The Ultimate Guide to Crispy & Flavorful Instant Pot Chicken Wings
Are you craving perfectly cooked, tender, and incredibly crispy chicken wings but short on time? Look no further! This Instant Pot chicken wings recipe is your ticket to achieving restaurant-quality wings right in your own kitchen, in a fraction of the time. The beauty of pressure cooking lies in its ability to infuse flavor and tenderize chicken quickly, while a brief finish in the oven or air fryer transforms them into golden-brown, irresistibly crispy bites. Whether you’re preparing for a game day feast, a casual family dinner, or a low-carb meal, these wings are versatile enough to suit any occasion.
While often smothered in delicious sauces, these Instant Pot chicken wings are so flavorful they can be enjoyed plain, making them a fantastic low-carb option. The simple spice blend ensures every bite is packed with savory goodness, offering a blank canvas for your favorite glazes and dips.
More Instant Pot Recipes to Love
The Instant Pot truly is a game-changer in the kitchen, making countless dishes easier and faster. If you enjoy the convenience and results from this chicken wings recipe, you’ll love exploring other Instant Pot favorites from my collection. Be sure to check out my Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup for a comforting meal, a creamy and delightful Instant Pot Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding), and a hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew that’s perfect for chilly evenings. These recipes showcase the incredible versatility of your pressure cooker!
Bone-In vs. Boneless: The Ultimate Wing Debate
For me, bone-in chicken wings will always hold a special place in my heart. There’s something undeniably satisfying about holding a perfectly cooked wing and enjoying the rich flavor and texture that only bone-in offers. While boneless wings certainly have their moments, especially for a quick snack or for those who prefer less mess, the classic bone-in wing delivers a superior culinary experience. If you’re as passionate about wings as I am, you absolutely must try some of my other popular wing recipes, like my classic crispy chicken wings, succulent oven-roasted chicken wings, and the ever-popular baked honey BBQ wings. Don’t miss out on these delicious variations!
The Secret to Perfectly Seasoned Instant Pot Wings
The foundation of truly exceptional chicken wings starts with proper seasoning. I am a huge advocate for seasoning chicken generously and thoughtfully. For this Instant Pot chicken wings recipe, I’ve used a blend of granulated garlic, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination creates a robust flavor profile that complements virtually any sauce you choose to add later. However, cooking is a personal journey, and I encourage you to adjust the seasoning to your preferences. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne for heat, a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or even a specialized chicken rub. The goal is to create wings that sing with flavor before any sauce even touches them.
Endless Sauce-abilities: Customize Your Instant Pot Chicken Wings
One of the most exciting aspects of making chicken wings is the freedom to get creative with flavors. While I opted for a classic store-bought barbecue sauce for simplicity and speed in this particular recipe, the possibilities are truly endless. Imagine adding fresh onions and minced garlic to sauté alongside your seasoned chicken wings in the Instant Pot – the aromatics would infuse even more depth of flavor! If you plan to enjoy these wings without sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley after cooking would brighten them beautifully.
For those who love to craft their own sauces, I highly recommend exploring homemade options. Last year, I made a phenomenal Jack Daniels Chicken and Shrimp recipe featuring an absolutely incredible, homemade sauce that would be perfect for these wings. And if you’re looking for another fantastic sauce recipe, my honey-baked turkey wings also come with a delightful glaze that could easily be adapted for chicken. Don’t be afraid to experiment with buffalo sauce, lemon pepper seasoning, a spicy Asian glaze, or even a garlic parmesan coating. The Instant Pot provides the perfect base for any flavor adventure!
Serving Your Instant Pot Chicken Wings: Perfect Pairings
These Instant Pot chicken wings are not just a meal; they’re an experience! Serve them on game day, during a casual get-together, or as a fun weeknight dinner. For the ultimate win, pair them with classic dips like a creamy ranch or a tangy bleu cheese dressing. They also go wonderfully with fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them alongside a crisp green salad, a side of fluffy rice, or some perfectly seasoned french fries. No matter how you serve them, these wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
The Speed Secret: How to Make Crispy Instant Pot Chicken Wings Fast
What truly sets this recipe apart is its incredible speed and efficiency. The best part? These chicken wings fully cook through in a mere 10 minutes in the Instant Pot! This pressure cooking step ensures they are incredibly tender and juicy on the inside. However, to achieve that coveted crispy skin that everyone loves, there’s a crucial second step: a quick roast in a hot oven for an additional 10 minutes or so. This two-step process means you can have perfectly cooked, crispy, and saucy chicken wings ready to devour in approximately 20-25 minutes of active cooking time. You simply cannot beat that for speed and delicious results!
