Irresistible Honey Garlic Chicken Wings: Baked or Air-Fried Perfection
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these incredible Honey Garlic Chicken Wings. Each crispy, succulent wing is generously coated in a decadent, homemade sauce, boasting a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. Crafted with a blend of soy sauce, sweet honey, pungent garlic, fresh ginger, and a hint of smoky paprika, this glaze transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary delight. Whether you prefer the golden crunch of baked wings or the rapid crispness of air-fried, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
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Searching for that ultimate easy dinner idea or a show-stopping appetizer? Look no further! Chicken wings are a universally loved dish, incredibly versatile, and surprisingly simple to prepare for any occasion. While they are undeniably amazing as a centerpiece for your next Game Day gathering or a party appetizer, don’t limit their potential! By experimenting with different breadings and a variety of sauces, you can transform chicken wings into a diverse range of satisfying weeknight meals. This honey garlic rendition offers a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting, sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Best Chicken Wings
When it comes to preparing delicious chicken wings, the type of wing you choose can significantly impact both cook time and overall texture. For this recipe, I highly recommend using “party wings,” which are chicken wings that have already been separated into drumettes and flats. This preparation is ideal because party wings cook much more evenly and consistently than whole, unsplit wings. Their smaller, uniform size allows for a more predictable baking or air frying process, ensuring every piece achieves that desirable golden crispness without some parts being undercooked or overcooked.
However, if whole chicken wings are what you have on hand, feel free to use them! You’ll simply need to adjust your cooking time slightly to account for their larger size. You can also easily separate them yourself by finding the joint between the drumette, flat, and wingtip, and cutting through. Discard the wingtip or save it for making chicken stock!
The Irresistible Flavor of Honey Garlic Sauce
The star of these wings is undoubtedly the luscious honey garlic sauce. This homemade glaze is a symphony of flavors, designed to perfectly complement the savory chicken. It’s built on a foundation of sweet honey, robust garlic, spicy fresh ginger, umami-rich soy sauce, and a secret ingredient that elevates it to the next level: smoked paprika. The combination creates a glaze that is:
- Sweet and Tangy: The honey provides a natural sweetness that is beautifully balanced by the savory notes of soy sauce and the slight tang from other components.
- Deeply Aromatic: Freshly minced garlic and ginger infuse the sauce with a warm, pungent aroma that is simply irresistible.
- Umami-Packed: Soy sauce contributes a rich, savory depth, making the sauce incredibly addictive.
- Subtly Smoky: While you can certainly use regular paprika, smoked paprika is a game-changer. It adds a nuanced, earthy smokiness that layers beautifully with the other flavors, giving the sauce an extra dimension that sets it apart. Trust me, it’s worth seeking out!
How to Create Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Making these honey garlic chicken wings is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. For detailed measurements and complete instructions, refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here’s an overview of the method:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting your chicken wings thoroughly dry. This crucial step helps achieve maximum crispiness. Place the dried chicken in a large bowl or a sturdy plastic bag.
- Season and Coat: To the chicken, add all-purpose flour, garlic powder, and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Toss or shake the bag until each wing is evenly coated. The flour coating is key to developing that satisfying crispy skin during cooking.
- Cook to Perfection: Choose your preferred cooking method: bake in the oven for a classic crisp, or air fry for a quicker, equally delicious result. Whichever method you choose, aim for golden-brown, fully cooked wings.
- Craft the Sauce: While the wings are cooking, prepare your luscious honey garlic sauce. In a saucepan heated to medium-high, combine soy sauce, honey, fresh ginger, minced garlic, and smoked paprika.
- Simmer and Thicken: Allow the sauce mixture to gently simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. It will thicken as it cooks, developing a glossy, irresistible consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the wings are cooked and beautifully crispy, remove them from the oven or air fryer. Drizzle them generously with the warm honey garlic sauce, tossing gently to ensure every wing is coated in that sticky, flavorful glaze. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Flour Substitutions for Crispy Wings
While all-purpose flour is excellent for achieving a crispy exterior, you have several options if you’re looking for alternatives or a different texture. One highly effective substitution is baking powder. Using 1-2 tablespoons of baking powder, enough to lightly coat the chicken, can create an incredibly crispy skin due to its chemical reaction with heat and moisture. Ensure it’s aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any metallic taste.
