Best Instant Pot Chicken Wings with Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

These Best Instant Pot Chicken Wings combine tender, juicy meat with a sticky honey garlic glaze, cooked quickly and easily using your Instant Pot. Perfect for game day or a flavorful appetizer, this recipe delivers wings with a crispy finish after a quick broil.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 4 lbs fresh or frozen chicken wings (bone-in)
• 5 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons Mirin
• 1/2 cup honey
• 3/4 cup water
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot. If using frozen wings, ensure they are separated and not stuck in a block of ice. Place the trivet or steamer basket inside the pot and stack the wings on top.
2. Step 2: Close the lid and set the valve to sealed. Use the Pressure Cook setting for 10 minutes if wings are frozen, or 5 minutes if fresh.
3. Step 3: While wings cook, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a cooking rack on it. Preheat your oven’s broiler.
4. Step 4: Prepare the honey garlic sauce by combining garlic, ginger, Mirin, soy sauce, honey, 3/4 cup water, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir and simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 3 tablespoons water. Add this slurry to the simmering sauce and cook for 2–3 more minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside 1/2 to 1 cup of sauce for dipping.
6. Step 6: After the Instant Pot cooking finishes, allow a 5-minute natural pressure release, then carefully remove the lid and take out the wings.
7. Step 7: Toss half of the wings in the prepared sauce to coat evenly. Arrange on the prepared baking rack. Repeat with the remaining wings.
8. Step 8: Broil the wings for about 5 minutes, then flip and broil the other side until they reach your preferred crispiness. Watch closely to avoid burning.
9. Step 9: Serve the wings hot with the reserved sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy wings, broil a little longer but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
• Substitute Mirin with a mix of rice vinegar and sugar if unavailable.
• Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat, or omit for a milder flavor.
• Use store-bought wing sauce if short on time, then toss wings with it before broiling.

Storage

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat under the broiler or in an oven at 375°F until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen wings directly in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook frozen wings right in the Instant Pot. Just make sure they are separated and adjust the pressure cooking time to 10 minutes for frozen wings.

What if I don’t have Mirin?

If Mirin is unavailable, substitute with a mixture of rice vinegar and a small amount of sugar to mimic its sweetness and acidity.