Carolina BBQ Chicken Wings

Carolina BBQ Chicken Wings With Carolina BBQ Seasoning

Crispy, tangy, and packed with bold Southern flavor, these Carolina BBQ Chicken Wings are a must-try for wing lovers! Made with our signature Carolina BBQ Seasoning, these wings can be air-fried or deep-fried to perfection, then tossed in a homemade sweet and smoky barbecue sauce. Perfect for game days, cookouts, or any weeknight craving, this easy recipe delivers juicy wings with crispy skin and big flavor in every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (drums and flats, fully thawed if frozen)

• 4 tsp baking powder (not baking soda)

• 4 Tbsp Carolina BBQ Seasoning

For the Homemade Carolina BBQ Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups ketchup

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

• 2 Tbsp yellow mustard

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup water

• 2 Tbsp Carolina BBQ Seasoning (or more to taste)

Instructions:

Make the BBQ Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients: ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, mustard, garlic, water, and Carolina BBQ Seasoning.

2. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside or store in the fridge once cooled.

Air Fryer Wings:

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes.

2. Pat wings completely dry using paper towels—this helps them crisp up and hold seasoning better.

3. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder and 4 Tbsp of Carolina BBQ Seasoning until evenly coated.

4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange wings in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).

5. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and cook another 7–10 minutes until wings are crispy and internal temp reaches 165°F.

6. Toss cooked wings in about ⅔ cup of the BBQ sauce. Place them back into the air fryer and heat at 350°F for another 3–5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.

7. For extra saucy wings, toss once more with ¼ cup BBQ sauce before serving.

8. Garnish with a drizzle of fresh squeezed lemon or lime and serve warm!

Oven + Frying Method:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. In a heavy-bottom pot, heat about 3 inches of oil to 375°F.

2. Pat wings dry and season with baking powder and Carolina BBQ Seasoning as noted above.

3. Fry wings in batches for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.

4. Toss wings in BBQ sauce and place in an oven-safe dish. Bake at 325°F for 15–18 minutes, or until hot, bubbling and the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

Suggested Sides/Wine & Drink Parings:

1. Smoky Baked Beans: Slow-cooked with brown sugar, molasses, and a hint of smoked paprika, these rich, savory beans bring depth and sweetness that complement the bold BBQ flavor.

2. Watermelon Feta Salad: Juicy watermelon, salty feta, mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze make for a light, refreshing contrast to saucy, savory wings.

3. Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins: A little sweet, a little spicy, and loaded with melty cheddar—these muffins are perfect for soaking up any extra BBQ sauce on your plate.

4. Creamy Coleslaw: A crisp and creamy slaw balances out the heat and bold flavors of the wings while adding a cooling crunch to each bite.

5. Peach Bourbon Smash: Sweet peaches, fresh mint, and a splash of bourbon make this cocktail a bold yet balanced match for saucy BBQ.

6. Chilled Rosé: Light, fruity, and slightly acidic—rosé brings a touch of elegance and pairs wonderfully with the tang of the BBQ sauce and crispy chicken skin.

Tips:

• Pat the Wings Extra Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry your wings before seasoning—this helps the skin crisp up beautifully whether air frying or frying in oil.

• Don’t Skip the Baking Powder: It’s the secret to that irresistible golden, crackly skin! Baking powder helps draw out moisture and encourages browning—just make sure you're using baking powder, not baking soda.

• Let the Sauce Simmer Low & Slow: Allow the BBQ sauce to simmer uncovered for the full 30 minutes so it reduces and thickens. This intensifies the flavor and makes it cling better to the wings.

• Toss, Then Reheat for Sticky Perfection: After tossing the cooked wings in sauce, give them a quick reheat in the air fryer or oven. This step helps the sauce caramelize onto the wings instead of sliding off.