There’s nothing quite like the crispy, caramelized coating of honey garlic chicken wings that just melt in your mouth. Using the air fryer to make these wings gives them that perfect crunch without all the oil, making them a healthier but equally delicious alternative to deep frying. This recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re prepping for game night or craving a quick dinner that’s full of flavor. You’ll be amazed at how easily the air fryer brings out the natural sweetness of the honey and the rich, savory punch of garlic.
The combination of these two powerful ingredients—honey and garlic—creates a glaze that’s sweet, savory, and just the right amount of sticky. The air fryer ensures that the chicken wings come out with a crispy texture, and the honey garlic sauce adds an irresistible gloss. Best of all, this recipe is simple to prepare, so even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find success on the first try.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Wings: Chicken wings are the star of this dish. You’ll want fresh or thawed wings, as the air fryer crisps them up beautifully. They should be trimmed and separated into drumettes and flats for the best results.
Honey: Honey is the sweet component of the glaze. Its natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, giving the wings a sticky coating that sticks perfectly to the crispy skin.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings that savory, aromatic flavor that balances out the sweetness of the honey. It’s essential to finely chop or crush the garlic so it integrates into the glaze.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a touch of saltiness and depth to the sauce, which enhances the overall flavor. It helps create that umami kick that balances the sweetness of the honey.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is key for helping the wings crisp up in the air fryer. It’s light and healthy, and just a small amount will do wonders for getting that perfect golden-brown exterior.
Black Pepper: A dash of black pepper adds a mild heat to balance out the sweetness and the saltiness of the soy sauce. It’s a small touch but makes a big difference in the flavor profile.
Sesame Seeds (optional): If you want to add a little extra texture and flavor, sesame seeds are a great garnish. They give a slight crunch and a nutty taste that pairs perfectly with the honey garlic sauce.
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Start by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is important to ensure they become crispy in the air fryer. After they’re dry, toss them in olive oil, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Ensure that they are evenly coated.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the chicken wings cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly, but 375°F is a great starting point.
Step 3: Air Fry the Wings
Place the seasoned wings into the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches if they don’t fit all at once. Air fry the wings for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. The wings should be golden brown and cooked through by the end of the cooking time.
Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the wings are cooking, make the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it’s slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Coat the Wings
Once the wings are done, place them in a large bowl and pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Toss the wings to coat them evenly in the sauce. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an added crunch and flavor boost.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- For extra crispy wings, make sure they are completely dry before seasoning them. The less moisture, the better the crisp in the air fryer.
- If you like your wings extra saucy, double the honey garlic sauce recipe and reserve some to drizzle over the wings after serving.
- For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- If you don’t have sesame seeds, you can substitute them with chopped green onions for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- To reheat leftovers, place the wings back in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 375°F to maintain their crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings? Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just be sure to increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes to ensure they cook all the way through.
Can I make this recipe without soy sauce? If you’re looking for a gluten-free or soy-free option, you can substitute the soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari sauce.
How do I make these wings spicier? To make the wings spicier, add chili paste, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey garlic sauce.
Can I use a different kind of oil? Yes, you can use avocado oil or vegetable oil in place of olive oil, depending on what you have on hand.
Enjoy these crispy, sticky Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings at your next gathering or as a delicious weeknight treat!