Chicken wings cooked in the air-fryer are delicious! The magic of the air-fryer ensures your chicken wings come out crispy on the outside, while remaining tender and juicy on the inside, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. When you get feedback like “these are amazing,” you know you’ve found a winner, and these air fryer honey glazed sticky chicken wings definitely fit that bill. Not only are they mouth-watering, but they’re also super simple to make, making them a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or entertaining friends and family.
The beauty of the air-fryer is that it cooks chicken wings to perfection without the need for deep frying in tons of oil, making them a healthier alternative to the traditional version. This means you can enjoy crispy, golden wings more often, without the guilt. The sticky honey glaze adds a sweet and savoury layer that takes these wings to the next level. The best part is that these wings are ready in just 20 minutes, making them a quick and easy option when you’re craving something delicious.
I made these honey glazed sticky chicken wings on the Channel 5 TV show AIR FRYERS: ENTERTAINING MADE EASY, which first aired on April 4th, 2024. They were a big hit with everyone and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, an appetizer, or even a main course, these wings are bound to impress. They’re the perfect balance of crispy, sticky, and flavourful, and they’re made even better with the convenience of the air-fryer. Try them out with this quick and simple recipe and get ready to wow your guests!
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 20 minutes
SERVES 4 people
KIT you will need an air fryer, paper towel and mixing bowls.
Ingredients for air fryer chicken wings
12 fresh chicken wings (not frozen)
1 tablespoon of baking powder
2 teaspoons of paprika
Olive oil spray
For the glaze:
3 tablespoons of honey
3 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 teaspoon of chilli flakes
1 teaspoon of sesame seeds
To serve:
1 red chilli, sliced
A handful of fresh coriander, chopped
For the spicy dip:
Mayonnaise
Hot sauce
Method
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious snack or appetizer, these crispy air fryer chicken wings with sticky honey glaze are an absolute must-try! Start by using a paper towel to pat the chicken wings dry – this step is crucial. The drier the skin, the crispier your wings will turn out, so don’t skip it! So once they’re nice and dry, transfer the wings to a large mixing bowl. Then give them a light spray of oil to help the seasoning stick and encourage even crisping.
Next, sprinkle in one tablespoon of baking powder and two teaspoons of paprika. The baking powder is a little secret trick – it helps create that beautiful, crispy skin without needing deep frying. Then put on a pair of kitchen gloves and mix everything thoroughly with your hands to ensure each wing is evenly coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F). Once it’s ready, place the wings into the air fryer basket, skin side down. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they get golden and crispy all over.
While the wings are cooking, let’s make that sticky honey glaze! In a small bowl, combine three tablespoons of honey, three tablespoons of soy sauce, one teaspoon of chili flakes, and a teaspoon of sesame seeds. Mix it well until it becomes a smooth, glossy sauce.
So once your wings are cooked and beautifully crisp, take them out of the air fryer and drizzle generously with the sticky glaze. Then garnish with sliced fresh chili and chopped coriander for a pop of colour and flavour.
For an extra kick, whip up a spicy dipping sauce by mixing your favourite hot sauce into a bowl of creamy mayonnaise. Serve immediately. And don’t forget to watch the full video on my YouTube channel.
Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Sticky, sweet, and irresistibly crispy, honey glazed chicken wings are the ultimate finger food. The air fryer makes them quicker and less messy than oven-baking or deep frying. Here’s how to get that ideal balance of crispy skin and glossy glaze every time:
1. Use split wings
Go for wingettes and drumettes for even cooking. Avoid whole wings unless you cut them yourself.
2. Pat wings dry
Use kitchen paper to remove excess moisture before seasoning. Dry skin = crispier finish in the air fryer.
3. Season before cooking
Toss wings with a simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika before cooking. This adds base flavour before the glaze goes on.
4. Preheat your air fryer
Preheat to 200°C (390°F) for 2–3 minutes. Starting with a hot basket helps crisp the skin faster.
5. Don’t overcrowd
Place wings in a single layer with space in between. If needed, cook in batches as crowding leads to soggy results.
6. Flip halfway through
Turn the wings at the halfway point (about 12 minutes in a 24-minute cook) for even browning and crispy edges all over.
7. Glaze at the end
Toss cooked wings in the honey glaze during the final 2–3 minutes. This keeps the glaze from burning and makes them glossy and sticky.
8. Make your glaze sticky
A mix of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of vinegar or hot sauce gives a great balance of sweet, savoury, and tangy.
9. Rest before serving
Let the wings sit for 2–3 minutes after cooking to set the glaze. Then serve hot with napkins nearby – they’re delightfully messy!
Similar recipes
If you love these easy air fryer chicken wings then you might also like my air fryer tandoori chicken recipe.
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