Spicy Keto Szechuan Chicken Wings Without the Carbs

If you love heat, crunch, and that lip-tingling Szechuan spice, these Spicy Keto Szechuan Chicken Wings are about to become your new obsession. They’re crispy, saucy, and packed with bold flavors—all without the carb overload.

This recipe is perfect for those who want the taste of takeout without the sugar and starch. It’s easy, requires no fancy ingredients, and hits every craving: spicy, savory, and just a little bit addictive. Plus, you won’t even miss the traditional breading.

Why These Wings?

• Crispy Without Flour – A trick with baking powder (or an air fryer) gives them a crunch without the carbs.
• Packed with Heat – Szechuan peppercorns and chili flakes bring that numbing, fiery kick.
• Sticky and Saucy – A sugar-free glaze keeps things keto without sacrificing flavor.
• Easy to Make – No complicated techniques, just simple steps to wing perfection.

What You’ll Need

Before jumping into the cooking, gather these ingredients. Most are pantry staples for spice lovers, but if you don’t have Szechuan peppercorns, it’s worth finding them—they give that signature tingly heat.

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs (about 1 kg) chicken wings
• 1 tbsp baking powder (not baking soda)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Szechuan Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter (or coconut oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns (lightly crushed)
• 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for keto-friendly option)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar-free sweetener (like monk fruit or erythritol)
• 1 tbsp chili paste (Sambal Oelek or similar)
• ½ tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp water (optional, to thin sauce)
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

How to Make Crispy Keto Szechuan Wings

Step 1: Prep the Wings

If your wings are whole, separate them into drumettes and flats. Dry them with paper towels—the drier, the crispier.

Toss the wings in baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The baking powder is the secret to crispy skin without deep frying. It changes the pH level, helping them brown better in the oven or air fryer.

Step 2: Bake or Air Fry for Maximum Crisp

Oven Method:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with oil.
• Arrange wings in a single layer and bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway.

Air Fryer Method:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Arrange wings in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
• Air fry for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Step 3: Make the Szechuan Sauce

While the wings cook, heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, Szechuan peppercorns, and chili flakes. Stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sweetener, chili paste, and sesame oil. Stir well. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of water to loosen it up.

Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Once the wings are golden and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the hot Szechuan sauce over and toss until fully coated.

Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra crunch.

How Spicy Are These Wings?

This recipe brings a medium-high level of heat. If you love extreme spice, add more chili flakes or a teaspoon of hot chili oil. If you need to dial it back, reduce the Szechuan peppercorns and chili paste slightly.

Keto Swaps and Tips

• No Soy Sauce? Use coconut aminos instead.
• No Rice Vinegar? Try apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
• Want Even More Crisp? Broil the wings for 2-3 minutes at the end.
• Need a Mild Version? Skip the chili flakes and use more garlic and ginger for flavor.
• Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Monk fruit, erythritol, or allulose work best in this sauce.

Serving Ideas

These wings are perfect on their own, but if you want to make a full meal, here’s what pairs well:

• Cauliflower Fried Rice – Soaks up any extra sauce without carbs.
• Crispy Cabbage Slaw – A fresh, crunchy contrast to the spice.
• Stir-Fried Garlic Green Beans – A simple side that won’t overpower the wings.
• Avocado Slices – Cool and creamy, they balance the heat.

Why Szechuan Peppercorns?

If you’ve never tried Szechuan peppercorns before, get ready for a whole new kind of spice. Unlike regular black pepper, these numb your tongue and create a tingling sensation. It’s a classic in Szechuan cooking and adds a unique kick that makes these wings different from your usual hot wings.

You can find Szechuan peppercorns at Asian grocery stores or online. If you can’t get them, a mix of black pepper and a small pinch of ground cloves gives a slightly similar effect (but trust me, get the real thing if you can).

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers? No Problem.

If you somehow don’t finish these in one sitting (which is rare), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating for Crispiness:

• Oven: 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
• Air Fryer: 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
• Skillet: Reheat over medium heat with a little oil for a quick crisp-up.
• Microwave? Not recommended—it makes them soggy.

Conclusion

These Spicy Keto Szechuan Chicken Wings check all the boxes: crispy, saucy, spicy, and keto-friendly. Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or just because you’re craving something bold, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Give them a try, and let me know—did they make you sweat, or did you crank up the heat even more?

Spicy Keto Szechuan Chicken Wings Recipe

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These Spicy Keto Szechuan Chicken Wings are crispy, spicy, and coated in a bold, sugar-free sauce that packs a punch! Made with Szechuan peppercorns, chili flakes, and a tangy low-carb glaze, they are perfect for anyone on the keto diet looking for a flavorful meal or snack. Cooked in the oven or air fryer, these wings are crunchy outside, juicy inside, and full of heat.

• Author: Jane Summerfield
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer / Main Course
• Method: Baking / Air Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired, Keto, Low-Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
• 1 tbsp baking powder (not baking soda)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Szechuan Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter (or coconut oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns (lightly crushed)
• 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for keto-friendly option)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar-free sweetener (monk fruit or erythritol)
• 1 tbsp chili paste (Sambal Oelek or similar)
• ½ tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp water (optional, to thin sauce)
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the wings dry with paper towels. The drier they are, the crispier they get.
3. Toss wings in baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Arrange wings in a single layer on a wire rack over a baking sheet (or in an air fryer basket).

Step 2: Cook the Wings

Oven: Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer: Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

Step 3: Make the Szechuan Sauce

1. In a pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic, ginger, Szechuan peppercorns, and chili flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds.
2. Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, sweetener, chili paste, and sesame oil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Toss & Serve

1. When the wings are crispy, place them in a bowl.
2. Pour the hot Szechuan sauce over and toss to coat evenly.
3. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For extra heat, add more chili flakes or a teaspoon of hot chili oil.
• For milder wings, reduce the Szechuan peppercorns and chili paste.
• For ultra-crispy wings, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To reheat: Use an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for best results.

Please note: The recipe or ingredients shown in the video might vary slightly from what’s listed here. Use the video as an illustration, but for the best results, you might want to stick to the recipe provided in this article.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: About 4-5 wings
• Calories: 320 Sugar: 0g Sodium: 680mg Fat: 22g Saturated Fat: 7g Unsaturated Fat: 12g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 2g Fiber: 1g Protein: 28g Cholesterol: 110mg