Description
Make crispy and delicious Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer! This simple recipe features a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce that gives the wings a perfect sweet and savory flavor. Whether you’re craving Honey Garlic Wings or experimenting with Honey Soy Garlic Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Ingredients List
Creating these Sticky Honey Garlic Wings (Air Fryer) is all about building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need for savory-sweet perfection:
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (party style, split at the joint, wing tips removed)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (helps get that crackly, crisp exterior)
- 1 teaspoon salt (sea salt for best flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds subtle depth; swap for regular paprika if preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or canola; olive oil works in a pinch)
For the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey (local, raw honey offers more nuanced flavor)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (for umami richness; coconut aminos work for soy-free)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced (jarred garlic is a fast substitute)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (apple cider vinegar is a solid alternative)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional; swap for hot honey if you like more heat)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (vegan butter works for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon cool water (to thicken)
For Garnishing:
- Thinly sliced scallions
- Sesame seeds
- Cracked black pepper
Ingredient Swap Tips: For gluten-free wings, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a bright pop, a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon is lush right before serving.
Instructions
Pat your chicken wings dry—this is key for crispiness! Toss wings in a large bowl with cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and oil. Massage the seasoning in with your hands to coat thoroughly. The cornstarch will create an ultra-crunchy skin without deep-frying.
Tip: If you love super crispy wings, chill seasoned wings in a single layer on a rack in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step draws out extra moisture from the skin.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange wings in a single layer in the basket—don’t overcrowd; work in two batches if needed for max crispness. Air fry for 12 minutes, flip each wing, then air fry another 10–12 minutes until golden brown, deeply crisp, and cooked through to 165°F internally.
Tip: Shake the basket at the halfway mark if your model allows—this keeps hot air circulating for even browning.
While the last batch of wings cooks, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, and sriracha in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until simmering, then whisk in cornstarch slurry and butter. Keep stirring for 1–2 minutes until glossy and thickened to syrupy perfection.
Tip: Stir in a splash more vinegar for extra tang, or a bit more honey if you like it sweeter.
Transfer cooked wings to a large, heatproof bowl. Pour the hot sticky honey garlic sauce over them. Toss with tongs (or clean hands!) until every wing is fully coated in glossy, clingy sauce.
Personalization: Want even stickier wings? Add just half the sauce first, toss and air fry 3 more minutes, then toss with the rest—this creates caramelized bits and maximizes stickiness.
Pile wings onto a platter. Top generously with scallions, sesame seeds, and grind over a little more black pepper. The aroma and shine will grab everyone’s attention—now dig in!
Nutrition
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 24g