If you’re aiming for a gluten-free option, cornstarch is another fantastic choice. It provides a lighter, crispier coating than flour and is naturally gluten-free. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of cornstarch. Alternatively, for those who prefer their wings without any breading at all, you can omit the flour completely and opt for “naked” chicken wings, which will still get crispy, especially in an air fryer, before being tossed in the sauce.
Adding a Kick: Make Them Spicy
If you love a little heat with your sweet and savory, these honey garlic wings are incredibly easy to customize with a spicy kick! To introduce some fire, simply add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of ground chili to the honey garlic sauce mixture while it simmers. Sriracha is a popular choice for its vibrant flavor and moderate heat, typically adding 1-2 teaspoons to taste. For a deeper, more fiery heat, cayenne pepper or even a pinch of red pepper flakes would work wonderfully. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, gradually adding more until you reach your desired level of spice. This simple adjustment transforms the classic sweet and savory profile into an exciting hot honey garlic experience!
Naked Wings: A Lighter Alternative
For those who prefer a lighter version or are avoiding breading, making “naked” chicken wings is a fantastic option. This simply means you’ll skip the flour coating entirely. The wings will still get deliciously crispy, especially when air-fried or baked at a higher temperature, as the skin renders and crisps up on its own. The cooking time will remain essentially the same; focus on achieving that internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and a beautifully golden, crispy exterior. Once cooked, simply toss the naked wings directly in the warm honey garlic sauce for a sticky, flavorful, and less-carb alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Reheating Your Honey Garlic Wings for Maximum Crispiness
Leftover chicken wings can be just as delicious as when they were first made, provided you reheat them correctly to preserve their crispiness. The best methods for reheating honey garlic wings are in the oven or an air fryer. I strongly advise against using a microwave, as it tends to make wings rubbery and soggy, destroying that satisfying texture we all love.
- Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, ideally lined with parchment paper or a wire rack to allow air circulation. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until the wings are heated through and the skin has re-crisped.
- Air Fryer Reheating: This is often the quickest and most effective method for restoring crispiness. Place the wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
No matter which method you choose, the goal is to warm them thoroughly while bringing back their crispy texture, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the first.
Versatility: Can You Use Other Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken wings are classic, this incredible honey garlic sauce is versatile enough to elevate almost any cut of chicken. If you’re looking for a different meal experience or want to use what you have on hand, feel free to adapt this recipe for other chicken parts. Chicken tenders, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or succulent chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in) will all work beautifully with this glaze.
The key difference will be the cooking time and method for each cut to ensure they are cooked through and tender. For example, chicken tenders and thin chicken breasts will cook much faster than bone-in thighs. You can pan-fry, bake, or air fry these cuts as well. You’ll find specific cooking instructions for various chicken types in my other recipes:
- Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- Air Fryer Cilantro Chicken Thighs
Simply cook your chosen chicken cut to its appropriate internal temperature, then toss it in the homemade honey garlic sauce for a delightful meal.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
These honey garlic chicken wings are fantastic for meal prepping or having on hand for a quick, effortless meal. You can easily make a larger batch and freeze them for later enjoyment. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Freezing Cooked Wings: Allow the cooked and sauced wings to cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer the wings to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- Defrosting: When you’re ready to enjoy them, transfer the frozen wings to the refrigerator overnight to defrost.
- Reheating from Frozen: If you’re in a hurry, you can often reheat them directly from frozen, though they may take a little longer. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy.
Having these delicious wings prepped and frozen means a gourmet meal is always just minutes away!
Achieving the Perfect Sauce Thickness
The honey garlic sauce recipe, as written, typically yields a beautifully thick and glossy consistency perfect for coating the wings. The natural sugars in the honey, combined with simmering, help it reduce and thicken on its own. However, if you find your sauce isn’t quite as thick as you’d like, or if you prefer an even more substantial glaze, there’s an easy fix.
Simply create a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. While your sauce is simmering over medium heat, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to stir and simmer for another 1-2 minutes. The sauce will visibly thicken as it cooks. Be sure to whisk continuously to prevent lumps. Adjust the amount of slurry as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Creative Substitutions and Seasoning Variations
While the honey garlic sauce is a true winner, don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavor profiles to keep your chicken wing game exciting! Beyond the sauce, the initial seasoning of the wings can also be customized. Here are some ideas for substitutions and alternative seasonings:
- Spice it Up: In addition to Sriracha or cayenne, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle warmth, or a dash of hot smoked paprika for a deeper, spicier kick.
