Description
Discover how to make Hot Honey Wings at home! Crispy, sweet, and spicy, these wings are perfect for parties, game days, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (whole or separated into drumettes and flats)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If using the oven, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for getting crispy wings.
- Season the Wings: In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Cook the Wings:
- Oven Method: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Air Fryer Method: Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze: While the wings are cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, and butter. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the glaze is smooth. If you want extra heat, add chili flakes or cayenne pepper. For a touch of acidity, stir in apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Toss the Wings in the Glaze: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot honey glaze over the wings and toss to coat evenly. Use tongs to ensure each wing is thoroughly coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the glazed wings to a serving platter. If desired, garnish with sesame seeds, fresh herbs, or sliced green onions. Serve hot, with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Adjusting Spice Levels: You can easily adjust the heat level of your Hot Honey Wings by varying the amount of hot sauce and chili flakes. If you prefer a milder wing, use less hot sauce or opt for a milder variety. For extra heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or add cayenne pepper to the glaze.
- Balancing Sweetness: If you find the honey glaze too sweet, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors. This acidity will cut through the sweetness and add a bright note to the glaze.
- Crispy Wings Every Time: For extra crispy wings, bake them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the hot air to circulate around the wings, preventing them from sitting in their own juices and becoming soggy.
- Double Dipping: For a more intense flavor, toss the wings in the glaze, bake them for a few more minutes, and then toss them in the glaze again before serving. This double-dip method creates a thicker, stickier coating that’s packed with flavor.