Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Wings
Extra-crispy air fryer chicken wings coated in a sticky honey, chili, butter, and hot sauce glaze. These sweet and spicy wings are perfect for parties, game days, or casual dinners.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
- Small saucepan
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings split with tips removed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes optional
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels.
- Place the wings in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and aluminum-free baking powder.
- Toss until every wing is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 3 minutes.
- Arrange the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
- Air fry for 10 minutes.
- Turn the wings using tongs and continue cooking for another 10–12 minutes.
- Check that the wings are deeply golden and have reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Stir in the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and optional chili flakes.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring regularly, until the glaze has thickened slightly.
- Transfer the cooked wings to a clean mixing bowl.
- Pour the warm honey glaze over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately while the wings are hot and crisp.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Suggestions
Serve the wings with celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber, coleslaw, potato wedges, or corn on the cob. Ranch dressing or blue cheese dip provides a cooling contrast to the sweet and spicy glaze.Recipe Notes
Dry the wings thoroughly before adding the seasoning. Use aluminum-free baking powder rather than baking soda. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook the wings in batches when necessary.Variations
Increase the chili flakes or hot sauce for more heat. Add lime juice for a brighter glaze or replace part of the honey with maple syrup. Use gluten-free soy sauce when required.Wine Advice
A slightly off-dry Riesling balances the sweet heat. A chilled sparkling wine is another refreshing choice that keeps the sticky wings from feeling too rich.Nutrition values
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 480 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Protein: 33 g | Fat: 32 g | Saturated Fat: 10 g | Sodium: 700 mg | Sugar: 10 g