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Crispy Sweet Chili Calamansi Chicken Wings made in an air fryer.
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Zesty Sweet Chili Calamansi Chicken Wings

Crispy chicken wings coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy calamansi sauce, perfect for gatherings and easy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Filipino
Keyword: Air Fryer Wings, Calamansi Flavor, Easy Chicken Wings, Party Food, Sweet Chili Sauce
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320kcal

Ingredients

For the Wings

  • 2 pounds Chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch Helps crisp the skin
  • 1 spray Neutral oil spray Optional but helpful
  • 1/2 cup Sweet chili calamansi sauce For tossing the wings

For the Sauce

  • 1/2 cup Sweet chili sauce Bottled kind is fine
  • 1/4 cup Calamansi juice Fresh if possible, bottled as substitute
  • 1 tablespoon Soy sauce For depth
  • 2 cloves Minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili flakes Optional heat
  • 1 teaspoon Honey Optional shine

For the Tofu (Optional)

  • 1 block Extra firm tofu Pressed and cut into cubes
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch For crisp edges

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
  • Pat the chicken wings dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a light dusting of cornstarch.
  • Press the extra firm tofu for 15-20 minutes, then cut into bite-size cubes and toss with salt, garlic powder, and a coat of cornstarch.

Cooking Wings

  • Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • For maximum crispness, increase the temperature to 400°F during the last few minutes.

Making the Sauce

  • In a small saucepan, combine sweet chili sauce, calamansi juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, and optional chili flakes and honey.
  • Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the garlic mellows and the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more calamansi or sweet chili sauce as needed.

Cooking Tofu

  • Cook the tofu in a nonstick or well-seasoned pan over medium heat, letting it sit to develop a crust before flipping.
  • Once golden, transfer tofu to a rack or paper towels to drain. Toss with a little sauce just before serving.

Serving

  • Toss the cooked wings in the sauce just before serving. Serve with extra sauce on the side.
  • Optional: Serve with cold cucumber slices, steamed rice, or a simple slaw.

Notes

For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer. Cook wings in batches. Sauce the wings right before serving for maximum crispness.