Air Fryer Crispy Bourbon Peach Wings

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There’s something magical about wings that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a sticky glaze that’s just the right mix of sweet and smoky. These Air Fryer Crispy Bourbon Peach Wings bring all that and more — golden wings tossed in a silky peach and bourbon sauce that’s bold, rich, and dangerously addictive.

The Story Behind the Recipe

This recipe started as a backyard experiment on a summer evening when I had leftover peach preserves, a bottle of Gentleman Jack, and a craving for something bold. Instead of firing up the smoker, I went for the air fryer — and it turned out to be a game changer.

That first test batch came out insanely crispy, even without oil frying. The bourbon and peach glaze caramelized beautifully, giving every bite that sweet southern BBQ vibe with a bourbon kick. Since then, these wings have become a staple in my Delmarva Backyard lineup — proof that you can get restaurant-quality wings without ever lighting a grill.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

🔥 Crispy Without Oil: The air fryer delivers that deep-fried crunch without the mess.
🥃 Bold Bourbon Flavor: Sweet peaches meet smooth whiskey for a rich southern glaze.
🍗 Quick and Easy: Only 30 minutes from start to finish.
🍑 Sticky-Sweet Perfection: That caramelized glaze clings to every crispy bite.

Crispy Bourbon Peach Wings (Air Fried)

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min 🔥 Cook Time: 15 min ⏳ Total Time: 30 min 🍽 Serves: 3–4

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Chicken Wings (or Wingettes)

  • 1 cup Peach Preserves

  • 2 tbsp Dark Brown Sugar

  • 1 Garlic Clove, minced

  • 1 tsp Salt

  • 2 tbsp Canola Oil

  • 2 tbsp Gentleman Jack Daniels (or your favorite bourbon)

  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch

  • 2 tbsp Water

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Preheating ensures the wings crisp up immediately once they go in.

2️⃣ Make the Bourbon Peach Glaze

In a small skillet, combine peach preserves, brown sugar, garlic, salt, canola oil, and bourbon.
Simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring often.

Pro Tip: Keep it low and slow — sugar burns fast, and a bitter glaze can ruin your batch.

3️⃣ Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
Slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce until thickened and glossy. Remove from heat and set aside.

4️⃣ Coat the Wings

Pat the wings dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with oil, then toss wings in a thin coat of the glaze to evenly cover.

5️⃣ Air Fry the Wings

Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 8 minutes, flip, and brush with more glaze.

Cook for another 7–8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 185°F (85°C) for juicy, fall-apart wings.

6️⃣ Rest and Serve

Let the wings rest for 4–5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices. Toss them in the remaining glaze and serve hot.

Optional but awesome — serve with chunky blue cheese or homemade ranch.

Pro Tips for Perfect Peach Bourbon Wings 💡

🍑 Avoid Burnt Sugar: Always simmer your glaze low and stir often.
🔥 Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer — wings are perfect around 185°F.
🥃 Use Good Bourbon: The flavor shines through; Gentleman Jack or Woodford Reserve work beautifully.
💨 Single Layer Cooking: Crowding the air fryer = soggy wings. Cook in batches for best results.
🌿 Finish with Flair: Garnish with chopped chives or a drizzle of honey for extra shine.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is all about balancing texture and flavor — the air fryer gives you crunch while the peach bourbon glaze delivers that sweet-smoky tang that sticks perfectly to the skin.

The combination of brown sugar, peach preserves, and bourbon caramelizes just enough to create a lacquered coating that tastes straight out of a smokehouse. Plus, with only 30 minutes start-to-finish, it’s the perfect weeknight or party-friendly recipe that never disappoints.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen wings?
A: Yes — just thaw completely and pat dry before glazing. Moisture prevents crisping.

Q: Can I skip the bourbon?
A: Absolutely. Swap it with apple juice or peach nectar for a kid-friendly version.

Q: My glaze is too thick — what do I do?
A: Add a tablespoon of water or bourbon at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Q: Can I make these in the oven?
A: Yes — bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, then glaze and broil for 2 minutes.

Q: What sides go best?
A: Celery, carrots, mac and cheese, or coleslaw make perfect pairings.

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