Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Hot Honey Wings offer the perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze that’s irresistible. The air fryer gives you perfectly cooked wings in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven, all while using less oil for a lighter option. The hot honey sauce adds a kick with its balance of sweetness from honey and heat from hot sauce, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. These wings are perfect for game day, a casual dinner, or anytime you’re craving something flavorful, quick, and satisfying! Air Fryer Hot Honey Wings

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wing sections (thawed, see notes)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust according to your preferred spice level)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep the Wings: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the wings evenly with the olive oil mixture.
Cook the Wings: Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the wings are golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Sauce: While the wings are cooking, combine honey, hot sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and chili powder in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is heated through. Remove from heat and let the sauce thicken. Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your spice preference.
Coat the Wings: Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey glaze over the wings and toss gently to coat them evenly.
Serve: Arrange the glazed wings on a platter and garnish with chopped green onions (if desired). Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes

Variations

Spice level adjustment: Reduce the amount of hot sauce for a milder version or add extra hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Sauce variation: Add a splash of soy sauce for an umami twist, or try a drizzle of sriracha for an added flavor dimension.
Dipping sauce: Serve with a side of ranch, blue cheese, or a creamy garlic dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even crisping in the air fryer.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it before tossing it with the wings.

3. Can I make these wings without the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the wings in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The wings may not be as crispy as those cooked in the air fryer, but they’ll still be delicious.

4. How can I make the wings less spicy?

To make the wings less spicy, simply reduce the amount of hot sauce in the glaze. You can also use a mild hot sauce or skip the red pepper flakes.

5. What type of hot sauce works best for this recipe?

Any hot sauce you enjoy will work. Popular options include Frank’s RedHot, Tabasco, or Sriracha. Choose a sauce that fits your desired spice level.

6. Can I add more honey to the sauce?

Yes, if you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more honey to the glaze to balance out the heat.

7. How do I get the wings extra crispy?

Make sure to pat the wings dry before cooking to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispier exterior. You can also spray a light layer of cooking oil on the wings before air frying.

8. Can I make this recipe in advance?

For the best results, the wings should be served fresh. However, you can prep the wings, cook them, and store them in the fridge, then coat them with the sauce and reheat before serving.

9. Can I make these wings without garlic?

If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can omit it, but it does add a lot of flavor to the sauce. You could try substituting with a pinch of garlic powder.

10. What should I serve these wings with?

These wings pair perfectly with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. They’re also great with a bowl of creamy dip like ranch or blue cheese.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Hot Honey Wings are a quick and easy way to enjoy a sweet and spicy wing recipe with minimal fuss. The crispy, juicy wings coated in a sticky hot honey sauce are bursting with flavor and sure to be a hit at your next meal or gathering. Whether you like your wings mild or fiery, this recipe is completely customizable to your taste and delivers restaurant-quality results in no time!