Filipino Chicken Wings (Air Fryer & Grill)

Introduction

There’s a reason Filipino Chicken Wings have become a sought-after appetizer at gatherings and cookouts—they bring a punch of flavor with bold garlic, citrus, and savory notes, all wrapped in a crispy, caramelized exterior. Whether you’re air frying for a lighter twist or grilling to get that irresistible char, these wings are fast, fuss-free, and guaranteed to draw a crowd.

Filipino Chicken Wings stand out for their blend of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors, with hints of soy, calamansi or lemon, and just enough garlic to keep you coming back for more. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or game nights, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results—without complex prep or rare ingredients.

Why You’ll Love Filipino Chicken Wings

Filipino Chicken Wings are beloved for their balance: the marinade is rich yet refreshing, the wings crisp up beautifully, and every bite is bursting with flavor. Quick to marinate (as little as an hour, though overnight is better), these wings make entertaining easy and are endlessly customizable in both the air fryer and grill. The recipe adapts equally well to the punch of charcoal or the convenience of countertop cooking.

Key Techniques: Prepping for Perfect Flavor and Texture

Start by preparing your ingredients. Using a sturdy, easy-clean chopping tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper streamlines your garlic and onion prep—great for speeding up marinating.

For the wings, pat them dry thoroughly to maximize crispiness, especially if you’re using the air fryer. Coat them in the classic marinade of soy sauce, calamansi or lemon juice, sugar, and plenty of smashed garlic. For even marinating, toss everything in a resealable bag or a wide bowl and refrigerate.

If grilling, use an oil sprayer such as the YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking to lightly coat the grill grates—this prevents sticking and supports crisp, even browning.

Getting Crispy Wings in the Air Fryer

For consistently crisp wings without excess oil, the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt provides the right combination of space and circulation. Line the basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll or Air Fryer Paper Liners, 125Pcs, 8” Square by Baker’s Signature for easy cleanup and to protect the wings’ coating.

Preheat the air fryer, then spread the marinated wings in a single layer. Cooking in batches ensures maximum crispiness. Flip halfway through for even browning.

Grilling for Smoky Char

If you prefer a smoky note, grilling is the way to go. Heat your grill to medium-high and arrange wings over indirect heat. Cover and cook, turning occasionally, until the wings reach an internal temp of 165°F. For the juiciest results, use a digital thermometer like the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking.

Finish over direct heat for a final crisp and caramelization. Brush with any leftover marinade during the last minutes, but be mindful to cook it through since it’s touched raw poultry.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Pile your finished wings onto a large platter and garnish with chopped scallions, fresh chiles, or a shower of toasted sesame seeds for extra flair. For transport to picnics or parties, stash them in a reliable container like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep them fresh and saucy.

Balance the rich wings with sides such as atchara (pickled papaya), steamed jasmine rice, or a cool, tangy cucumber salad.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings (about 4–5 wings each). Expect approximately 250–300 calories per serving, depending on the amount of skin and extra marinade used. These wings are a protein-rich treat to savor mindfully.

Filipino Chicken Wings (Recap)

Whether prepared in the air fryer or on the grill, Filipino Chicken Wings offer that signature memory-making blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors—plus a crisp, craveable finish. They’re customizable, family-friendly, and perfect for any occasion where finger food reigns supreme.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, calamansi or lemon juice, brown sugar, garlic, onion, black pepper, and oil. Whisk until well incorporated. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for perfect, even chopping.
2. Add chicken wings to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
3. For Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Line basket with Air Fryer Paper Liners for easy cleanup. Arrange wings in a single layer without crowding. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, and air fry another 7–10 minutes until golden, crispy, and cooked through.
4. For Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Lightly oil grates with the YARRAMATE Oil Sprayer. Grill wings over indirect heat, covered, turning occasionally, 20–25 minutes. Move wings over direct heat for final 2–3 minutes to crisp up. For food safety, check for doneness with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer (target: 165°F internal temperature).
5. Transfer cooked wings to a platter. Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and chiles as desired. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for best freshness.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes (air fryer or grill)

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including marinating; hands-on: 35–40 minutes)