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Crave-Worthy Sweet Spicy Sticky Pineapple Cowboy Candy Wings

These Sweet Spicy Sticky Pineapple Cowboy Candy Wings are a flavor explosion that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the spicy kick of candied jalapeños. Perfect for any gathering, they promise to be a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for more.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 23 pounds chicken wings (mix of drumettes and flats)
  • 1/2 cup Cowboy Candy syrup (from candied jalapeños)
  • 1 can crushed pineapple (including juice)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Sriracha or red pepper flakes (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Neutral cooking oil (for frying or baking)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional for crispiness)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Chopped green onions or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels and let them air dry in the fridge for an hour or two for extra crispiness.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the wings with a generous pinch of salt, black pepper, and about half a teaspoon of baking powder.
  3. Choose your preferred cooking method: for oven baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the wings for 45-60 minutes; for air frying, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and air fry for 20-25 minutes; for deep frying, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the wings for 8-10 minutes.
  4. Once the wings are cooked, set them aside while you prepare the sauce.
  5. In a medium saucepan, combine the Cowboy Candy syrup, crushed pineapple (with juice), brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and sriracha (if using). Whisk until the brown sugar has dissolved.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth, then pour it into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously.
  8. Continue to simmer and whisk for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy and sticky. Stir in the candied jalapeño pieces.
  9. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  10. Transfer the crispy cooked wings to a large bowl and pour the warm sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each wing generously.
  11. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions or cilantro.

Nutrition

Keywords: For extra crispy wings, ensure they are very dry before cooking. Adjust the heat level of the sauce by adding more sriracha or red pepper flakes to suit your taste. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.