinkling
- Prepare the Wings: Rinse the chicken wings thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Separating wingettes and drumettes is optional but makes eating easier.
- Coat for Crispiness: In a large bowl, toss the wings with cornstarch or flour along with a pinch of salt and pepper until evenly coated. This helps create a crispy outer layer during cooking.
- Make the Pineapple-Teriyaki Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir frequently and simmer until the mixture thickens and becomes sticky, about 8-10 minutes. Add chili flakes or sriracha if using for a spicy kick.
- Cook the Wings: You can fry the wings in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes), or arrange them on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness. For a healthier option, use an air fryer following the manufacturer’s instructions for crisp chicken wings.
- Toss Wings in Glaze: Transfer the hot cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour the warm pineapple-teriyaki glaze over them and gently toss to coat every wing evenly with the sticky sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the glazed wings. Add extra chili flakes for heat if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Pat wings thoroughly dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Simmer glaze until it thickly coats the back of a spoon to avoid soggy wings.
- Arrange wings in a single layer without overcrowding while cooking to ensure even browning.
- Taste and adjust the glaze sweetness and saltiness by modifying honey and teriyaki amounts.
- Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the glaze’s vibrant flavor greatly.
- Frozen wings can be used if fully thawed and dried before cooking.
- Baking is a healthier alternative to frying and still achieves great crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, select gluten-free teriyaki sauce and use cornstarch for coating.
- Freeze uncooked wings before glazing for up to 2 months to maintain quality.
- Reheat wings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, brushing with extra glaze if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 wings
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: sticky chicken wings, pineapple chicken wings, teriyaki wings, party appetizer, gluten-free wings, crispy chicken wings, sweet and savory wings