Hot Honey Chicken Wings

Featured in Irresistible Tasty Bites.

These hot honey wings hit all the right spots - crispy skin, juicy meat, and a sauce that balances sweet honey with spicy heat. Choose your cooking method and get ready for the best wings ever.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:16:57 GMT
A plate of glazed chicken wings garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Pin it
A plate of glazed chicken wings garnished with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. | recipesbyclare.com

I created these hot honey wings one Sunday afternoon when craving something different. The combination of sticky sweet honey with that perfect kick of heat transformed our usual game day snack into something magical. After countless family gatherings and late night cravings I've perfected this recipe into what my friends now call their favorite wings. The smell alone brings everyone to the kitchen asking when they'll be ready.

Kitchen Secrets Revealed

These wings have become legendary in our neighborhood. That perfect balance of crispy skin juicy meat and sticky glaze happened through many delicious experiments. My daughter says the smell reminds her of happy weekends and family celebrations. The secret lies in getting each step just right from the initial seasoning to that final toss in hot honey sauce.

Gathering Your Ingredients

  • Fresh Wings: I get mine from the local butcher choosing plump pieces for the juiciest results.
  • Baking Powder: The secret to that incredible crunch.
  • Potato Starch: Creates an impossibly light crispy coating.
  • Spice Mix: My blend includes smoky paprika garlic powder and a touch of secret spices.

Sauce Magic

  • Golden Butter: I splurge on European style for extra richness.
  • Raw Honey: Local honey adds complex sweetness.
  • Hot Sauce: I mix different types for depth of heat.
  • Sea Salt: Just enough to enhance every flavor.

The Perfect Start

Getting these wings right starts with proper preparation. I lay each wing on paper towels patting them completely dry. The seasoning mix gets massaged into every nook ensuring flavor in every bite. My air fryer preheats while I prepare letting that temperature get just right.

A plate of glazed chicken wings garnished with fresh cilantro. Pin it
A plate of glazed chicken wings garnished with fresh cilantro. | recipesbyclare.com

Air Fryer Magic

Setting the air fryer to exactly 400°F creates that perfect environment for crispy skin. Each wing goes in with enough space around it for the hot air to work its magic. The transformation happens slowly turning the wings a beautiful golden brown.

Creating the Glaze

While the wings cook I start my sauce. Watching butter melt slowly into honey creates this beautiful amber color. Adding hot sauce gradually lets me control the heat. The sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon perfectly.

The Final Touch

Tossing hot wings in warm sauce creates the most beautiful glaze. Each piece gets a thorough coating ensuring every bite delivers that sweet heat. The steam rising from the bowl carries the most incredible aroma through the kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

These wings shine brightest on a big platter garnished with fresh herbs. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds beautiful contrast. Celery sticks and ranch dressing cool things down between bites.

Perfect Pairings

Cold craft beer or crisp lemonade perfectly balances the sweet heat. For bigger gatherings I serve them alongside my homemade coleslaw and sweet potato fries. The combination always gets rave reviews.

A close-up of a hand holding a piece of juicy, glistening grilled chicken with crispy skin, showcasing its tender interior. Pin it
A close-up of a hand holding a piece of juicy, glistening grilled chicken with crispy skin, showcasing its tender interior. | recipesbyclare.com

Make Ahead Tips

Preparing wings ahead only makes them better. The seasoning has time to penetrate deeper while the sauce stays perfect when gently reheated. Just a quick blast in the air fryer brings back that amazing crunch.

Spice Variations

Sometimes I add gochujang for Korean flair or chipotle for smoky depth. Each variation brings its own personality while keeping that essential sweet heat balance. My family loves trying new versions.

Party Planning

For bigger gatherings I prepare several batches keeping them warm in a low oven. The sauce stays ready in a small crockpot letting guests enjoy perfectly glazed wings throughout the party.

Leftover Magic

On the rare occasion we have leftovers they transform into amazing lunch wraps. Chopped wings with fresh greens and extra sauce rolled in warm flatbread create next day magic.

Temperature Tips

The perfect wing needs consistent heat. My air fryer gauge helps monitor temperature ensuring each batch comes out identical. Patience during cooking pays off with perfect results.

A plate of glazed chicken wings garnished with cilantro, accompanied by two lemon halves in the background. Pin it
A plate of glazed chicken wings garnished with cilantro, accompanied by two lemon halves in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

Special Occasions

These wings have graced birthday celebrations Super Bowl parties and casual family dinners. They bring people together creating moments of joy around shared plates and sticky fingers.

Storage Solutions

Keeping wings crispy means proper storage. A paper towel in the container absorbs excess moisture. A quick reheat brings back their original glory.

Family Traditions

Sunday wing nights have become our family tradition. Everyone gathers in the kitchen helping prepare sharing stories and waiting for that first batch to emerge golden and perfect.

Seasonal Adjustments

Summer brings lighter honey varieties while fall calls for darker more robust ones. Each season adds its own character to these wings making them year round favorites.

Kitchen Memories

These hot honey wings represent more than just a recipe. They've become part of our family story creating memories around the table bringing smiles and satisfaction with every batch. The sticky fingers and empty plates tell the story of good food shared with love.

A plate of glazed drumsticks garnished with parsley and sesame seeds, showcasing a shiny, caramelized sauce. Pin it
A plate of glazed drumsticks garnished with parsley and sesame seeds, showcasing a shiny, caramelized sauce. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do you need to dry the wings well?
Drying the wings thoroughly removes excess moisture. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin during cooking and helps the seasoning stick better to the wings.
→ Can I adjust the spice level?
You can easily customize the heat by choosing milder or hotter sauce. Start with less hot sauce and add more to taste if you're unsure about spice tolerance.
→ Why use baking powder on the wings?
Baking powder helps break down the proteins in the chicken skin, leading to extra crispiness when baked or air fried. Make sure to use aluminum-free baking powder, not baking soda.
→ Which cooking method is best?
Each method works great but gives slightly different results. Air fryer is quickest, deep frying gives maximum crispiness, and oven baking is great for larger batches.
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
While best served fresh and hot, you can pre-cook the wings and reheat them. Just add the sauce right before serving to maintain crispiness.

Hot Honey Wings

Perfectly crispy chicken wings coated in a buttery hot honey sauce. Three cooking methods for your choice - air fryer, oven, or deep frying.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Tasty Bites

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 wings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1.5 pounds chicken wings (about 12 wings).
02 1/2 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder.
03 1/2 tablespoon potato starch (or cornstarch).
04 1 teaspoon garlic salt.
05 1 teaspoon seasoned salt.
06 1 teaspoon black pepper.
07 1 teaspoon onion powder.
08 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
09 2 tablespoons butter.
10 4 tablespoons hot sauce.
11 2 tablespoons honey.
12 1/8 teaspoon salt (if needed).

Instructions

Step 01

Cut wings into drums and flats if needed. Pat them very dry with paper towels.

Step 02

Mix all dry seasonings and coat wings evenly.

Step 03

Cook at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Avoid overcrowding.

Step 04

Melt butter in pan over medium-low heat. Add hot sauce and honey, simmer 2 minutes until thick.

Step 05

Toss cooked wings in hot honey butter sauce until well coated.

Notes

  1. Skip baking powder if deep frying.
  2. Can be baked at 400°F for 45-60 minutes.
  3. Can be deep fried at 350°F for 8-12 minutes.
  4. Use wire rack in air fryer for extra crispiness.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer.
  • Paper towels.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Saucepan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 90
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein: 6 g