Craving a perfect balance of sweet and spicy? These Easy Hot Honey Chicken Wings are just what you need! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and covered in a luscious hot honey sauce that’s got just the right amount of kick. Trust me, this dish will be a total game-changer for your next gathering, or just a satisfying weeknight meal. Whether you’re cooking them in the oven or using an air fryer, these wings are quick, easy, and totally irresistible!
Why You’ll Love Easy Hot Honey Chicken Wings
These wings are the definition of flavor-packed comfort food. Here’s why you’ll be coming back for more:
Versatile: These wings are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a game night, throwing a BBQ, or just having a casual dinner. They’re great as a main dish or as a finger food appetizer.
Budget-Friendly: Wings are an affordable choice for a family meal or party snack. You’ll get a lot of flavor without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a plate full of crispy, saucy wings in no time. Plus, using the air fryer cuts down the cooking time, making this recipe even more convenient.
Customizable: Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less hot sauce. You can even switch up the honey for maple syrup for a different twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: These wings are perfect for satisfying both the sweet tooth and spice lovers. Whether it’s a party or a family dinner, they’ll be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients in Easy Hot Honey Chicken Wings
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these mouthwatering wings:
Chicken Wings: The star of the show. You’ll want to use fresh or frozen wings, thawed if necessary, for that perfect crispy texture.
Flour: This helps create a light coating on the wings, making them crispy when fried or air-fried.
Baking Powder: A key ingredient to get the wings extra crispy without frying them in oil.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to bring out the flavors and give the wings the right balance of taste.
Hot Sauce: The kick you need to make these wings truly spicy! You can use your favorite hot sauce—whether it’s Frank’s RedHot or any other brand that packs a punch.
Honey: Sweet and sticky, honey is what gives these wings their unique flavor. It balances out the heat from the hot sauce perfectly.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps it stick to the wings.
Garlic Powder: Just a little touch of garlic flavor enhances the sauce and makes the wings even more delicious.
Paprika: Adds a bit of smokiness and a touch of color to the dish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking!
Prepare the Wings: Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is important to get them crispy! Once dry, toss them in a mixture of flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
Air Fry or Bake:
- Air Fryer Option: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Oven Option: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the wings are cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the hot sauce, honey, garlic powder, and paprika. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Toss the Wings: Once your wings are crispy and golden, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over the wings and toss to coat them evenly.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of extra paprika or some chopped green onions for a pop of color. These wings are perfect with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
(Notes: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Easy Hot Honey Chicken Wings
These wings are perfect on their own, but if you want to complete your meal, try pairing them with:
- A simple salad or coleslaw to balance the heat.
- Crispy fries or onion rings for a true comfort-food feast.
- A side of creamy mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the hot honey sauce.
Additional Tips
- Crispy Wings: Make sure to dry your wings thoroughly before coating them with flour to get that perfect crispy texture.
- Adjust the Heat: If you like it extra spicy, feel free to add more hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce or add a little less.
- Sticky Sauce: For an even stickier coating, let the wings sit in the hot honey sauce for a minute or two before serving.
FAQ’s
- Can I make these wings in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the wings ahead of time, refrigerate them, and reheat them in the air fryer or oven when you’re ready to serve. - Can I use frozen wings?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully before cooking to ensure they cook evenly. - How do I make the sauce spicier?
Add more hot sauce or include a dash of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat! - Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a slightly different flavor. - Do I need to flip the wings during cooking?
Yes, flipping the wings halfway through cooking helps them cook evenly and become crispy all over. - How can I make the wings even crispier?
Try giving the wings a quick spray of cooking spray or brush them lightly with oil before cooking. - Can I bake the wings instead of using an air fryer?
Yes! Baking works just as well, though it may take a little longer (around 30-35 minutes at 425°F/220°C). - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best results. - Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings?
You can! Just keep in mind that drumsticks will need a bit more time to cook than wings. - Can I add other seasonings to the wings?
Yes! You can experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, or even smoked paprika to add more depth of flavor to the wings.
Conclusion
These Easy Hot Honey Chicken Wings are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With a crispy exterior, juicy interior, and that perfect balance of sweet and spicy from the hot honey sauce, they’re the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making them for a party or just for a cozy night in, these wings will definitely satisfy your cravings and leave everyone asking for more!
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Easy Hot Honey Chicken Wings (Air Fryer Option)
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 25min
- Total Time: 35min
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer, Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Hot Honey Chicken Wings are a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with crispy skin and juicy chicken. The hot honey sauce adds the right amount of heat and sweetness. Whether you cook them in an air fryer or the oven, these wings will be a hit at any gathering or as a delicious snack.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Wings:
– 10-12 chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
– 1 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If using the oven, preheat to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
3. If using the air fryer, arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket, making sure there is some space between them. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. If using the oven, place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. While the wings cook, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using), and stir until the sauce is smooth and warmed through.
6. Once the wings are crispy and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer or oven and toss them in the hot honey sauce.
7. Serve the wings immediately, garnished with extra red pepper flakes or fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
– Adjust the level of heat in the sauce by adding more or less hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
– You can substitute the air fryer with a regular oven if preferred.
– For extra crispy wings, consider increasing the air fryer time by a few minutes.
– These wings are great served with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg