Why BBQ Chicken Wings Are a Must-Try for Every Occasion
BBQ chicken wings have a universal appeal. They’re smoky, slightly charred, and loaded with flavour. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just treating yourself to a delicious snack, these wings check all the boxes. And when paired with a homemade ranch sauce, it’s the perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and smoky deliciousness.
But let’s take it a step further – instead of baking or frying, I use the Sunbeam Air Fryer to cook these wings to perfection. It gives you that golden crispy skin and juicy interior without drowning them in oil. It’s all about getting that pub-style crunch at home without breaking a sweat.
Watch me cook up sticky, smoky BBQ chicken wings you’ll be licking off your fingers!
The Secret to Perfect BBQ Chicken Wings
The real secret behind perfectly cooked BBQ chicken wings is the marinade. When you marinate the chicken in a mix of spices, vinegar, and herbs, it infuses the meat with deep, smoky flavours. Letting the wings marinate for at least an hour (or overnight, if you’ve got time) is key.
Pro Tip:
- Use fresh garlic in the marinade – it brings a robust flavour that dried garlic just can’t match. 🧄
- Opt for chicken wingettes and drumettes instead of whole wings. They cook evenly and are easier to eat.
Watch my easy Air Fryer chicken recipe right here – it’s one of the tasty dishes from BBQ on a Budget!
Why You’ll Love the Ranch Dipping Sauce
No BBQ chicken wing recipe is complete without a dipping sauce, and this ranch sauce is next level. Made with creamy mayonnaise, sour cream, and a mix of spices like sweet paprika and garlic powder, it’s so much better than store-bought ranch.
The addition of white wine vinegar and lemon juice gives the sauce a bright, tangy kick that complements the smoky wings beautifully. And don’t skimp on the herbs – parsley, dill, and chives are the holy trinity of ranch. 🌿
Tips and Tricks for the Best BBQ Chicken Wings
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Always preheat your air fryer for about 3 minutes before adding the wings. This ensures an even cook and helps achieve that perfect crispy skin.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Cook the wings in batches if needed. Overcrowding the basket will lead to uneven cooking and soggy wings (and nobody wants that).
3. Baste Midway
To amp up the flavour, brush the wings with some extra barbecue sauce halfway through cooking. It caramelises beautifully in the air fryer. 🍯
4. Let Them Rest
Once the wings are done, let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the wings extra juicy.
Best Ingredients to Use
BBQ Sauce: Look for an Australian-made smoky BBQ sauce with no high-fructose corn syrup for the best flavour.
Chicken Wings: Go for free-range chicken wings if possible – they tend to be juicier and have a better texture.
Herbs for Ranch Sauce: Fresh herbs always beat dried ones when it comes to ranch. Dill, parsley, and chives are non-negotiable. 🌱
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is the way to go for that zesty punch. 🍋
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Wings
These BBQ chicken wings are so versatile when it comes to serving.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Cold Beers or Soft Drinks: Wings and a cold drink are the ultimate duo.🍺
- Side Dishes: Pair with crunchy celery sticks, carrot sticks, or even a classic coleslaw for some balance.
- Ranch Drizzle: You can either dip the wings into the ranch sauce or drizzle it generously over the top for maximum flavour.
Oven-Baked Barbecue Chicken Wings – A Crispy Alternative
Don’t have an air fryer? No worries! You can still achieve perfectly crispy, caramelised oven-baked barbecue chicken wings with just a few tweaks. The key is to bake them on a wire rack over a lined baking tray, allowing hot air to circulate around the wings for an even crisp. Set your oven to 200°C (fan-forced) and bake for about 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra stickiness, brush on some extra BBQ sauce in the last 10 minutes.
If you’re wondering chicken wings how to get that deep smoky flavour without a grill, adding a dash of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to your marinade works wonders. Want to spice things up? Pair these wings with a chilli dip recipe made from Greek yoghurt, lime juice, and finely chopped red chillies for a fiery, tangy contrast. And if you prefer an outdoor cook-up, grilled chicken wings over hot coals or a gas BBQ bring out an incredible charred, smoky taste that’s unbeatable. No matter how you cook them, these BBQ wings will be the star of any feast!
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though I doubt it), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Store the wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The ranch sauce can also be stored in the fridge in a separate container for about 5 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 5–7 minutes.
- Reheating Tips: To maintain that crispy texture, avoid microwaving the wings. The air fryer or oven is your best bet.
Other Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed these BBQ chicken wings, check out more recipes from the BBQ on a Budget episode.
Let’s Get Cooking!
These BBQ chicken wings with ranch sauce are guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just looking for a quick snack, they’re easy, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying. So, grab your air fryer, whip up this recipe, and get ready for some serious flavour. And hey, if you try this recipe, don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff – I’d love to see your creations! 📸
Now, fire up that air fryer and let’s get winging! 🎉🍗
BBQ Chicken Wings with Ranch Sauce
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Get ready for the ultimate wing experience—crispy, smoky, and coated in the most flavorful BBQ marinade, thanks to ALDI! Cooked to perfection in the Sunbeam Airfryer, these wings are irresistibly good. Whether you’re hosting a game night, firing up the BBQ, or just craving a finger-licking snack, this recipe is a must-try!
And let’s talk about that creamy Ranch Sauce—a dreamy blend of Traditional Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, and fresh herbs. It’s tangy, garlicky, and the perfect dip for those smoky wings. 😋
🔥 Pro tip: Make extra because these wings will disappear fast! Who’s ready to dig in? 🙋♀️
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2kg Broad Oak Farms Chicken Wings
- 2 cups Colway BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup Colway Worcester Sauce
- 1 tsp Stone Mill Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Stone Mill Onion Powder
- 2 tbsp Stone Mill Sweet Paprika
- 1 tbsp Stone Mill Smoked Paprika
- 1 tbsp Remano White Wine Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Bramwell’s Honey
- Stone Mill Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Ranch Sauce
- 1/2 cup Colway Traditional Mayonnaise
- 300ml Farmdale Sour Cream
- 1/2 tsp Stone Mill Sweet Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Stone Mill Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Stone Mill Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Stone Mill Crushed Garlic
- 1 lemon – The Good Stuff Juice
- Finely sliced The Good Stuff fresh Chives
- Finely sliced fresh Dill sprigs
- 2 tbsp White Vinegar
- Stone Mill Black Pepper and Salt to taste
Instructions
For the Chicken Wings, mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and pour into a Sistema container.
Add in the chicken wings to the Sunbeam Airfyer and cook on 180degree celsius for between 10-15 minutes, turning once half way.
For the Ranch dipping sauce, in a bowl first mix the Mayonnaise, then the Sour Cream, followed by the Sweet Paprika, White Wine Vinegar, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, fresh Garlic, Lemon juice, Herbs, White Wine Vinegar, and Salt & Pepper to taste.
Serve the Ranch alongside cooked Wings as a dipping sauce or drizzle all over.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan-forced), place the wings on a baking tray lined with baking paper, and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before marinating. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
Yes! You can make the ranch sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. It actually tastes better as the flavours meld together.