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Pile of grilled tropical BBQ chicken wings with crispy skin and caramelized pineapple-mango glaze, shot with Canon EOS 5D.

Best Ever Tropical BBQ Chicken Wings (Grilled, Baked, or Air Fried)

Samantha
These Tropical BBQ Chicken Wings are sweet, smoky, and tangy—marinated in pineapple juice, lime, and island spices, then glazed with a mango BBQ sauce. Grill, bake, or air fry for a sticky and flavorful wing that’s perfect for summer BBQs, tropical-themed dinners, or game day spreads.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner
Cuisine Tropical Fusion
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings drumettes and flats
  • ½ cup pineapple juice unsweetened
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tropical BBQ Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup mango nectar or honey
  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce or chili paste (optional)
  • Optional garnish: chopped cilantro green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the Wings:
    In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken wings and toss to coat. Marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, preferably 4–6 hours.
  • Prepare the Sauce:
    While the wings marinate, whisk together mango nectar, BBQ sauce, lime juice, and hot sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer on low for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.
  • Choose Your Cooking Method:
    Grilled Tropical BBQ Wings:
    - Preheat grill to medium-high.
    - Remove wings from marinade and grill for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally.
    - In the last 5 minutes, brush with tropical BBQ sauce.
    - Finish with more sauce after removing from grill.
    Baked Tropical Wings:
    - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
    - Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
    - Bake marinated wings for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
    - Brush with tropical BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes.
    Air Fryer Tropical Chicken Wings:
    - Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
    - Place wings in a single layer and cook for 20–25 minutes, shaking basket halfway.
    - Toss in warm tropical BBQ sauce before serving.

Notes

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Keyword fruity chicken wings, gluten free appetizers, grilled chicken wings, island-style chicken, pineapple chicken wings, summer chicken recipes, sweet and spicy wings, tropical bbq chicken wings