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 on the hunt for a game-changing chicken wing recipe, you’re going to want to stick around for this one. I absolutely love how this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings with Crispy Char Recipe turns out—juicy, tender wings infused with a perfect blend of spices, then finished with that irresistible crispy, charred BBQ glaze. It’s quick, fuss-free, and trust me, these wings will have your friends and family begging for more.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy and Simple: You can whip up these wings in about 30 minutes, which means more time to relax and less time slaving over the stove.
Tender Inside, Crispy Outside: The Instant Pot locks in juiciness, and finishing with a broil creates that mouthwatering crispy char everyone loves.
Flavor-Packed: My special spice blend plus the BBQ sauce makes every bite bursting with flavor without being overwhelming.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or a casual dinner, these wings are always a crowd-pleaser.

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

To nail this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings with Crispy Char Recipe, you just need a handful of pantry staples and fresh chicken wings. Each ingredient plays a role in building that perfect balance of smoky, savory, and spicy flavors.

Salt: It enhances all the flavors and helps the chicken season evenly.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
Garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better, right?
Onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the dry rub.
Paprika: Gives a gentle smoky flavor and beautiful color.
Cayenne: For a touch of heat—adjust to your spice preference.
Oregano & thyme: These herbs bring an earthy, aromatic note that rounds out the spices.
Chicken wings: The star of the show; I always use fresh wings for the best texture.
BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite – I go for a smoky, slightly sweet sauce that caramelizes beautifully.

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 tweaking this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings with Crispy Char Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or the mood I’m in. Feel free to make it your own—you’ll find it’s super adaptable.

Spice it up: Add more cayenne or sprinkle some chili flakes if you like your wings fiery hot—I once accidentally doubled the cayenne and it turned out surprisingly delicious!
Swap the BBQ sauce: Try a honey mustard or spicy buffalo sauce for a new flavor twist; my family goes crazy for the honey mustard version in winter.
Herb variations: Substitute rosemary for thyme for an earthier note, or toss in some smoked paprika if you want an extra smoky punch.
Cooking method: If you don’t have a broiler, finish the wings on a hot grill for that same crispy char effect.

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

Step 1: Season the Wings to Perfection

Start by mixing all your spices—salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, oregano, and thyme—in a small bowl. I like to whisk them together first to make sure every wing gets an even flavor boost. Rinse and pat dry your wings really well—this step is key for that perfect crispy skin later on. Toss the wings in the seasoning mix until each piece is thoroughly coated. You’ll smell the herbs and spices right away, and that’s the good stuff starting to happen.

Step 2: Pressure Cook for Juicy Wings

Pour 1 cup of water into your Instant Pot and place the trivet inside—this keeps wings out of the liquid so they steam to juicy tenderness, not soggy. Arrange the seasoned wings on the trivet in a single layer. Seal the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual High Pressure for 6 minutes. When the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes to lock in the juices. Trust me, that natural release makes all the difference in tender wings.

Step 3: Sauce and Broil for Crispy Char

Carefully remove the wings from the pot and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Toss them with about 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce until every wing is beautifully coated. Then lay the wings on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack to let the heat circulate. If you’ve got leftover sauce, brush it on top for extra glaze. Pop them under a preheated broiler for 5 to 10 minutes, watching closely, until the skin crisps up and develops that perfect charred edge. This step is where the magic happens, turning tender wings into finger-licking barbecue masterpieces.

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

Dry the Wings Well: I learned the hard way that patting the wings completely dry before seasoning is crucial for crispy skin after broiling.
Natural Pressure Release: Don’t rush this step! It keeps the wings moist and tender instead of drying them out.
Use a Wire Rack for Broiling: It lets the heat surround the wings, creating an even char without sogginess.
Watch Your Broiler: Wings can go from perfect to burnt in seconds—stand close and check every couple minutes for that gorgeous crispy char.

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

I love topping these wings with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the smoky BBQ glaze. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions also adds a nice crunch and visual appeal. If you want some extra zing, a few dashes of hot sauce on the side never hurt anyone!

Side Dishes

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings with Crispy Char Recipe pairs so well with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, crisp celery sticks, and tangy pickles. I also like serving them alongside baked beans or roasted corn on the cob for a comforting meal that feels like a summer cookout every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the wings in a circular pattern on a large platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces—ranch, blue cheese, spicy mayo—to let guests mix and match. Adding edible flowers or colorful microgreens around the edges gives a festive and elegant touch that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover wings store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend separating the wings from any excess sauce to keep the skin from getting soggy, then give them a quick re-toast to bring back the crisp.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these wings several times with great success. Just let them cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and broil again briefly to crisp them right up.

Reheating

To reheat and maintain that crispy char, I pop the wings under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or reheat in a hot oven at 400°F for 10 minutes. Microwave isn’t ideal here — the skin loses that crunchiness we worked for.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings with Crispy Char Recipe?

Absolutely! You can cook frozen wings straight from the freezer in your Instant Pot. Just add an extra couple of minutes to the pressure cooking time, and make sure the natural release is done thoroughly to ensure they’re cooked through and juicy.
What if I don’t have a broiler—can I still get crispy wings?

No broiler? No problem! A hot grill works beautifully to finish the wings and get that crispy char. Just watch closely to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can use a convection oven or air fryer for the final crisping step.
Can I customize the BBQ sauce in this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to swap in your favorite BBQ sauce—whether sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. I recommend choosing one with a good balance of flavor that caramelizes well under heat for the best charred effect.
How do I avoid soggy wings when finishing off the sauce?

The trick is to pat the wings dry before seasoning and pressure cooking, and to use a wire rack when broiling. That lifts the wings and lets hot air circulate, preventing soggy spots and getting the skin perfectly crispy.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings with Crispy Char Recipe has become my go-to when I want big flavor without the hassle. I still remember the first time I served these on game day—everyone was amazed at how tender yet crispy they were. If you want wings that are juicy on the inside and charred to perfection on the outside, this method won’t let you down. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily these wings become your new favorite too!