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This air fryer chicken wings recipe with honey BBQ sauce is my quick fix for a satisfying weekend snack or game day treat. It delivers crispy, juicy wings without the mess and fuss of deep frying, all while coming together in just over half an hour on your kitchen counter.
I first tried this on a whim when I was craving wings but didn’t want to heat up the whole kitchen. It quickly became a favorite for casual hangouts.
Ingredients
- Chicken wings: cut into flats and wingettes deliver even cooking and crispy skin. Choose fresh or fully thawed frozen wings.
- Brown sugar: provides subtle sweetness enhancing the BBQ sauce flavor
- Seasoned salt: builds a rich savory base so you can skip adding extra salt later
- Garlic powder: brings depth and warmth to the spice mix
- Smoked paprika: adds a gentle smokiness without any actual smoke
- Ground black pepper: adds just the right amount of heat to balance the sweetness
- Store-bought BBQ sauce: keeps this recipe speedy. Look for one with a good balance of tang and spice.
- Honey: provides natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize on the wings
- Hot sauce: is optional but boosts flavor complexity and a little heat
- Nonstick cooking spray: prevents wings from sticking and helps crisp the skin
Instructions
- Spray The Basket:
- Spray your air fryer basket generously with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the wings from sticking and helps them crisp evenly without extra oil.
- Season The Wings:
- Pat wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and crisping process. Combine brown sugar, seasoned salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss wings in this dry mix until evenly coated.
- Arrange Wings For Cooking:
- Place the wings in a single layer in the basket making sure they are not touching for even airflow. If using drummettes, stand them on their ends along the sides if needed.
- First Cook Cycle:
- Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook wings for 12 minutes, then remove basket and flip each wing carefully with tongs to ensure even cooking.
- Second Cook Cycle:
- Return the wings to the basket and air fry for another 12 minutes at 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare The Sauce:
- While wings cook, combine BBQ sauce, honey, and optional hot sauce in a small saucepan over medium low heat. Stir frequently and warm through until combined and slightly thickened.
- Final Crisp:
- Remove wings and increase air fryer temperature to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip wings again and cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes or until they reach your preferred level of crispness.
- Sauce And Serve:
- Transfer hot wings to a large bowl. Pour about three quarters of the warm honey BBQ sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat. Serve wings immediately with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
My favorite part of this recipe is the combination of the smoky seasoned dry rub and the sticky sweet honey BBQ glaze. It reminds me of summer backyard cookouts growing up with friends gathered around the grill.
Storage Tips
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat crisp wings, place them back in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes to refresh the skin.
Ingredient Swaps
Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweet note. Use store-bought smoked paprika or sweet paprika plus a dash of liquid smoke if unavailable. Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauce brands or homemade versions. Adding extra hot sauce adjusts the spice level to taste.
Serving Ideas
Serve with celery sticks and carrots on the side along with ranch or blue cheese dip to balance the flavors. Pair with classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or potato wedges for a full meal. For a fun twist, toss wings in buffalo sauce after cooking instead of BBQ.
This recipe brings the perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavors to your air fryer with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How do I ensure the wings get crispy in the air fryer?
Patting the wings dry before seasoning and arranging them in a single layer without overlap helps promote even crisping. Cooking at a higher temperature at the end also enhances crispness.
- → Can I adjust the spice level of the glaze?
Yes, adding more or less hot sauce allows you to control the heat. You can also include cayenne or chili powder in the dry rub for extra kick.
- → Is it necessary to flip the wings during cooking?
Flipping the wings halfway ensures even cooking and crispness on all sides, preventing soggy spots.
- → What’s the best way to serve the wings alongside the honey BBQ sauce?
Toss most wings in the sauce for flavor, then serve extra sauce on the side for dipping to enhance taste and texture variety.
- → Can I prepare the honey BBQ sauce in advance?
Yes, making and storing the sauce ahead helps flavors meld, though warming it gently before use brings out the best taste and consistency.