- Herbal Notes: A sprinkle of dried herbs like oregano or thyme in the flour coating can add an earthy dimension.
- Citrus Zest: A tiny bit of lemon or lime zest can brighten the sauce.
- Alternative Sugars: While honey is key to this recipe, you could experiment with maple syrup or brown sugar for different sweet undertones in other wing recipes.
- Vinegar for Tang: A splash of apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar could add a pleasant acidity to the sauce, cutting through the sweetness.
For entirely different seasoning experiences, consider trying these fantastic dry rubs and seasoning blends:
- Jamaican Jerk Seasoning and Rub: For a bold, spicy, and aromatic Caribbean flavor.
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning: A creamy, tangy, and herby classic.
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning: For a dark, smoky, and spicy crust.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: A bright, zesty, and peppery favorite.
- Cajun Seasoning: For a robust, spicy, and savory Southern kick.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Honey garlic chicken wings are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, whether you’re serving them as a main course or an appetizer. To create a balanced and satisfying meal, consider these delicious pairings that complement the sweet and savory flavors of the wings:
- Southern Coleslaw Recipe: The creamy, tangy crunch of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich wings.
- Air Fryer Hush Puppies: Crispy, savory hush puppies offer a delightful textural and flavor counterpoint.
- Southern Potato Salad: A classic, comforting side that’s creamy and satisfying.
- Easy Spaghetti Salad: A light and flavorful pasta salad can be a surprising but delicious companion.
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: The cool, refreshing nature of cucumber salad perfectly cuts through the richness of the wings.
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken and Rice: For a more substantial meal, a hearty chicken and rice dish makes a great pairing.
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta: A pasta dish with a bright, creamy sauce can beautifully complement the wings for a fuller dinner.
Choosing sides that offer contrasting textures or flavors, such as something creamy, fresh, or starchy, will elevate your honey garlic chicken wing experience into a complete and memorable meal.
More Dry Rub Chicken Wing Recipes to Explore
While sauced wings are undeniably delicious, sometimes a perfectly seasoned, crispy dry rub wing is exactly what hits the spot. Dry rubs offer a different kind of flavor experience, often focusing on intense spice blends that adhere directly to the chicken skin, creating a flavorful crust. If you enjoyed the crispness of these honey garlic wings and are looking to explore more breaded or dry-rubbed options, these recipes are fantastic choices:
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings: A foundational recipe for achieving perfectly crispy wings with minimal oil.
- How to Grill Chicken Wings: Learn techniques for smoky, tender wings cooked over an open flame.
- Cajun Chicken Wings: Infused with bold, zesty, and spicy Cajun flavors for a taste of the South.
- Crispy Ranch Chicken Wings: A beloved classic, featuring tangy and herby ranch seasoning for a family-friendly favorite.
- Air Fryer Turkey Wings: A larger, heartier alternative, perfect for a more substantial meal.
- Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Offering a savory, cheesy crust that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Naked Chicken Wings: For a no-breading approach that focuses on natural crispness and flavor.
Delightful Flavored Chicken Wing Recipes
If you’re already a fan of saucy, flavorful wings like these honey garlic ones and are eager to expand your repertoire, there’s a world of delicious glazes and coatings waiting to be explored. From tangy and spicy to sweet and savory, these flavored wing recipes offer exciting twists on the classic chicken wing, perfect for any craving or occasion:
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings: Zesty, peppery, and incredibly refreshing.
- Hot Lemon Pepper Wings: A spicy take on the classic lemon pepper, offering a delightful kick.
- Teriyaki Chicken Wings: Sweet and savory with a distinct Japanese-inspired glaze.
- Mango Habanero Chicken Wings: A fantastic blend of tropical sweetness and fiery heat.
- Sweet Chili Chicken Wings: A perfect balance of sweet and mildly spicy, often with a hint of garlic.
- Air Fryer Buffalo Wings: The ultimate spicy, tangy American classic, made crispy in the air fryer.
- Garlic Parmesan Wings: Rich, savory, and cheesy – a crowd-pleasing combination.
- Honey Hot Wings: The best of both worlds, combining sweet honey with a fiery hot sauce.
