This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.
Get ready for a flavor explosion with these air fryer peach-bourbon wings. This bold and juicy recipe blends the smoky depth of bourbon with the sweetness of peach preserves to create a sauce that perfectly coats crispy chicken wings. Thanks to the air fryer, you get that golden exterior without deep frying. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or want to upgrade your usual dinner routine, these wings deliver mouthwatering results with minimal effort and big rewards.
Air fryer peach-bourbon wings are crispy, sticky and full of flavor. These sweet and smoky wings make a fantastic appetizer or main dish for any occasion.
Also try these air fryer BBQ ribs, air fryer onion rings, buffalo wings or hot honey wings, or what about slow cooker BBQ wings?
Why You’ll Love It
Full of flavor: A rich blend of sweet, smoky and tangy ingredients makes every bite irresistible.
Air fryer friendly: Skip the oil and keep things simple while still getting crisp wings.
Versatile sauce: Use the peach-bourbon BBQ sauce on ribs, grilled chicken or sandwiches.
Perfect for gatherings: These wings are a hit at parties, barbecues or casual dinners.
Make ahead option: The sauce can be prepared in advance to save time.
Peach-Bourbon Wings Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Chicken wings: Choose drumettes and flats for even cooking and better texture.
Baking powder: Helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Spices: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and ground mustard add bold, smoky flavor.
Sweeteners: Brown sugar and molasses provide a deep caramelized sweetness.
Peach preserves: Adds fruity balance and a glossy finish to the sauce.
Bourbon or whiskey: Brings warmth and depth to the BBQ sauce.
Aromatics: Onion and garlic infuse the sauce with savory layers.
Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke: Enhance umami and smoky undertones.
Lime juice: Adds brightness and helps balance out the sweetness.
How to Make Air Fryer Peach and Bourbon Wings
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Prep the wings: Pat dry, then toss with the rub mixture until evenly coated.
Make the sauce: Simmer all sauce ingredients in a saucepan until thickened.
Air fry the wings: Cook the wings in batches, flipping halfway for even crisping.
Sauce and serve: Toss the cooked wings in the BBQ sauce and serve with celery and carrots.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap the bourbon: Use whiskey for a very similar flavor, or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Try a different fruit preserve: Apricot or mango works well. Or you could try orange marmalade.
Change the protein: This sauce and rub work great with chicken drumsticks or thighs.
Serving Suggestions
With fries: These are delicious paired with polenta fries, French fries, sweet potato wedges, or voodoo fries.
Other sides: Air fryer onion rings would be good with peach-bourbon wings, or perhaps you’d prefer an iceberg wedge salad.
How to Store Chicken Wings with Peach and Bourbon
Store: Leftovers will be fine in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freeze: You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Thaw: Defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat: Air fry the chicken wings on 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes to warm them back up.
Top Tips
Pat the wings dry: Removing excess moisture helps the rub adhere and the skin crisp up.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Airflow is key to crispy wings.
Use a thermometer: Check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure doneness.
Air Fryer Wings with Bourbon and Peach FAQs
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Yes, you can cook the wings ahead and reheat them before serving. Wait to toss in the sauce until just before serving.
Every air fryer will have instructions on whether it should be preheated before cooking. It is best to follow the instructions for your specific machine before you make the air fryer BBQ wings.
Air Fryer BBQ Peach Bourbon Wings Recipe
Air Fryer Peach-Bourbon Wings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Pounds chicken wings, tips removed, drumettes and flats separated
For the Rub
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1 Teaspoon salt
- 2 Teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar, dark
- 1/2 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon ground mustard
For the Sauce
- 1 Cup ketchup
- 1 Cup peach preserves
- 1/3 Cup brown sugar
- 1/3 Cup bourbon, or whiskey
- 2 Tablespoon molasses
- 1/4 Cup onion, finely minced
- 1 Teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 Teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 Teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Pat the wings dry with a paper towel.
- Combine all the rub ingredients together and mix well. Toss the wings with the rub until thoroughly coated.
- Combine all the ingredients for the BBQ sauce in a saucepan and cook over medium heat till thick and caramelized. Stir often.
- Place the rub coated wings in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Spray well with non stick cooking spray or olive oil.
- Place in the air fryer and set for 370 degrees F for 10 minutes. When the time has finished, flip the chicken and spray the other side. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8 minutes. Check for doneness and, if not thoroughly cooked, cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove from the air fryer and coat with the BBQ sauce. You may not need to use the entire sauce and you can store the extra sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Serve with celery and carrot sticks.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Airflow is key to crispy wings.
Use a thermometer: Check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure doneness.
Nutrition
If you’re looking to level up your wing game, this air fryer peach-bourbon wings recipe is a must-try. The balance of sweet fruit preserves, smoky bourbon, and savory spices makes for an irresistible glaze, while the air fryer keeps the wings perfectly crispy. Great for a weeknight treat or party platter, this recipe is one you’ll want to make all the time.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
Don’t have an air fryer……any suggestions for regular oven temp? Convection bake? Sounds yummy and would love to try!
Hi Shirley, yes I do! Try them at 425°F. In a convection oven, they ought to take between 30 and 45 minutes. I recommend checking them for doneness at the 30-minute mark. Hope they come out delicious! Oven baking makes them really crisp up nicely.
These peach bourbon wings disappeared in minutes! Definitely making extra next time—so addictive.
These wings were such a hit! The sweet and smoky flavors are amazing.
peach me peach you
I’ve never had chicken wings this good! I will make it no other way again.
I’m glad i made this yesterday! It was a hit! So perfect! 🙂
Omg! We love chicken wings and this was a perfect recipe we found online! My daughter loved it too and she’s sking me to cook this again next week! 😋
Wings were the main reason (ok one of them) I bought the air fryer in the first place, but I never tried peach and bourbon flavors with my wings. It’s my favorite now!
Yum! The peach and bourbon sounds tasty.