Hi, I’m Dulcia. I love bold, simple flavors and these hot honey wings are one of my go-to recipes when I want something crispy, sticky, and easy to make.
Origins
These sweet-heat wings are inspired by modern American bar food and the hot honey trend that blends spicy chiles with honey. You can trace hot honey popularity in part to creative chefs and home cooks experimenting with spicy-sweet glazes. For background on honey and food safety see the USDA honey guidance at https://www.usda.gov, and for a broad cultural view on hot sauces and their ingredients see the Hot sauce entry on Wikipedia at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken wings (approx. 12 wings)
- 1/2 tbsp Baking powder Aluminum free (Not baking soda- orange box) (Leave this out if you are deep frying)
- 1/2 tbsp Potato Starch (sub corn starch)
- 1 tsp Garlic Salt
- 1 tsp Seasoned salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp hot sauce (Use your favorite hot sauce – I used 2 tbsp Habanero Hot sauce from Trader Joe’s)
- 2 tbsp honey (Any kind works, I used Spicy Honey from Trader Joe’s)
- 1/8 tsp salt (if needed depending on which hot sauce used) (a pinch)
I also keep a few recipe notes and other favorites on my site – see the homepage at https://www.dulciarecipes.com/ and a fun baking companion recipe here: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/cheesecake-factory-bread/.
Instructions
- Cut the wings into drums and flats if they are not separated. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towel so the skin crisps up.
- Combine the dry ingredients. If you are air frying or oven baking, use baking powder. If deep frying, skip the baking powder.
- Toss the wings in the dry mix until evenly coated.
- Air fryer method: Preheat to 400 F. Arrange wings in a single layer without crowding. Cook 20 minutes, flipping at 10 minutes. Some air fryers finish in 15 to 18 minutes, others take 20 to 25 minutes. Remove when deep golden and crisp.
- Oven method: Preheat oven to 400 F. Place wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on size, flipping once at 25 to 30 minutes, until browned and crisp.
- Deep fry method: Heat oil to 350 F. Fry wings 8 to 12 minutes until cooked through and crisp. Fry in small batches to avoid crowding.
- While wings cook, heat a small pan over medium-low. Add butter and let it melt.
- Add hot sauce and honey to the melted butter. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed. Simmer for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Place the cooked wings in a large bowl and toss with the hot honey butter sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately while hot and sticky. Enjoy!
Crispy Honey Hot Wings
- Total Time: 30–75 mins (depends on method)
- Yield: Approx. 12 wings (about 4 servings)
Description
Crispy chicken wings tossed in a buttery hot-honey sauce; can be air-fried, oven-baked, or deep-fried.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken wings (approx. 12 wings)
- 1/2 tbsp baking powder, aluminum-free (leave out if deep frying)
- 1/2 tbsp potato starch (substitute corn starch)
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp hot sauce (use your favorite; author used 2 tbsp Habanero)
- 2 tbsp honey (any kind; author used spicy honey)
- 1/8 tsp salt, optional (a pinch, if needed depending on hot sauce)
Instructions
- Cut the wings into drums and flats if they aren’t separated.
- Dry the wings thoroughly with paper towels to help them crisp.
- Combine the dry ingredients: baking powder (omit if deep frying), potato starch, garlic salt, seasoned salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika; toss wings to coat evenly.
- Air fryer method: preheat to 400?F, arrange wings in a single layer without overcrowding, cook 15?20 minutes flipping halfway (some units may need 15?25 minutes).
- Oven method: preheat oven to 400?F, place wings on a baking rack, bake 45?60 minutes flipping at the 25?30 minute mark.
- Deep-fry method: heat oil to 350?F and fry wings 8?12 minutes in batches until cooked through and crisp.
- While wings cook, heat a pan over medium-low, melt the butter, add hot sauce and honey, season with salt if needed, and simmer about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss the cooked wings with the hot-honey butter sauce in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15–60 mins (depends on method: air fryer 15–25 min, oven 45–60 min, deep-fry 8–12 min)
Tips
- Dry the wings well to get a crisp skin.
- Use baking powder – not baking soda – for oven or air fryer crispiness. The orange-box baking soda is not a substitute.
- Do not overcrowd the cooking surface. Air fryer baskets and frying pans both need breathing room.
- Adjust honey and hot sauce to taste. Swap potato starch for corn starch if needed.
Variations
- Sticky Garlic Hot Honey: Add 1 tsp minced garlic to the sauce and simmer 30 seconds before tossing.
- Maple Hot Honey: Substitute half the honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Asian-style: Add 1 tsp soy sauce and 1/2 tsp rice vinegar to the sauce for a tangy twist.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: You can cook the wings ahead and re-crisp in a 400 F oven for 5 to 8 minutes, then toss in sauce just before serving.
Q: Can I use boneless wings?
A: Yes, but reduce cook time and watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Q: Which hot sauce is best?
A: Any hot sauce you like works. I used Trader Joe’s Habanero hot sauce for heat and flavor. Adjust to taste.
Conclusion
These hot honey wings are my quick answer when I want a sweet-heat snack or appetizer that still feels special. Whether you air fry, oven bake, or deep fry, the buttery hot honey glaze brings them together. If you try this recipe, tell me how you adapted it – I love hearing tips from readers.