I’ve always been a sucker for the perfect chicken wing — crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sauce that makes you lick your fingers without shame. When I discovered how well my air fryer could handle wings, it was a game-changer. No more waiting on the oven or dealing with the mess of deep frying; I could get restaurant-quality results right in my own kitchen.
These honey BBQ wings are my go-to when I want something crowd-pleasing but easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. The sweet, sticky glaze clings to every golden-brown wing, and the smoky barbecue flavor is balanced by the richness of honey. They’re dangerously addictive — the kind of appetizer that disappears the moment you set them down on the table.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken wings: The star of the show. Go for fresh wings if you can; they crisp up beautifully and stay juicy inside. If you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even results.
Olive oil: This helps the wings crisp up in the air fryer and adds a subtle, savory richness. It also helps the seasoning stick to the meat.
Garlic powder: A must for building a deep, savory flavor base. It gives the wings that hint of warmth without overpowering the honey and BBQ sauce.
Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and a pop of color to the wings. If you prefer a more intense smoky note, try smoked paprika.
Salt and black pepper: The simplest but most essential flavor enhancers — they bring out the natural taste of the chicken and make all the other flavors pop.
BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite barbecue sauce, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or with a bit of heat. This forms the base of the glaze and pairs perfectly with honey.
Honey: The magic ingredient that turns the sauce into a glossy, sticky glaze. Its natural sweetness balances the tanginess of BBQ sauce.
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split at joints and tips removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
How to Make Honey BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep the wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture — this step is crucial for crispy skin. Place them in a large bowl.
Step 2: Season the wings
Drizzle olive oil over the wings, then sprinkle in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until each wing is evenly coated.
Step 3: Air fry to perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Cook for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Make the glaze
While the wings cook, combine BBQ sauce and honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth, warm, and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Coat and serve
Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl, pour the honey BBQ glaze over them, and toss to coat. Serve immediately while they’re sticky, shiny, and irresistible.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t skip drying the wings — moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Cook in batches if your air fryer is small; overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the size of your wings.
- Use a meat thermometer — chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Play with flavors — try adding cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can cook the wings ahead and store them in the fridge, but for the crispiest results, reheat them in the air fryer just before glazing.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Any sauce you love will work! I tend to choose one that’s smoky with a touch of sweetness to complement the honey.
Can I make them spicier?
Absolutely — add hot sauce to the glaze or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix.
Do I need to flip the wings?
Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even browning and crispiness on all sides.