Introduction
If you’re a fan of juicy chicken wings with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Wings are just what you need. Made in the air fryer, they are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a delicious honey garlic glaze that’s both sticky and flavorful. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time and oil, making this a healthier yet irresistibly tasty dish. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or just when you’re craving something delicious!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 tbsp butter
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the wings get crispy in the air fryer.
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Toss well to coat the wings evenly with the seasoning.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Wings
- Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, shake the basket or flip the wings for even cooking.
- Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the wings are crispy and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
- While the wings are cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the honey, soy sauce, sriracha, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly.
Step 5: Toss the Wings in the Glaze
- Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Pour the honey garlic glaze over the wings and toss well to coat each wing evenly.
- Return the glazed wings to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This helps the glaze set and gives the wings a caramelized finish.
Cooking Notes:
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to add more or less sriracha depending on your preferred spice level. The red pepper flakes are optional for an extra kick.
- Crispier Wings: For extra crispy wings, increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Baking Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the wings at 425°F (220°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serving Suggestions:
These Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Wings are best served hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Pair them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They make a fantastic appetizer for parties, game nights, or as a main dish alongside fries or a fresh salad.
Tips:
- Dry the Wings: Patting the wings dry before seasoning is key to achieving that crispy texture.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the glaze a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
- Double the Glaze: If you love extra sauce, consider doubling the glaze recipe and serve some on the side for dipping.
- Storage: Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 17g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Sugar: 10g
Conclusion
These Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Wings in the Air Fryer are an absolute crowd-pleaser. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. The air fryer makes the process quick and easy, while still delivering restaurant-quality wings. Whether you’re making them for a party, family dinner, or simply as a treat for yourself, these wings are a must-try!
PrintSweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Wings in the Air Fryer
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 tbsp butter
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the wings get crispy in the air fryer.
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Toss well to coat the wings evenly with the seasoning.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Wings
- Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, shake the basket or flip the wings for even cooking.
- Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the wings are crispy and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
- While the wings are cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the honey, soy sauce, sriracha, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly.
Step 5: Toss the Wings in the Glaze
- Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Pour the honey garlic glaze over the wings and toss well to coat each wing evenly.
- Return the glazed wings to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This helps the glaze set and gives the wings a caramelized finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 290
- Sodium: 500mg
- Protein: 18g