I’ve always had a soft spot for chicken wings. They remind me of game days, backyard get-togethers, and that one time I almost ate a dozen all by myself. This air fryer wings recipe is my way of keeping the flavor big and the cleanup small. We’re talking about a crispy baked chicken wings recipe that crunches when you bite into it, then gives you that sweet hit of honey and smoky BBQ. No deep fryer, no mess. You can call these Chicken Wings In The Oven Crispy, you can call them a hot honey recipe chicken wings, or you can just call them the wings that disappear first at any party. And if you’re wondering about options, yes, you can use the air fryer chicken wings recipe method or stick with the chicken wings recipe oven route. Both deliver that golden skin and sticky glaze we all secretly hope for. I like to pile them up on a platter, set them on the table, and pretend to be surprised when everyone swarms around. These wings are comfort food without the grease overload, and that’s the kind of balance I’m always happy to share.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
3) Ingredients for Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
4) How to Make Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
5) Tips for Making Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
6) Making Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
8) Try these Appetizers next!
9) Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This air fryer wings recipe gives you crisp wings with sticky honey BBQ glaze.
Works in both oven and air fryer methods without losing flavor or crunch.
Simple ingredients like honey and BBQ sauce bring sweet and smoky balance.
Great for game nights, parties, or when you just crave finger licking food.

2) Easy Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe

I’ve made a lot of chicken wings, and every time I think I’ve found the best method, another one comes along. This air fryer wings recipe quickly became my favorite, partly because I can pull it off without deep frying, and partly because it tastes like it came out of a restaurant kitchen. Twice in one week I made them, and twice they disappeared from the platter faster than I could count.

The mix of sweet honey with smoky BBQ sauce clings to the crispy baked chicken wings recipe so well that every bite feels balanced. You start with that crunch, then the sticky glaze coats your fingers, and suddenly you realize you’ve gone back for three more without meaning to. The air fryer chicken wings recipe method makes it even easier if you don’t want to turn on the oven.

If you prefer oven cooking, don’t worry. The chicken wings recipe oven method still gets them golden and crisp. Some people like to call them Chicken Wings In The Oven Crispy, while others say hot honey recipe chicken wings. Call them what you want. I just call them my favorite wings to share.

3) Ingredients for Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Wings

Chicken Wings: About two pounds, split into drumettes and flats. I always remove the wing tips since they don’t add much meat, and they roast more evenly this way.

Baking Powder: This might seem unusual, but it’s the secret to crisp skin. Tossing wings with baking powder gives them that crunch you usually only get with frying.

Salt: A teaspoon is enough to season the wings before baking or air frying. It helps the flavors in the sauce pop later.

Garlic Powder: Just a teaspoon adds depth without overpowering the sweet sauce. I use this almost as a base flavor for the rub.

Smoked Paprika: The smoky flavor builds a connection between the chicken and the BBQ glaze. I love the aroma when the wings roast.

Black Pepper: Half a teaspoon adds that subtle kick without making it too spicy. I grind it fresh for a sharper taste.

Honey: Half a cup of honey makes the sauce sweet and sticky. It also helps the glaze cling to each wing like glue.

BBQ Sauce: Another half cup. Pick your favorite brand or homemade version. A thicker sauce holds better on the wings.

Hot Sauce: A tablespoon if you like more heat. I usually add it when making hot honey recipe chicken wings for spice fans.

4) How to Make Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Wings

Step 1. Dry the chicken wings well with paper towels. This small step makes a big difference. The drier the skin, the crispier it gets once baked or air fried.

Step 2. Toss the wings with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix until the wings look evenly coated. I use a big bowl and a spoon, but sometimes I shake them around with my hands.

Step 3. For oven cooking, preheat to 425°F. Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake them for about 45 to 50 minutes, flipping halfway, until the color turns golden and the skin looks crisp.

Step 4. For air fryer wings recipe method, set the heat to 400°F. Lay wings in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 18 to 20 minutes, shaking once midway.

Step 5. As the wings cook, stir honey, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. The smell alone will make you impatient.

Step 6. When the wings finish cooking, toss them in the warm sauce until every piece glistens. They should look glossy and sticky.

Step 7. Serve them hot with extra napkins nearby. No one ever complains about sauce on their fingers here.

5) Tips for Making Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Wings

I’ve learned a few small tricks that make these wings even better. One of them is letting the seasoned wings rest uncovered in the fridge for about 30 minutes. It sounds simple, but it dries out the skin so they cook up even crispier. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Another trick is to play around with sauce styles. Use a hickory BBQ sauce for smoky flavor or a sweeter sauce if kids are eating. Adding hot sauce to make hot honey recipe chicken wings always wins over friends who love a bit of spice.

I also suggest baking on a rack instead of placing wings directly on the sheet. It lets air flow underneath, which cooks them evenly. Whether you choose chicken wings in air fryer recipe form or the classic chicken wings recipe oven method, this small change brings better results.

6) Making Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Ahead of Time

Sometimes I plan a party menu the night before. In those cases, making the wings ahead helps a lot. You can season the wings and leave them covered in the fridge. Then just cook them the next day using either method. It saves stress when guests arrive.

If you prefer, bake or air fry the wings earlier in the day. Then reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. They stay crisp and warm up nicely. I wouldn’t coat them in sauce until right before serving though, since that can soften the skin.

For a bigger group, double the recipe. You’ll thank yourself when you see how fast the platter clears. Trust me, one batch won’t last.

7) Storing Leftover Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Wings

On the rare chance you have leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. I find they keep their flavor, though the skin won’t be as crisp the next day. That’s normal, and reheating in the oven fixes most of it.

If you plan to reheat, set the oven at 375°F and give them about 10 to 12 minutes. They come back close to the original crisp. The sauce stays sticky and delicious, so it’s still worth saving them.

For long storage, freeze cooked wings in a freezer bag. They last about two months. I usually reheat them straight from frozen at a slightly lower oven temperature so they heat evenly.

8) Try these Appetizers next!

9) Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe