Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with my Air Fryer Honey Garlic Wings! This easy recipe brings together crispy chicken wings coated in a sweet and savory sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you're hosting a game night or just craving a delicious snack, these wings are a must-try. Follow along as I break down the simple steps to make this flavorful dish. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 pounds chicken wings
- Oils and Seasonings: 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Honey Garlic Sauce: ¼ cup honey, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Optional Heat: ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Garnish: Fresh parsley (chopped)
For this dish, I love using fresh chicken wings. They are juicy and tender. Make sure to choose wings that are plump and not frozen. This ensures the best flavor and texture.
You will also need some simple seasonings. Olive oil gives the wings a nice crisp. Salt and black pepper add flavor, while garlic powder gives the wings a rich taste.
The honey garlic sauce is the star. Honey adds sweetness while garlic brings a warm flavor. Low sodium soy sauce gives umami, and apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to spice things up.
Finally, fresh parsley makes a great garnish. It adds color and freshness to the dish. I always keep some on hand for a pop of green!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Chicken Wings
- Patting Dry: First, I pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is key. Removing excess moisture helps the wings become crispy in the air fryer.
- Seasoning Process: Next, I toss the wings in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure every piece gets coated well. This adds flavor and helps with crisping.
Cooking in the Air Fryer
- Preheating: I set the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Preheating for about 5 minutes is essential for getting those crispy wings.
- Cooking Time: I place the wings in a single layer in the basket. I cook them for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, I shake the basket to cook evenly. By the end, the wings should look golden brown and crispy.
Preparing the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Cooking Instructions: While the wings cook, I make the sauce. In a small saucepan, I combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. I stir it continuously.
- Thicken Sauce: I keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers. It takes about 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly. Once it does, I remove it from the heat.
Finishing Touches
- Tossing Wings in Sauce: After the wings are cooked, I move them to a big bowl. I pour the honey garlic sauce over the wings. I toss them until they are well coated.
- Serving Suggestions: I plate the wings on a nice platter. I garnish them with chopped parsley for color. A drizzle of extra sauce makes them look even better.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Crispy Wings
To get crispy wings, start by drying the chicken. Use paper towels to pat the wings dry. Moisture makes them soggy. Dry wings will crisp up nicely in the air fryer. After drying, it's important to set the right temperature. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). This helps cook the wings evenly. Cook them for 25 to 30 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
Perfecting the Sauce
For the best flavor, adjust the sweetness and heat levels in your sauce. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For extra heat, toss in more crushed red pepper flakes. To get the right texture, watch your sauce while it simmers. Stir it continuously until it thickens. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. A thicker sauce clings better to the wings.
Serving Recommendations
Pair these wings with tasty side dishes. Some good options are celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh salad. Dip them in ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra flavor. Garnish your wings with fresh parsley. It adds a nice touch. You can also drizzle extra sauce on top for a burst of flavor.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the flavor of your wings easily. For Spicy Honey Garlic Wings, add more crushed red pepper. This gives the wings a nice kick. If you like sweeter wings, try Sweet Apricot Garlic Wings. Just swap honey with apricot jam. It adds a fruity twist that many love.
Cooking Methods
You can also cook these wings in other ways. If you choose to oven-bake, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the wings on a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. Grilling is another great option. Preheat your grill, then cook the wings for about 20-25 minutes. Flip them often to get that nice char.
Ingredient Swaps
If you want to switch things up, there are great swaps. Instead of soy sauce, try coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option. If you don't have honey, maple syrup or agave works well as a sweetener. These changes can give your wings a new flavor that fits your taste!
Storage Info
Leftovers Handling
- Cooling and Storing: Let the wings cool down to room temperature. This helps keep them tasty. Once cool, put them in the fridge. Store them within two hours to keep them safe.
- Recommended Containers: Use airtight containers for best results. These prevent moisture loss and keep the wings fresh longer.
Reheating Techniques
- Best Methods: You can reheat wings in the air fryer or oven. For the air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. If you choose the oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes.
- Maintaining Crispiness: To keep wings crispy, avoid covering them while reheating. This lets steam escape and keeps the skin crunchy.
FAQs
What can I serve with Air Fryer Honey Garlic Wings?
You can enjoy these wings with many tasty sides. Here are my favorites:
- Crispy French fries: They pair well with the sweet sauce.
- Coleslaw: The crunch adds a nice contrast.
- Vegetable sticks: Carrots and celery are refreshing.
- Rice: A bowl of steamed rice soaks up the sauce.
- Dips: Ranch or blue cheese dressing are great choices.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. But you need to adjust cooking time.
- Cooking Time: Add an extra 5 to 10 minutes.
- Temperature: Keep the air fryer at 380°F (190°C).
- Thawing: If you have time, thaw the wings overnight in the fridge.
How do I know when the wings are done cooking?
Check for a few signs to know if the wings are ready.
- Color: They should be golden brown on the outside.
- Crispiness: The skin should feel crispy to the touch.
- Meat Thermometer: Use one to check the internal temp. It should read 165°F (75°C).
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating is key for the best results.
- Crispy Texture: It helps the wings become crispy.
- Cooking Time: Preheating reduces overall cooking time.
- Even Cooking: It ensures the wings cook evenly throughout.
In this post, we covered how to make tasty air fryer honey garlic wings. We outlined the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for achieving crispy wings. I shared ideas for flavor variations and cooking methods, plus how to store any leftovers.
These wings are easy to make and sure to impress. Try these tips to enhance your wing-making skills. Enjoy every bite!

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