chicken wings instant pot recipe

The Best chicken wings instant pot recipe

I’ve been making Instant Pot chicken wings for years now, and there’s just something about them—crispy outside, juicy inside, and ready in under an hour. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a little treat but is actually pretty simple to throw together. My kids love them because they’re always asking for wings, and honestly, I don’t blame them. They’re addictive, and the Instant Pot makes them effortless. Whether it’s game day, a lazy Sunday night, or just a quick dinner after a long day, these wings are always a hit.

My family has a soft spot for wings, especially when they’re made right. The kids will eat them straight from the bowl, and my husband always takes a second helping because, well, they’re that good. I love that this recipe is flexible—you can make them spicy or mild, crispy or tender, depending on what you’re in the mood for. And the best part? They’re actually pretty healthy for what they are. Lean protein, no deep-frying, and all the flavor without the guilt. Plus, the Instant Pot does all the work for you, so you’re not stuck standing over a hot stove for hours. It’s the kind of recipe that makes life easier without sacrificing taste.

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Wings

4.8 from 1484 votes

Tender, crispy chicken wings coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze, perfectly cooked in an Instant Pot for a quick and flavorful meal. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time25 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Wings

• 2 lbs chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika

For the Glaze

• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1 Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) if crisping wings separately. Toss chicken wings with olive oil, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
2. 2 In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
3. 3 Place chicken wings in the Instant Pot. Pour half of the glaze mixture over the wings. Seal the lid and set the valve to sealing.
4. 4 Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Allow for a natural release of 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
5. 5 Stir in the remaining glaze mixture and cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water). Cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes. Quick-release the pressure.
6. 6 Transfer wings to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness (optional). Serve hot with extra glaze.

🔧Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Baking sheet (for optional crisping)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22💛Saturated Fat: 5❤️Cholesterol: 110🧂Sodium: 1200🌾Total Carbs: 35🥦Dietary Fiber: 1🍬Sugars: 25🥩Protein: 45

📝Notes

For extra crispiness, toss wings in a little cornstarch before cooking.,Adjust the glaze ratio for more or less sweetness/savory flavor.,Substitute honey with agave syrup if preferred.,Wings can be reheated in the Instant Pot with a splash of water and a few minutes of pressure cooking.

This recipe is always a crowd-pleaser because it’s quick, flavorful, and easy to scale up for big groups—perfect when you need a no-fuss meal that still feels special. Whether it’s a casual game night or a holiday gathering, the Instant Pot keeps things simple while delivering juicy, crispy wings that everyone loves. It’s the kind of dish that lets you focus on enjoying the moment without stressing over last-minute cooking.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Wings

1. What ingredients should I use for the best-tasting Instant Pot chicken wings?

For the best flavor, use boneless, skinless chicken wings (or bone-in for extra richness). Essential ingredients include: – Chicken wings (about 1.5 lbs) – Butter, oil, or avocado oil (for crispiness) – Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper (for seasoning) – Hot sauce or BBQ sauce (adjust to taste) – Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (for tanginess) – Optional add-ins: Honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

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2. How do I prevent my Instant Pot chicken wings from getting soggy?

To keep wings crispy instead of mushy: – Pat wings dry thoroughly before seasoning. – Use a mix of butter and oil (e.g., 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp oil) for browning. – Cook on “Sauté” mode first to crisp the skin before sealing. – Avoid overfilling the pot—leave space for steam to escape. – Use a wire rack in a baking dish if frying separately, then steam in the Instant Pot.

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3. Can I make this recipe with bone-in wings, and if so, how do I adjust the cooking time?

Yes! Bone-in wings add flavor but take longer. Adjustments: – Increase cooking time by 5–10 minutes (depending on size). – Check for doneness at 15 minutes earlier—wings are done when they reach 165°F (74°C) internally. – Add extra liquid (like broth or water) if they dry out too quickly. – Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

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4. What sauces or marinades pair best with Instant Pot chicken wings?

Here are some crowd-pleasing options: – Classic BBQ: Mix BBQ sauce with a little honey and brown sugar. – Buffalo-style: Use hot sauce + a splash of melted butter + a pinch of garlic powder. – Teriyaki: Combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. – Honey Mustard: Mix equal parts honey and Dijon mustard + a little mayo. – Lemon-Herb: Zest + juice of 1 lemon + olive oil + dried oregano/thyme. – Spicy Sriracha: Blend sriracha, lime juice, and a little honey.

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5. How do I reheat leftover Instant Pot chicken wings without making them rubbery?

To revive crispiness and flavor: – Reheat in the Instant Pot: Add ½ cup water or broth, seal, and cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes, then quick-release. Stir in sauce if needed. – Air Fryer Method: Toss wings in a little oil, spray with oil, and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes. – Oven Method: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, brushing with sauce. – Stovetop: Heat in a skillet with a little oil over medium-high until crispy (~3–4 minutes). – Pro tip: Spritz with oil or a little butter before reheating to restore crispiness.