When it comes to game day snacks or party appetizers, nothing beats the crispy, juicy goodness of air fryer chicken wings. Whether you’re craving air fryer honey garlic chicken wings, honey garlic chicken wings air fryer, or even spicy honey garlic chicken wings, these wings are sure to be a crowd favorite. Perfect for any occasion, these crispy chicken wings are the ideal finger foods for party or an easy appetizer to snack on during movie night.
What I love most about making air fryer wings is how simple and quick it is to get homemade wings air fryer style—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce that hits all the right notes.
Whether you’re craving garlic chicken wings or something a little sweeter like honey garlic wings, this wings recipe air fryer is a keeper. And don’t forget about those delicious asian wings air fryer—they’re packed with flavor and perfect for any party snack table.
Ready to make the best wings food for your next gathering? These honey garlic chicken wings are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, with just a hint of spice if you like it. Grab your air fryer recipes chicken wings, and let’s dive into making the perfect batch of garlic wings recipe that will have everyone coming back for more!
Honey Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Who doesn’t love a good chicken wing? Whether you’re watching the game, hanging out with friends, or just craving something delicious, wings always hit the spot. But the real magic happens when you combine crispy, juicy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. This honey garlic air fryer chicken wings recipe is easy, tasty, and just the right amount of messy.
Before I got my air fryer, I thought making wings at home would be a lot of work. You know, frying them in a ton of oil, cleaning up afterward—it just didn’t seem worth it. But once I tried making wings in the air fryer, I was hooked. They get so crispy without all the extra fat and grease. And don’t even get me started on that honey garlic sauce—sweet, garlicky, and a little sticky in the best way possible.
Here’s how to make them!
What You Need
For the wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (I like to use a mix of drums and flats)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (this gives them a nice, smoky flavor)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the honey garlic sauce:
- ¼ cup honey (the sweet stuff that makes everything better)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best!)
- 1 tbsp butter (because butter makes everything better too)
- 1 tsp sriracha (this is optional if you like a little heat)
How to Make It
1. Prep the wings
Start by drying your wings with paper towels. This is important because if the wings are too wet, they won’t get crispy. After they’re dry, put them in a big bowl. Sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over them. Drizzle in the olive oil and toss everything together so each wing is coated.
2. Air fry those wings
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 5 minutes). Once it’s ready, place the wings in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them, because you want air to flow around each one for that crispy texture. I usually do them in two batches. Air fry the wings for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they cook evenly. They’ll come out golden and crispy.
3. Make the honey garlic sauce
While the wings are cooking, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Then, add the garlic and cook it for 1-2 minutes until it smells amazing (don’t let it burn!). Next, pour in the honey and soy sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. If you like a little spice, add the sriracha. The sauce will thicken up a bit as it simmers.
4. Toss and coat
When the wings are done, take them out of the air fryer. Put them in a big bowl and pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Toss the wings around so the sauce gets all over them. Trust me, this is the best part!
5. Serve and enjoy
You can serve these wings right away! If you want, sprinkle some chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and crunch. And be sure to have plenty of napkins because these wings are sticky, but so worth it.
A Few Tips for Success
- Crispy Wings: Dry your wings well before seasoning them, and make sure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. These are the secrets to getting them crispy!
- Make It Your Own: Want it spicier? Add extra sriracha or chili flakes. If you want more sweetness, drizzle a little more honey over the wings before serving.
- Cooking in Batches: If you’re making a lot of wings, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. You can keep the first batch warm in the oven at 200°F while you cook the rest.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs: Honey Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Wings
How do I get my wings crispy in the air fryer?
To get crispy wings, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. This removes excess moisture, which is key for crispiness. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; give each wing enough space for air to circulate around them. Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken wings, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen wings typically need about 25-30 minutes at 400°F in the air fryer. Make sure to flip them halfway through and check for crispiness. If needed, cook for a few more minutes until they are fully done.
Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove before tossing it with your freshly cooked wings.
How can I make the wings spicier?
If you like your wings with a little kick, you can increase the amount of sriracha or add some chili flakes to the honey garlic sauce. For an even bolder flavor, try marinating the wings in a spicy sauce before air frying them.
Can I cook these wings in the oven instead?
Yes, you can! To cook these wings in the oven, preheat it to 425°F and bake the wings for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
How do I know when the wings are fully cooked?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the wings should be at least 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the wing to make sure the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
Can I use other types of chicken (like thighs or drumsticks)?
You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks, but the cooking time will vary. Thighs or drumsticks will likely need about 25-30 minutes in the air fryer at 400°F. Make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Can I make a big batch of wings for a party?
Yes, you can! If you’re making a large batch, cook the wings in batches so they aren’t overcrowded in the air fryer. You can keep the first batch warm in the oven at 200°F while the next batch cooks. This way, you’ll have hot, crispy wings ready for everyone!
Can I make these wings without honey?
If you prefer not to use honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness. The flavor will still be delicious, though it will have a slightly different taste.
How do I store leftover wings?
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
There’s no denying it—air fryer chicken wings are the ultimate game changer when it comes to easy and delicious finger foods for any occasion. Whether you’re craving crispy chicken wings, air fryer honey garlic chicken wings, or even spicy honey garlic chicken wings, this air fryer recipe for chicken wings delivers every time.
The air fryer gives you homemade wings that are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with minimal oil. Whether you’re making honey garlic chicken wings, asian wings air fryer, or even garlic wings, you can count on these wings recipes to be crowd-pleasing party appetizers that will impress everyone.
Recipe Card: Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings mix of drums and flats
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika adds smoky flavor
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced (use fresh for best flavor)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sriracha optional, for a spicy kick
Instructions
Prep the Wings
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure they get crispy.
- In a large bowl, mix the wings with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toss until all wings are evenly coated.
Air Fry the Wings
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (takes about 5 minutes).
- Place the wings in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each wing.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Work in batches if needed.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in honey and soy sauce, and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add sriracha for a hint of heat if desired.
Toss and Coat
- Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the wings. Toss gently until each wing is fully coated in sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
- Plate the wings and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately with plenty of napkins — these wings are sticky, saucy, and absolutely delicious!
Looking for a game day wings air fryer recipe or party wings recipe air fryer? These honey garlic wings are perfect for both! And let’s not forget how versatile they are—try garlic chicken wings or honey chicken wings for a sweeter twist, or go for garlic wings recipe if you love that savory punch. No matter the occasion, these airfryer chicken wings are a guaranteed hit.
So, next time you need a quick and tasty appetizer easy finger food or snack foods for party, grab your air fryer and get cooking. From party snacks easy to crowd-pleasing appetizers, these wings are sure to be the star of the show!