Air Fryer Hot Honey Wings
Crispy, sticky, and perfectly sweet-spicy — these Air Fryer Hot Honey Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleasing game day recipe! Made in the PowerXL Air Fryer, they’re healthier than fried wings but just as addictive. Prep them ahead and toss in the hot honey glaze right before serving!
Creator: Leslie Stokes
There’s something about a plate of hot honey wings that just feels like game day. They’re messy in the best way, sticky, sweet, a little spicy — basically everything you want while watching your team play. And making them in the PowerXL Air Fryer means you get that perfect crispy skin without deep frying or babysitting a hot oven.
These Air Fryer Hot Honey Wings are my go-to when I want something crowd-pleasing that still feels homemade and a little special. The balance of heat from the hot sauce with the sweetness of the honey is perfection. The glaze thickens just enough to coat the wings, giving that finger-licking shine that makes them irresistible.
When I tested this recipe the first time, I realized that drying the wings properly was the difference between okay wings and restaurant-level crispy ones. Now, I always pat them dry, season them generously, and give them space in the air fryer basket. The PowerXL Air Fryer circulates hot air evenly, so every piece gets that golden, crunchy finish without oil splatter all over your kitchen.
The hot honey glaze is where the magic happens. It’s simple — just honey, hot sauce, butter, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang — but when it hits those crispy wings, it transforms them. You get a glaze that’s sweet at first, followed by a little kick of heat that keeps you reaching for more. I like to toss them in a big stainless steel bowl right after they come out of the air fryer so the sauce sticks perfectly.
For game day, I always make a big batch of these alongside my Southwest Eggrolls and Crispy Dill Pickle Chips — they make the ultimate trio of air-fried perfection. The wings are definitely the star of the spread, though, and my kids even love them with a little ranch on the side when I tone down the spice.
They’re also great for meal prep — seriously! I’ve made them ahead for easy protein during the week. The glaze doubles as a sauce for grilled chicken or shrimp, too. It’s one of those simple recipes you’ll end up making over and over again because it’s fast, flavorful, and a total crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love These Hot Honey Wings:
Crispy without frying — all thanks to the PowerXL Air Fryer.
The glaze is everything — sticky, sweet, and perfectly balanced.
They’re high-protein, family-friendly, and easy to make in big batches.
Great for game day, backyard hangs, or even meal prep protein.
So whether you’re hosting a full-on football party or just need a fun Friday night dinner idea, these Air Fryer Hot Honey Wings deliver every time. Once you try them, you’ll never go back to the oven or fryer — I promise.
Pro tip: make extra glaze. You’ll want to drizzle it on everything.
Tips to make these a crowd pleaser
Cooking Tips
Pat dry for crispiness: This is the #1 secret to perfect air fryer wings. Moisture prevents the skin from crisping, so make sure they’re totally dry before seasoning.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give each wing room to breathe — this allows hot air to circulate evenly for that restaurant-style crunch.
Customize the heat: For a spicier glaze, add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha. For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce slightly and add a little more honey.
Glaze timing: Toss the wings in the sauce immediately after cooking so they soak up that sticky sweet-spicy flavor while still hot.
Crispier finish: After tossing, you can pop the wings back in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to caramelize the glaze even more.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Make ahead: You can air fry the wings up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Reheat at 375°F for 5–6 minutes, then toss in fresh glaze before serving.
Meal prep: Cook the wings, make the glaze, and store both separately. Heat the glaze just before tossing for that glossy finish.
Freezing: Freeze cooked wings flat on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
Store: Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven — they’ll stay crispy!
Air Fryer Hot Honey Wings
Ingredients
- 2 –3 lbs chicken wings split at the joint
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce I like a Louisiana style hot sauce
- 1 tbsp butter optional, for a richer glaze
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar optional for a little tang
Let's Make It
- Prep the wings: Pat chicken wings completely dry with paper towels (this helps them crisp up). Toss in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Air fry: Place wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Air fry at 390°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Make the glaze: While the wings cook, heat honey, hot sauce, butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Toss & serve: Transfer the wings to a large bowl, pour the glaze over the top, and toss to coat. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Info (per 4–5 wings, 6 servings)
Calories: 285
Protein: 23g
Carbs: 9g
Fat: 17g
Fiber: 0g
