These Hot Honey Butter Wings are the ultimate comfort food that satisfies your cravings for something crispy, sweet, and spicy—all in one. Thanks to the air fryer, you can achieve golden, crunchy wings without the need for deep frying. Coated in a luscious honey butter sauce with a touch of heat, these wings will become a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a game day gathering, family dinner, or just a casual snack, these wings will definitely hit the spot!

Ingredients:

For the Wings:

• 1 kg chicken wings
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp baking powder

For the Sauce:

• 1-2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (or sriracha)
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 2 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp honey

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

• Wash and Dry the Wings: Start by thoroughly washing your chicken wings, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving that crispy skin in the air fryer!
• Season the Wings: In a large bowl, mix the paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black and white pepper, and baking powder. Toss the wings in this spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Baking powder helps to crisp up the skin in the air fryer, so don’t skip this step!
• Marinate: Let the wings sit and marinate for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to settle in. While they marinate, you can prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Air Fry the Wings

1. Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Air fryers may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check your wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure they’re cooking evenly.
2. Cook the Wings: Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. If needed, cook in batches. Air fry the wings for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to get both sides golden and crispy.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• While the wings are cooking, heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
• Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, hot sauce, chili flakes, and sesame seeds into the pan. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
• Taste the sauce. If it’s too sweet, add a bit more vinegar. If it’s too sour or salty, balance it with more honey or soy sauce. You want a perfect balance of sweet and spicy that coats the wings beautifully.

Step 4: Coat the Wings

• Once the wings are cooked and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them into a large mixing bowl.
• Toss the Wings: Pour the sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat them evenly in the sweet, spicy glaze.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Serving: Serve these wings immediately while they are hot and crispy. They make a great appetizer or main dish and are perfect when paired with a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.
• Optional Garnishes: For added flavor and texture, you can garnish your wings with more sesame seeds or a sprinkling of chili flakes for an extra kick!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Hot Honey Butter Wings:

• Air Fryer Tip: Air fryers vary in size and power, so your cooking time may slightly differ. Check your wings a couple of minutes before the 20-minute mark to ensure they’re cooked perfectly. The wings should be golden brown and crispy. If you’re unsure, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should read 75°C (165°F).
• Crispy Wings: If you want extra crispy wings, coat them lightly in cornstarch before cooking. This gives the skin an even crispier texture. You can also give them a quick spray of olive oil before air frying for a golden finish.
• Flavor Balance: The key to this recipe is balancing the sweet and spicy. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the level of hot sauce or honey to your liking. If you prefer spicier wings, add more hot sauce or even a bit of chili powder. For a sweeter version, simply increase the honey and brown sugar.
• Reheating Tips: Leftover wings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
• Make It Your Own: Feel free to experiment with different spice blends in the seasoning mix! Add garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a bit more heat. You can also add lemon zest to the sauce for a citrusy twist.

Hot Honey Butter Wings in the Airfryer

These Hot Honey Butter Wings are a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory, with the crispiness you love—thanks to the magic of the air fryer!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

For the Wings:

• 1 kg wings
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp white pepper
• 1 tbsp baking powder

For the Sauce:

• 1-2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 2 tbsp hot sauce or sriracha
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 2 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

 

• Wash your wings and pat dry.
• Add all the spices plus baking powder and mix thoroughly.
• Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes and then pop them in a preheated air fryer for 20 mins at 190 and flip halfway through.
• In the meantime make the sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, hot sauce, honey, chilli flakes, sesame seeds and cook for a few minutes until its a thick consistency.
• Check the sauce here and adjust the hot sauce or honey to get a good balance of sweet & sour. If its too sour or salty you can add more vinegar to balance the sauce.
• Toss in the cooked wings and enjoy!

Notes

This recipe is sure to become a regular favorite! Easy to make in your air fryer, these wings pack a punch with the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. Enjoy with a side of your favorite dipping sauce or just as they are!

Keyword airfryer, chicken, honeybutter, recipes, wings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bake these wings instead of air frying?

Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the wings at 220°C (425°F) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes.

2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, place them in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes or bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes.

3. Can I adjust the spice level in the sauce?

Absolutely! Reduce or omit the chili flakes and hot sauce for a milder version, or increase them for extra heat. You can also add cayenne pepper or a dash of sriracha for an extra spicy kick.