Instant Pot Wings: Crispy, Juicy, and Ready in 30 Minutes!
There’s no game day without wings, am I right?
My family certainly agrees. We never watch a game without chowing down on crispy, saucy wings.
Over the years, I’ve tried making all kinds of sauces (classic buffalo and honey BBQ are still the runaway winners), and I’ve also tried cooking them different ways: cooking, baking, and grilling.
But one Sunday, I thought: what would happen if I pressure cooked the wings?
That’s how these game-changing Instant Pot Wings came to be. The wings come out fall-off-the-bone tender on the inside after pressure cooking, and they get that mouthwatering crispness with a quick broil in the oven.
Toss them in any sauce, and they’re ready to hit the table in no time. This is a crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Why You’ll Love These Wings
- Quick & easy: Ready in just 35 minutes — no frying required
- Incredibly juicy: Pressure cooking locks in moisture for ultra-tender wings
- Crispy finish: A quick broil creates the perfect crunchy texture
- Customizable flavors: Can be tossed in any sauce
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 4 lbs. chicken wing pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup water
Prep & Cook Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the wings. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (this helps achieve a crispier texture). Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Prep your Instant Pot. Add a cup of water to the bottom of your Instant Pot. Then place the Instant Pot Trivet inside, then add your wings.
- Pressure cook the wings. Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Quick release. Once done, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” for a quick release.
- Coat the wings with your choice of sauce. My go-to is honey BBQ sauce, but any sauce works here.
- Broil for crispiness. Preheat the broiler. Arrange the wings on a wire rack and broil for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Add more sauce and serve: Toss the wings in additional sauce or glaze of your choice. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Wings
- For a restaurant-quality buffalo sauce, mix it 1/4 cup melted butter with 1/2 cup hot sauce, a dash of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of garlic powder for the perfect balance of heat and flavor. Add a little honey if you want to balance out the flavors.
- For a savory-sweet honey BBQ sauce, combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
- Avoid cooking frozen wings in your Instant Pot as much as possible. You’ll have a hard time seasoning them and achieving the right texture.
- Instead of coating the wings before broiling, toss them afterward in your chosen sauce if you want crispier wings.
- To make ahead, cook the chicken wings ahead of time, then cook in the broiler when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
FAQs About Instant Pot Wings
What dipping sauces go best with these wings?
Classic choices include ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, marinara, honey mustard, or avocado garlic sauce.
What else can I do to crisp up the wings?
You can also cook them in the air fryer at 200°C for 20 minutes and flip halfway through.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
These Crispy, Juicy Wings Are a Must-Try!
These Instant Pot Wings are fall-off-the-bone tender with a perfectly crisp finish, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Serve them at parties, game nights, or anytime you’re craving bold, flavorful wings without the hassle!
