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Crispy, sticky, and impossible to stop eating, these Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Wings bring just the right mix of sweet heat. They’re glazed in a glossy homemade hot honey sauce that clings to the wings, no deep fryer required! Perfect for game day, backyard hangs, or those nights when you just want something fun and bold.
why you’ll love these air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Wings
I’ve made my fair share of wings, but there’s something about hot honey that just hits differently! If you’re from the South like me, you know hot honey is worth the hype. Crispy chicken with a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze is the ultimate flavor combo, and the air fryer makes it so easy to get that perfect crunch without deep frying!
As with most chicken wing recipes, these hot honey chicken wings are perfect for sharing (only if you want!). Honestly, I may or may not eat a few before anyone else even gets a plate!
Here’s what makes Hot Honey Chicken Wings seriously good:
❥ Best Flavor Combo: The perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and sweet honey in every bite.
❥ Easy in the Air Fryer: No deep frying needed! These involve quick cooking and simple cleanup.
❥ Always a Favorite: These hot honey wings are guaranteed to be a hit at parties, game days, or casual dinners!
❥ Customizable: Adjust the heat, change the sauce, or crisp them further to your liking.
Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Wings Ingredients
- Chicken Wings: Make sure they are split into flats and drumettes. Usually they are labeled “party wings”!
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
- Cornstarch: Just a little will help the skin crisp up!
- Spices: You will need salt, pepper and onion powder to season up the chicken.
- Honey: The base of the glaze to make it sweet and sticky!
- Hot Sauce: Tabasco brings more spice and Frank’s Red Hot gives mellower heat. Both will work well so use your favorite.
- Butter: Adds body to the glaze and helps it cling beautifully!
How To Make Hot Honey Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Season the Wings
Pre-heat the air fryer to 390°F for three (3) minutes.
Dry the chicken wings completely with a paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible. This is important so they get crispy.
Place the wings into a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with salt, pepper, and onion powder until the wings are well coated. Add the cornstarch and toss again until all the wings are evenly coated and lightly dusted.
Step 2 | Air Fry
Put the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer so that each wing has enough room. Cook at 390℉ for twelve (12) minutes. Flip the wings and continue cooking for ten to twelve (10 – 12) minutes more until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
Step 3 | Make the Sauce & Coat the Wings
While the wings are cooking, you can start making the glaze. Place the butter in a small saucepan on low heat. Once melted, add the honey and hot sauce, stirring until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat.
Once the wings are done, place them in a large bowl and pour the glaze over the wings. Toss until all the wings are coated and shiny.
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Step 4 | Air Fry Again and Serve
If you really enjoy gooey, crispy wings, you can air-fry them after glazing for 4-6 minutes longer.
Serve immediately. Have some additional glaze on the side for dipping if desired.
Variations and Substitutions
- Milder wings: Use less hot sauce or sub in sweet chili sauce.
- Spicier wings: Add cayenne, extra hot sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Crispier wings: After glazing, you can pop them back into the air fryer for a caramelized finish!
- Glaze alternatives: Of course, you can follow this wing recipe and try a different glaze like BBQ honey for something different!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, just thaw fully and pat dry before cooking so they crisp up. If using precooked frozen wings, reduce the cook time and add the glaze right after heating!
Dry the wings thoroughly, toss in a little cornstarch, and avoid crowding the basket! Air frying after glazing also adds extra crunch.
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Wings
Air fryer hot honey wings pair perfectly with ranch or blue cheese dressing, crisp celery sticks, or some blue cheese coleslaw on the side. They’re also great alongside sides like mac and cheese, cornbread, or any classic Southern sides!
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Hot Honey Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings - split into drumettes and flats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce - like Tabasco
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Pre-heat the air fryer to 390°F for three (3) minutes.
- Dry the chicken wings completely with a paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible. This is important so they get crispy.
- Place the wings into a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with salt, pepper, and onion powder until the wings are well coated. Add the cornstarch and toss again until all the wings are evenly coated and lightly dusted.
- Put the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer so that each wing has enough room. Cook at 390℉ for twelve (12) minutes. Flip the wings and continue cooking for ten to twelve (10 – 12) minutes more until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
- While the wings are cooking, you can start making the glaze. Place the butter in a small saucepan on low heat. Once melted, add the honey and hot sauce, stirring until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat.
- Once the wings are done, place them in a large bowl and pour the glaze over the wings.
- Toss until all the wings are coated and shiny. If you really enjoy gooey, crispy wings, you can air-fry them after glazing for 4-6 minutes longer.
- Serve immediately. Have some additional glaze on the side for dipping if desired.
Notes
- You could go spicier, but this version keeps it crowd-friendly. Frank’s RedHot is milder, while Tabasco adds more zing.
- Serve with ranch on the side if you want a dipping option.
- I cooked mine for 12 minutes, but timing may vary depending on your air fryer!
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