- Honey BBQ Wings: Classic barbecue flavor with a sweet, sticky honey twist.
- Keto Low Carb Chicken Wings (Maple BBQ): A delicious, guilt-free option for those following a low-carb diet.
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Brandi Crawford
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Equipment Needed
- Cosori Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Oil Spray Bottle
- Sheet Pan
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings I use drummettes/split wings.
- ⅓ – ½ cup all-purpose flour Use enough to fully coat the wings.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- cooking oil spray (I use olive oil)
For the Irresistible Honey Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or liquid aminos
- 4 garlic cloves Minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger Substitute 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Oven Baking Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or a sturdy plastic bag.
- Add the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the chicken. Toss or shake well until all wings are evenly and completely coated.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then arrange the coated wings in a single layer. Lightly spritz the chicken wings with cooking oil spray.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove from the oven, flip each wing, and spritz again with cooking oil. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, crisp, and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- While the wings are baking, prepare the sauce. Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, minced fresh ginger, and soy sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is well incorporated and slightly thickened. Taste the sauce frequently and adjust ingredients as needed to suit your preference. If you desire more garlic flavor, feel free to add extra minced garlic or garlic powder.
- Once the chicken wings are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the wings and toss gently to ensure they are thoroughly coated. Serve immediately.
Air Fryer Method
- Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or a sturdy plastic bag.
- Add the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the chicken. Toss or shake well until all wings are evenly and completely coated.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Work in batches if necessary. Lightly spritz the chicken with cooking oil spray.
- Air fry at 400 degrees F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
- Open the air fryer, flip the chicken wings, and spritz them with cooking oil again. Continue to air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is crispy and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- While the wings are air frying, prepare the sauce. Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, minced fresh ginger, and soy sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is well incorporated and slightly thickened. Taste the sauce frequently and adjust ingredients as needed to suit your preference. If you desire more garlic flavor, feel free to add extra minced garlic or garlic powder.
- Once the chicken wings are done, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey garlic sauce over the wings and toss gently to ensure they are thoroughly coated. Serve immediately.
Video
Expert Tips and Notes
- Smoked Paprika Power: While regular paprika can be used, smoked paprika truly elevates these wings by adding a delightful depth and subtle smokiness that regular paprika simply can’t replicate. It’s highly recommended for the best flavor.
- Ginger Preparation: When using fresh ginger, ensure it is very finely minced for even flavor distribution. If you prefer larger chunks for a more intense ginger bite, you can add them to the sauce and then remove them after the sauce has simmered and the flavor has fully permeated.
- Sticky vs. Baked-in Sauce: As written, the recipe results in wonderfully sticky, glazed wings. For a more “baked-in” flavor where the sauce caramelizes onto the wings, remove the cooked wings from the oven or air fryer about 5 minutes before they are fully done. Toss them in the sauce, then return them to the oven or air fryer for the final 5 minutes of cooking. This allows the sauce to become even more integrated with the chicken.
- Flour Alternatives: For crispier results or dietary considerations, you can swap all-purpose flour for baking powder (use 1-2 tablespoons, enough to fully coat the chicken) or cornstarch. For a completely breading-free option, simply omit the flour to make delicious naked chicken wings.
- Wing Type: While drumettes and flats (party wings) are preferred for even cooking, whole chicken wings can be used. Just be aware you may need to slightly adjust ingredient quantities for coating and cooking times to ensure they are cooked through and crispy.
- Salt is Key: Salt is crucial for amplifying the flavors of the wings. I typically use ¼ – ½ teaspoon for this recipe, but always salt to taste and consider your dietary needs. While spices add flavor, salt is essential for making those flavors pop.
- Coating Consistency: Start with ¼ cup of flour (or your chosen alternative) and add more if needed. The chicken should be lightly but fully coated; you shouldn’t see large patches of dry flour.
- Even Browning: If you notice any white areas of flour on the wings during cooking, especially with baking, spritz those spots with a little extra cooking oil to encourage browning and crisping.
- Parchment Paper or Foil: When baking, foil can be used instead of parchment paper. However, keep a close eye on your wings as cook times can vary slightly, and foil might lead to slightly less crispiness if not handled correctly. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Heat it Up! To make them spicy, add 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of Sriracha, cayenne pepper, or your favorite Cajun seasoning to the sauce mixture. Adjust to your preferred level of heat. So good!
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.