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Jerk Chicken Wings pack the bold, spicy flavours of Jamaican cuisine with every bite. Whether air fried or oven baked, they’re topped with tangy pineapple salsa for a refreshing balance of Caribbean heat and tropical sweetness.
If you love traditional jerk seasoning, try my Jerk Turkey Legs, Pineapple Jerk Chicken and Shrimp Skewers, and Traditional Jamaican Jerk Chicken next.
I love wings, and jerk chicken wings are easily one of my favourites to make. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or even a main entree, they’re versatile enough to fit any occasion. Jerk wings are perfectly seasoned, juicy on the inside, and wonderfully crisp, whether you choose to bake them in the oven or cook them in the air fryer.
They bring all the bold island flavours I grew up with. And trust me, they’re just as good for a casual snack as they are for impressing a crowd during the holidays or on game days. If you love jerk recipes as much as I do, this one’s a keeper!
What are jerk wings made of?
Make jerk chicken wings by seasoning them with a homemade Jerk Marinade. My classic marinade includes a warm spice blend of allspice, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. And of course, I include heat from scotch bonnet peppers. It’s spicy and smoky with sweet undertones.
Ingredients
- Chicken Wings: I always go for fresh, quality chicken wings. They’re the perfect base for soaking up all that bold jerk flavour. Plus, they cook up juicy and tender, whether baked or air-fried.
- Olive Oil: This helps the seasonings and marinade stick to the wings while adding a little moisture for a crisp finish.
- Jerk Marinade: My homemade jerk marinade is where the magic happens, loaded with bold island spices and heat. But if you’re short on time, Grace or Walkerswood are great store-bought options to keep the flavours authentic.
- Seasoning: Garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt add extra layers of savoury goodness. They enhance the jerk marinade, making sure every bite is full of flavour.
Pineapple Salsa
- Pineapple: The juicy sweetness of pineapple brings a refreshing tropical touch to the dish.
- Red Onion: A little sharpness from the red onion adds a nice bite and balances the sweetness.
- Cilantro: Cilantro ties everything together with its fresh, herby flavour.
- Jalapeno: For a bit of heat and a slight crunch, jalapeños are a must. You can adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance.
- Fresh Lime Juice: This brightens the salsa and gives it that zesty pop, making it taste even fresher.
- Honey: If you like a little extra sweetness, a drizzle of honey takes the salsa to the next level.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavours in the salsa so don’t skip this step!
How to Make Jerk Chicken Wings
Preheat
I like to start by preheating my air fryer to 400°F or the oven to 425°F. Then, I pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels (it’s key for getting that crispy skin).
Season Wings with Jerk Marinade
I drizzle them with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt, tossing everything together until the wings are evenly coated. Next, I add the jerk marinade, making sure every wing is fully covered for maximum flavour.
Air Fry Chicken Wings
Then I arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook them at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They come out golden, crispy, and perfectly cooked.
Pineapple Salsa
While the wings cook, I throw together the pineapple salsa. I combine diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño in a medium bowl, then add lime juice, a drizzle of honey (if I’m in the mood for extra sweetness), and a pinch of salt.
I mix everything gently and adjust the flavours to taste—it’s that simple! If I have time, I let it sit in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to let the flavours meld together. It’s a fresh, tangy topping that pairs perfectly with the wings.
Serve
Once they’re ready, I top them with the pineapple salsa and serve immediately. It’s the perfect balance of spicy and sweet! So, check out my full post for the recipe if you’re wondering about more ways to serve pineapple salsa.
Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings
When baking, I line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and place a wire rack on top for better airflow. The wings bake at 425°F for 35–40 minutes, and I flip them halfway through. For a little extra char, I like to broil them for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Recipe Tips
- Pat the wings dry. Drying the chicken wings with paper towels before seasoning helps them achieve the perfect crisp, whether you’re baking or air-frying.
- Don’t skip the marinade. For the best flavour, make sure every wing is fully coated in jerk marinade. If you have time, let them marinate for a few hours or overnight for even bolder taste.
- Single layer in the air fryer. Arrange the wings in a single layer without overlapping to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
- Use a wire rack for baking. When baking in the oven, placing the wings on a wire rack helps air circulate around them for even cooking and a crispier texture.
- Broil for extra char. If you like a slightly charred finish, broil the wings for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Adjust salsa to taste. When making the pineapple salsa, taste and tweak the lime juice, salt, or honey to match your preference. Letting it chill for 15–30 minutes enhances the flavours.
- Serve immediately. For the best experience, serve the wings hot and freshly topped with the pineapple salsa to enjoy the perfect balance of spicy and sweet.
How to Serve Jerk Chicken Wings
These jerk chicken wings pair perfectly with Roasted Baby Potatoes for a crisp and hearty side or Jamaican Gungo Peas and Rice for a classic, flavourful complement to the wings’ bold spices. An Avocado Salad adds a fresh, creamy balance, cutting through the heat and bringing a vibrant contrast to the plate. You could also serve them with Fried Plantains, coleslaw, or even a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Storage
To store leftovers, place the wings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For reheating, I recommend using the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy. Heat them at 375°F for about 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For the pineapple salsa, store it separately in a sealed container in the fridge and give it a quick mix before serving again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, jerk chicken wings are typically spicy because of the scotch bonnet peppers used in the jerk marinade. However, you can adjust the spice level to your preference by using a mild jerk marinade or reducing the amount of marinade on the wings. Pairing them with pineapple salsa also helps balance the heat with a touch of sweetness.
Marinating the wings is optional but highly recommended for deeper flavour. If you have time, let them sit in the jerk marinade for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the fridge for the best results.
Absolutely! You can prepare the salsa a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the flavours.
More Chicken Wing Recipes
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Jerk Chicken Wings with Pineapple Salsa
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Air Fryer or Oven
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken Wings
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Jerk Marinade, or if using store bought, mild or hot grace or walkerswood brand recommended
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Seasoning Salt
Pineapple Salsa
- 1 cup Pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup Red Onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp Cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 whole Jalapeno, diced
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice, or fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Honey, optional
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Jerk Chicken Wings
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat 2 lbs of chicken wings dry with paper towels, then place them in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt. Toss to coat evenly. Add jerk marinade (mild or hot, using Grace or Walkerswood brand) and mix until all wings are well coated.
- For Air Fryer: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden, crispy, and cooked through.
- For Oven: Place the wings on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet with a wire rack on top to allow airflow. Bake at 425°F for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through. For extra char, broil the wings for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Add prepared pineapple salsa all over the wings, serve immediately, and enjoy!
Pineapple Salsa
- In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple, red onion, cilantro and jalapeño. Then add lime juice, honey (if using), and salt. Mix gently until well combined. Taste and adjust flavours as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before serving.
