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Crispy Air Fryer Spicy Honey Garlic Wings

air fryer spicy honey garlic wings - featured image

These crispy air fryer spicy honey garlic wings are quick, easy, and deliver deep-fried crunch without the mess. Perfect for game day or a weeknight dinner, they feature a sticky-sweet glaze with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (NOT baking soda)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha or your favorite hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
  • Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. If time allows, let them sit uncovered in the fridge for an hour to further dry the skin.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the dried wings and toss until evenly coated.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes.
  4. Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes. Flip each wing using tongs, then increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches at least 175°F.
  6. While the wings cook, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and let bubble gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. If using butter, stir it in at the end until melted.
  7. Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour about half the glaze over the wings and toss gently to coat. Add more glaze to taste.
  8. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Add fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat wings very dry for maximum crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. For extra crispy wings, let wings rest for 5 minutes after the first 12 minutes of cooking before increasing temperature. Glaze wings just before serving to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer wings, spicy honey garlic wings, crispy chicken wings, game day appetizer, easy wing recipe