Instant Pot® Chicken Wings with Sweet and Spicy Flavor

chicken wings are perfectly crispy and packed with a delicious balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Using the Instant Pot makes them quick and easy, so you can enjoy a tasty snack without the wait.

Ingredients

4 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and sections separated
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, or to taste
½ cup cold water
nonstick cooking spray
½ cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot®)
¼ cup barbeque sauce
¼ cup melted butter

Reasons You'll Love It

These wings are quick to make and packed with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Using an Instant Pot cuts down cooking time while keeping the meat tender and juicy. They are great for a casual snack or a party appetizer.

Cooking Tips You Should Know

- Pat the wings dry before cooking to help the sauce stick better.
- Use the sauté function to caramelize the sauce slightly after pressure cooking for extra flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili flakes or hot sauce to suit your taste.

Step 1

Pat the wings dry and tossing them in a bowl with Cajun seasoning until they’re nicely coated. Place a trivet inside your Instant Pot (or any pressure cooker you have) and arrange the wings on top. Pour half a cup of cold water around the wings—not over them—then secure the lid and set it to high pressure for 5 minutes. It’ll take about 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build.

Step 2

While the wings are cooking, preheat your oven’s broiler to high and move the rack so it’s just above the center. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a cooling rack on top, then spray the rack with nonstick spray—this will help the wings crisp up later.

Step 3

When the pressure cooking is done, let it naturally release for 10 minutes before carefully turning the valve to release any leftover steam. Take off the lid and mix together hot sauce, barbecue sauce, and melted butter in a bowl. Toss half of this sauce with the wings, making sure they’re all coated, then spread them out on the rack.

Step 4

Pop the wings under the broiler and cook them for 5 to 10 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through and rotating the pan if needed, until they’re as crispy as you like. Once they’re done, transfer the wings to a bowl, pour the remaining sauce over, give everything a good toss, and serve right away.

Serving Ideas To Try

Serve these wings with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing. They also go well with a fresh green salad or crispy fries for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added texture.

How To Refrigerate This Dish

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the skin crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wings soggy.

From the Dip Dish Editors

Recipe Team