Hot Honey Butter Chicken Wings

These Hot Honey Butter Chicken Wings have quickly become my go to dish when I want an appetizer that truly wows everyone at the table. The air fryer locks in incredible juiciness while crisping the skin perfectly every time. Tossed in a silky blend of sweet honey and buttery heat these wings deliver bold flavor without any deep frying mess and are ready in about twenty minutes.

I first tried this method for a football party and honestly no one could believe they were made in the air fryer. Now every game day my whole family requests them.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: helps coat the chicken so the seasonings stick and the skin crisps
• Smoked paprika: brings a little depth and smoky background
• Onion powder: adds savory sweetness
• Salt and pepper: basic seasoning that draws out the chicken flavor
• Chicken wings: you want to split them into flats and drummettes for even cooking
• Challenge Unsalted Butter: fresh and creamy butter brings richness to the sauce look for butter that is pale and smells clean
• Hot sauce: choose one you love for the best flavor
• Honey: the sweetness here balances the heat use pure honey for best results
• Kosher salt: highlights and balances all the sauce flavors opt for flaky grains if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Whisk the Seasonings:

In a large mixing bowl blend olive oil smoked paprika onion powder salt and pepper until completely combined

Coat the Chicken Wings:

Add the split wings to the seasoning mix and toss thoroughly with clean hands or use a large zip top bag ensuring every wing is evenly coated

Air Fry the Wings:

Preheat your air fryer to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit Arrange the wings in a single even layer in the basket so they are not crowded Cook for twelve minutes without opening the fryer

Prepare the Sauce:

While the wings cook melt butter until smooth but not sizzling Then add hot sauce honey and salt Whisk vigorously until the sauce is glossy Taste and adjust salt as needed

Brush and Sauce the Wings:

Once the initial cook time is up open the air fryer and using a pastry brush coat both sides of every wing very generously with hot honey butter sauce

Finish Cooking:

Return wings to the fryer and cook for four more minutes until the skin is crisped and the wings are cooked through Check for an internal temperature of at least one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit for food safety

Serve Right Away:

Pile the hot wings onto a platter and drizzle or toss with any leftover sauce Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping

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The smoked paprika adds a subtle layer of flavor I honestly never skip it because it rounds out the heat and sweetness beautifully I remember my youngest dipping her first wing and declaring these the best wings ever Her sticky hands just doubled the smiles

Storage Tips

Cool leftover wings to room temperature before refrigerating Store in an airtight container for up to three days For best texture reheat wings in the air fryer at three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes which keeps them crisp

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap regular unsalted butter for your favorite plant based butter to make these dairy free Any brand of hot sauce works but different ones bring unique flavors If you are out of smoked paprika try sweet paprika or a dash of chipotle powder for heat

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these wings hot and glossy with a side of celery or carrot sticks and a bowl of extra sauce for dunking For a full meal pair them with a crisp green salad or classic potato wedges They make a stellar party platter

Cultural Context

Chicken wings hold a beloved space in American food culture especially at tailgates and parties The classic pairing of sweet and spicy hot honey butter is inspired by both Southern flavors and New York style Buffalo wings so it bridges those favorites

Commonly Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the wings extra crispy in the air fryer?

Make sure to pat wings dry and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket for proper air circulation. This helps achieve maximum crispiness.

→ What’s the best hot sauce for the honey butter glaze?

Use your favorite hot sauce for the glaze. Cholula offers balanced heat without overpowering sweetness, but any brand works well.

→ Can I make the hot honey butter sauce spicier?

Increase the amount of hot sauce or add cayenne or crushed red pepper to the sauce for extra heat. Adjust to your taste preferences.

→ Should wings be coated before or after cooking?

Wings are initially tossed with seasonings, then glazed with hot honey butter sauce after partial cooking before finishing in the air fryer.

→ Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Yes, preheating the air fryer ensures consistent cooking and helps the wings brown evenly on all sides.

→ Which side dishes pair well with these wings?

Pair with classic celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a creamy dip for a refreshing contrast to the spicy-sweet glaze.