Name: Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings with Crispy Char Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon thyme; 2 pounds chicken wings; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce; 1 cup water (for Instant Pot)

If you’re craving wings that are juicy, coated in a flavorful BBQ glaze, and topped off with that perfect crispy char, you’re in for a treat with my Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings with Crispy Char Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe makes weeknight dinners and game-day snacks a total breeze—plus, the wings come out tender from the Instant Pot and then crisp up beautifully under the broiler. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips so you nail this fan-freaking-tastic dish every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You get tender, fall-off-the-bone wings in just about 30 minutes using your Instant Pot.
Perfect Crispy Char: The broiler step seals in the BBQ sauce with a gorgeous, smoky char that’s just irresistible.
Flavor-Packed Dry Rub: The blend of herbs and spices adds depth before the tangy BBQ sauce takes center stage.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or party day, these wings always impress.

The image shows a round wooden board with white paper on it holding about a dozen grilled chicken wings. The wings are dark golden brown with char marks and sprinkled with small pieces of green herbs. On the board, near the wings, is a small round wooden bowl filled with creamy white sauce topped with a sprinkle of orange spice. The board sits on a white marbled surface with fresh red tomatoes, green leafy herbs, and a gray striped cloth nearby, creating a fresh and rustic look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to give you wings that are seasoned just right, sauced perfectly, and charred to crispy perfection. When shopping, look for fresh chicken wings and a barbecue sauce you genuinely love since that really shines through in the final dish.

Salt: The foundation for seasoning, essential for bringing out the chicken’s natural flavor.
Black pepper: Adds just a subtle bite to the seasoning mix.
Garlic powder: For that underlying savory note we all crave.
Onion powder: Gives an extra layer of aroma and richness.
Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a lovely color to the wings.
Cayenne: A pinch turns up the heat just enough without overpowering.
Oregano: Earthy herbiness that rounds out the rub beautifully.
Thyme: Adds a hint of fresh, fragrant complexity.
Chicken wings: The star ingredient; I recommend fresh or fully thawed for best results.
BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite style—sweet, smoky, or spicy—to coat the wings.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own, and I encourage you to too. You might want to tweak the spice level, experiment with BBQ sauce flavors, or swap chicken wings for drumettes. Play around and find your perfect combo!

Spicy Kick: I often double the cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce to the dry rub when I’m craving something with more heat—and trust me, it’s a total game-changer.
Sweet & Smoky: Swap in a smoky chipotle BBQ sauce for a deeper, richer flavor profile that’s perfect for fall evenings.
Herb Variations: Sometimes I add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or swap thyme for rosemary to mix up the herbal notes.
Air Fryer Alternative: If you prefer crispier skin without broiling, you can transfer the sauced wings to an air fryer basket at 400°F for 5-7 minutes instead.

How to Make Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings with Crispy Char Recipe

Step 1: Season the Wings Like a Pro

Mix all your dried spices together in a small bowl—salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. Then, rinse and pat your wings completely dry; this step’s crucial for good browning. Toss wings in the seasoning blend until every piece is coated evenly. I find that using my hands to massage the rub in helps the flavors really stick, so get a little messy—it’s part of the fun!

Step 2: Pressure Cook to Juicy Perfection

Pour 1 cup of water into your Instant Pot and place the trivet inside. Lay the seasoned wings on the trivet—it keeps them out of the water so they steam gently instead of boiling. Seal the pot and set it to Manual High Pressure for 6 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes—this is when the wings finish cooking and stay tender without drying out. I’ve learned that rushing this step can leave the meat rubbery, so patience pays off.

Step 3: Sauce and Char Under the Broiler

Carefully remove the wings and pop them into a large mixing bowl. Pour in half a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Then move the wings to a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack to ensure the heat circulates and crisps up the skin perfectly. Brush any leftover sauce over the wings for a glossy finish. Broil for 5 to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye, until you see that irresistible crispy char forming—the sweet spot between caramelized and slightly smoky is what you’re after!

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Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings with Crispy Char Recipe

Dry Wings Thoroughly: I learned the hard way that wet wings won’t crisp up well under the broiler, so pat them dry completely before seasoning.
Use the Wire Rack: Elevating the wings on a rack lets hot air circulate all around, giving you even crispiness instead of soggy bottoms.
Watch the Broiler Closely: Broilers can go from perfect to burnt in under a minute, so stay nearby and check often during the crisping step.
Natural Pressure Release is Key: Skipping or rushing this can make the wings less tender, so give it the full 10 minutes for best results.

How to Serve Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings with Crispy Char Recipe

A white plate holds about ten dark orange grilled chicken wings with slightly black grill marks, sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The wings rest on crinkled white parchment paper. In the front, a wooden bowl filled with white creamy sauce, topped with a dusting of reddish-orange spice, sits on the plate. A woman's hand is dipping one chicken wing, coated in shiny sauce, into the creamy sauce. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate the wings and add a bright contrast. I usually sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh parsley over the top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice is another favorite of mine for balancing those smoky, saucy flavors.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for these wings are classic: crunchy celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dip. For something heartier, try creamy coleslaw or a baked potato salad. The cool, crisp textures and creamy elements complement the tangy BBQ and crispy chicken perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like to lay the wings out on a large wooden board surrounded by dipping sauces, pickles, and fresh herbs—makes for a beautiful spread. Another fun idea is to serve them in individual cups with celery sticks tucked in, making it super easy for guests to grab and go during game day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. When packed properly, the sauce mingles with the chicken, making leftovers even tastier the next day!

Freezing

If I’m making a big batch, I freeze extras in single-serving portions wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and stored in freezer bags. When it’s game time, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for a quick snack that tastes just as great.

Reheating

To get that crispy char back, reheat wings in a hot oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. Around 350°F for 8-10 minutes usually does the trick to warm them through and bring back the crunch without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking. Cooking frozen wings in the Instant Pot without thawing can result in uneven cooking and texture.
What if I don’t have a broiler? Can I still get them crispy?

If you don’t have a broiler, an air fryer is your next best option to crisp up the wings. Just air fry them at 400°F for about 5-7 minutes after saucing. Alternatively, finishing them on a hot grill works great too.
Can I substitute different BBQ sauces?

Definitely! From spicy sriracha BBQ to sweet honey BBQ, the sauce you pick will change the flavor profile, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite pairing for the wings.
How do I avoid soggy wings?

Patting the wings dry before seasoning and using the wire rack during broiling are key steps. They allow excess moisture to drip away, giving you crispy, not soggy, skin.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings with Crispy Char Recipe has honestly become one of my go-to ways to impress friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s got the magic combo of juicy meat, spice-kissed rub, tangy sauce, and that unbeatable crispy char that gets everyone asking for seconds. If you try it once, I’m confident these will be wings you keep coming back to—so fire up your Instant Pot and get winging it!