The moment the wings emerge from the Instant Pot, I transfer them to a bowl, toss them generously with barbecue sauce (or your sauce of choice), and then arrange them on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This setup allows for optimal air circulation, ensuring every part of the wing gets wonderfully crispy in the oven. The high heat of 450°F (230°C) is key to developing that golden-brown, satisfyingly crunchy exterior.
Instant Pot Chicken Wings
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in chicken wings
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup bbq sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Drizzle about 3 tbsp of oil in your Instant Pot and press the sauté function. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes until hot.
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Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the bone-in chicken wings to the Instant Pot. Season them immediately and generously with granulated garlic, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
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Stir the wings to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings. Then, pour in the 1 cup of water. This liquid is essential for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.
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Securely seal the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the vent is in the “Sealing” position. Press the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” function and set the cooking time for 10 minutes on high pressure.
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While the wings are pressure cooking, preheat your oven to a high temperature of 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). This ensures it’s ready for crisping the wings.
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Once the 10-minute pressure cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the steam from the Instant Pot. Do not open the lid until the float valve has dropped completely and all the steam has been released.
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Transfer the cooked wings from the Instant Pot to a large mixing bowl. Add the 1 cup of BBQ sauce (or your chosen sauce) to the bowl and toss thoroughly until all the wings are completely and evenly coated.
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Arrange the sauced wings in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This setup helps air circulate around the wings, ensuring maximum crispiness. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the wings are nicely browned and crispy to your liking.
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Serve your crispy Instant Pot chicken wings immediately! They’re fantastic with extra BBQ sauce on the side and a generous helping of ranch or bleu cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy!
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Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Expert Tips for Instant Pot Chicken Wing Success
- Pat Them Dry: Before seasoning and placing wings in the Instant Pot, pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and contributes to a crispier skin in the oven.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Work in batches if necessary during the initial sauté step. Overcrowding the Instant Pot can lead to steaming instead of a light sear, which affects flavor and texture.
- Layer for Crispiness: When transferring to the baking sheet, ensure the wings are arranged in a single layer on a wire rack. This allows hot air to circulate all around each wing, maximizing crispiness.
- Broil for Extra Char: If you love that slightly charred, extra-crispy texture, broil the wings for 1-2 minutes after the initial baking time. Keep a very close eye on them, as they can burn quickly under the broiler.
- Customize Your Spices: While our spice blend is a great starting point, feel free to add a pinch of chili powder, cumin, or even some dry mustard for a different flavor profile.
- Air Fryer Option: For an alternative to the oven, you can crisp these Instant Pot chicken wings in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Storage and Reheating Your Instant Pot Chicken Wings
Leftover Instant Pot chicken wings are rare, but if you happen to have some, they store wonderfully! Place cooled wings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best method for maintaining crispiness is to use an air fryer or oven. Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, until heated through and re-crisped. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the wings soft.
Why the Instant Pot is Your Wing-Making Hero
If you’ve ever shied away from making homemade wings because of the time commitment or the perceived difficulty, the Instant Pot is here to change your mind. This incredible kitchen appliance makes the process virtually hands-off and incredibly quick. Unlike deep frying, which can be messy and intimidating, or baking, which can take up to an hour for tenderness, the Instant Pot delivers perfectly cooked wings that are juicy on the inside in a mere 10 minutes. The subsequent oven crisping is minimal effort for maximum reward, giving you that delightful crunch without all the fuss. It’s truly the ultimate tool for achieving consistently tender and flavorful chicken wings with ease.
Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or just starting, this recipe is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Say goodbye to soggy wings and hello to tender, crispy Instant Pot chicken wings that will have everyone asking for more. Happy cooking!