Name: BBQ Chicken Wings with Ranch Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 kg Broad Oak Farms Chicken Wings; 2 cups Colway BBQ Sauce; ½ 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; ½ cup Colway Traditional Mayonnaise; 300 ml Farmdale Sour Cream; ½ tsp Stone Mill Sweet Paprika; ½ tsp Stone Mill Onion Powder; ½ 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

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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.

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.

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! 🎉🍗

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these BBQ chicken wings in the oven instead of an air fryer?

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.

What’s the best way to ensure crispy skin?

Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels before marinating. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!

Can I make the ranch sauce in advance?

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.

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BBQ Chicken Wings with Ranch Sauce: A Game-Changer Recipe for Entertaining