Craving something sweet, spicy, and finger-licking good? These Hot Honey Chicken Wings are the perfect combo of crispy skin, tender meat, and a spicy-sweet glaze that will blow your taste buds away. Whether you’re planning a party, game day, or just want a delicious snack, this easy chicken wings recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Make Hot Honey Chicken Wings
Step 1: Dry and Season the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them get extra crispy in the oven or air fryer. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until evenly coated.
Why use baking powder? It helps draw out moisture and makes the skin crisp up beautifully!
Step 2: Cook the Wings
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the wings in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
- Air fry for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the wings are cooking, melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add honey, hot sauce, vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Toss the Wings in Sauce
Once the wings are done and crispy, place them in a large bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over them and toss until well coated.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these spicy honey wings hot, with a side of ranch or blue cheese dip. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Wings
- Sweet and Spicy Flavor – A perfect mix of heat and honey.
- Crispy Texture – Thanks to the baking powder trick.
- Easy to Make – No deep fryer needed!
- Crowd Favorite – Great for game nights, parties, or weekend treats.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh wings, not frozen, for the best texture.
- Adjust the spice level by using more or less hot sauce.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer to keep them crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your hot honey chicken wings with:
- Celery sticks and ranch dip
- Loaded fries
- Cornbread
- Iced tea or lemonade
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen wings?
A: Yes, just thaw them fully and pat them dry before seasoning.
Q: Is there a substitute for hot sauce?
A: You can use sriracha or chili paste, but the flavor may be slightly different.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Store it in a jar in the fridge and reheat before using.
Q: Are these wings very spicy?
A: They have a mild to medium kick. You can reduce the hot sauce if you prefer them less spicy.
Q: Can I grill the wings instead of baking?
A: Yes! Grilling gives them a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the hot honey glaze.
Final Thoughts
These hot honey chicken wings are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of spicy and sweet is simply irresistible. Try them once, and they’ll become your new favorite!
