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Guava-Glazed Chicken Wings & Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Snack

Wings are the ultimate snack: not too heavy, perfectly balanced between sweet and salty, and endlessly customizable with rubs, marinades, or sauces. This version adds a tropical twist with a luscious guava glaze inspired by the one guava tree I climbed growing up in Zimbabwe. Paired with crispy air fryer sweet potato fries, this combo brings a vibrant, naturally sweet edge to classic chicken and BBQ flavors.

A Perfect Game Day Snack

Wings are a game day staple for a reason: they’re shareable, satisfying, and hit that sweet-and-savory balance almost everyone loves. This version keeps things familiar while adding a glossy guava glaze that feels like a fresh take on classic BBQ wings—bold, sticky, and crowd-friendly.

Why Guava Makes an Incredible Wing Glaze

Guava naturally combines sweetness and acidity, which makes it ideal for sauces and glazes. When reduced with honey and soy sauce, it creates a smooth, flavorful coating that clings to wings without overpowering them. I’ve always been drawn to guava—partly for the taste, and partly because I grew up climbing a guava tree as a child. That early connection stuck, and it’s why guava still feels like such a natural ingredient to cook with.

Guava is also widely used in Caribbean and Latin cuisines where it shows up in pastes, sauces, and desserts. That cross-cultural familiarity is what makes this glaze feel both unique and instantly comforting.

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries, Made Easy

Sweet potato fries are the perfect pairing for sticky wings, adding a subtle sweetness and hearty texture. Using the air fryer keeps them crisp on the outside and tender inside, with less oil and less cleanup. They cook quickly, hold up well for serving, and can be made in batches, ideal for entertaining.

Designed for Game Day Hosting

This recipe is built for ease and repeatability. The wings are baked instead of fried, the glaze comes together quickly on the stovetop, and the air fryer does the heavy lifting for the fries. Whether it’s the Super Bowl, a playoff game, or a casual watch party, this is the kind of snack that disappears fast—and brings people back for more.

Yield: 4-6
Author:
Guava Glazed Wings with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Guava Glazed Wings with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

A finger-licking combination never gets old! Try this version to make things interesting, and get your sweet and salty fix to soothe cravings while sipping cocktails or entertaining on game night.

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 45 MinInactive time: 30 MinTotal time: 1 H & 30 M
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Wings:
  • 2 lbs chicken wings
  • 2–3 tablespoons oil
  • 2 Tbsp chicken spice
  • 1½ tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon parsley
Glaze:
  • ⅓–½ cup guava paste, chopped
  • ½ cup water or orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2–3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoons vinegar or lime juice
Fries:
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, cut evenly
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1½ tablespoon Old Bay
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary, lightly crushed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Cooking oil spray

Instructions

Wings
  1. In a large bowl, combine 2–3 tbsp oil, 2 tbsp chicken spice, 1½ tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp sesame seeds, and 1 tbsp parsley.
  2. Add 2 lbs chicken wings and toss well to coat. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Transfer wings to a parchment-lined baking tray—make sure they’re in a single layer, not piled up.
  4. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes.
  5. Flip each wing, reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), and bake for another 15–20 minutes until caramelized and golden.
Guava Glaze
  1. In a nonstick saucepan, combine ⅓–½ cup chopped guava paste, ½ cup water (or orange juice), 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2–3 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp lime juice or vinegar.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  3. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens and is smooth and glossy (about 5–10 minutes).
Sweet Potato Fries
  1. Peel and cut 2 large sweet potatoes into thin fries (1/4 inch thick).
  2. Optional: Soak in cold water for 20–30 min, drain and pat dry.
  3. Toss fries in 1 tablespoon cornstarch until evenly coated.
  4. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons canola oil and toss.
  5. Season with 1½ tbsp Old Bay, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp dried rosemary, and ½ tsp salt.
  6. Line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment and add fries in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 8–10 minutes, toss and lightly spray with oil, then cook another 10–12 minutes or until crispy and golden.
  8. Serve immediately.

To serve:

  • When wings are done, toss them gently in the warm guava glaze until well coated. Serve wings hot with the crispy sweet potato fries on the side.
  • Garnish wings with extra sesame seeds and parsley for that final touch.
  • Offer extra guava glaze on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

530

Fat (grams)

32 g

Carbs (grams)

36 g

Sugar (grams)

18 g

Protein (grams)

26 g

I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on dontmissmyplate.com should only be used as a general guideline.

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