Name: Mango Pepper Wings
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 lb chicken wings; 1 tbs Cajun seasoning; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp dried Thyme; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 large ripe Mango (, diced); 2 chili pepper (, seeded); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tbsp butter

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These Mango Pepper Wings are crispy baked chicken wings tossed in a homemade sweet, spicy, and fruity mango pepper sauce. They’re perfect as an appetizer or side dish.

Mango Pepper Wings

I love sweet and spicy chicken because it’s packed with flavor. In this Mango Pepper Wings recipe, ripe mango and honey add a delicious sweetness, while chili gives the sauce a gentle kick.

I use a mild red chili pepper in making the mango pepper sauce to add a gentle heat without making the wings too spicy (just remember to wear gloves when deseeding the peppers!). For less heat, I deseed the chili pepper. If you like it extra spicy, keep the seeds in.

I also use just ¼ cup of honey, which perfectly balances the heat of the chili.

You'll Need

Chicken wings. I use fresh chicken wings; however, if you use frozen ones, make sure to defrost them.
Seasonings: I use Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper
Baking powder: It adds a crispy texture.
For the Mango Pepper Sauce, I use 1 large, diced ripe mango, 2 seeded chili pepper, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, smoked paprika, honey and butter.

Tip: For less heat, use just one mild chili pepper and remove the seeds. For extra heat, use a habanero pepper instead.

Find the quantities in the recipe card.

How To Make The Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200C / 400F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.

Cut off the tip of the chicken wings and discard it. We will only use the drumettes and flats.

Step 2: Clean the chicken wings and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Cut off the tip of the chicken wings and discard it. We will only use the drumettes and flats.

mix the wings, baking powder, cajan seasoning, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper until all the wings are coated well.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, mix the wings, baking powder, cajan seasoning, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper until all the wings are coated well.

Step 4: Arrange the wings in the baking tray in a single layer (don't overcrowd the tray).

Bake for 20 minutes then flip the chicken on the other side and bake for 20 more minutes until crispy and golden.

Add mango chunks, Habanero, lemon juice, paprika, honey and apple cider vinegar in the blender and blend until smooth.

Step 5: Prepare The Mango chili pepper Sauce: Add mango chunks, chili pepper, lemon juice, paprika, honey and apple cider vinegar in the blender and blend until smooth.

Tip: Make sure the mixture is smooth; if you have lumps in the mix, make sure to strain it.

Homemade mango pepper sauce made with mango and habanero pepper.

Step 6: Melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat, pour the mango pepper sauce into over the melted butter.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and scoop ¼ cup of the sauce and keep it for later.

In a bowl, top the wings with the sauce, mix until all the chicken are evenly coated.

Step 7: Now in a bowl, add the baked chicken and top them with the rest of the sauce, mix until all the chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 8: Return the chicken back to the baking tray and bake for more 5-10 minutes. Serve with the rest of the sauce.

Air Fry Them

To air fry them, preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook the chicken for 20 minutes (flip them halfway through). Toss them in the sauce and cook for 5 more minutes.