I love the thrill of cooking something that’s both bold and effortless, and these Hot Honey Air Fryer Wings have quickly become one of my favorites. The first time I tried them, I was amazed at how the air fryer could create perfectly crispy wings without the hassle of deep frying. Every bite delivers a golden crunch on the outside, while the inside stays tender and juicy—a texture that makes snacking, entertaining, or even a casual weeknight dinner an absolute pleasure.
The magic really happens when the wings meet the hot honey glaze. Sweet, sticky, and just spicy enough to tingle your taste buds, the sauce balances the richness of the wings beautifully. I love how a few simple ingredients can transform humble chicken wings into a dish that feels indulgent and restaurant-worthy. Once you make these wings, I promise they’ll be your go-to recipe anytime you want something comforting with a punch.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken Wings:
Fresh or thawed chicken wings are the star of this recipe. I prefer using wings that still have the skin on, as it crisps beautifully in the air fryer, giving you that irresistible crunch without excess oil.
Hot Honey:
Hot honey is a delightful combination of sweet and heat. It adds a glossy coating that sticks to the wings perfectly, giving a balance of flavors that keeps your taste buds dancing. You can make your own by mixing honey with your favorite hot sauce or chili flakes.
Olive Oil:
A light coating of olive oil helps the wings crisp evenly in the air fryer. It also prevents sticking and enhances the flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken.
Garlic Powder:
Garlic powder brings a subtle savory depth that complements the heat and sweetness of the wings. It’s an easy way to boost flavor without adding extra moisture.
Paprika:
Paprika adds a mild smokiness and a gorgeous reddish color to your wings. It enhances the overall flavor profile while making them look incredibly appetizing.
Salt and Pepper:
Simple, essential seasonings like salt and pepper allow all the other flavors to shine. They balance the sweetness and heat, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup hot honey
How to Make Hot Honey Air Fryer Wings
Prep the Wings
Start by patting your chicken wings dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness. Once dry, place the wings in a large bowl.
Season the Wings
Drizzle the olive oil over the wings, then sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the wings thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Air Fry the Wings
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking.
Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the wings are cooking, gently warm the hot honey in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. You want it warm enough to drizzle easily but not too hot that it loses its sweetness.
Coat the Wings
Once the wings are golden and crispy, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm hot honey over the wings and toss until they’re fully coated in the sticky, spicy glaze.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the wings immediately while they’re hot and sticky. Pair them with a side of celery sticks, ranch, or blue cheese dressing for a complete snack or meal.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Make sure the wings are completely dry before seasoning; moisture can prevent them from crisping properly.
- Cook in batches if your air fryer is small to ensure even air circulation.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot honey depending on your spice preference.
- Let the wings rest for 2–3 minutes after air frying; this allows the juices to redistribute and keeps them tender.
- For extra crispiness, toss the wings with a tiny bit of baking powder along with the seasoning.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and air frying for the best results.
What if I don’t have hot honey?
You can make a simple version by mixing honey with a few dashes of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
How long do leftover wings last?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the amount of chili flakes or use a hotter hot sauce to suit your heat tolerance.
Do I need to flip the wings while air frying?
Yes, shaking or flipping the wings halfway ensures they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.