Honey BBQ Wings (Air Fryer or Oven Chicken Recipe) + Video
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Honey BBQ Wings made in an air fryer or oven are juicy and crispy like fried chicken, but healthier! Coated in a thick, sticky honey BBQ wing sauce, these are the perfect addition to any game day or party appetizer tray. You can even make air fryer BBQ chicken wings for an easy dinner!
These are literally the best wings. I’ve made these crispy wings for a game day party, holiday gatherings, and just a fun weeknight meal.
Not only do they have extra flavor because of the sticky sauce, but they’re actually some of my favorite chicken wings to make.
They don’t take a lot of time, and I love that I can place wings in the air fryer and cook them at a higher temperature to get that crunch.
All you need to worry about is having enough napkins on hand for the sticky wings – but besides that, it’s the perfect recipe.
This recipe quickly became one of my favorite foods due to the perfect balance of flavor and sticky glaze sauce.
And the best part? You can start cooking these bone-in wings right now! Follow the recipe card below to get started! They’re perfect for any time of year!
Honey BBQ Wings
Nothing beats a good wing recipe, because they can be served in so many different ways!
Tender and juicy on the inside with a crispy exterior, you can season wings for one dimension of flavor and add another with your favorite sauces.
Honey BBQ chicken wings are always a favorite for adults and kids alike.
And with a homemade honey BBQ wing sauce, you can adjust the sweetness or heat so it’s just how you like it!
Recipe Video
Be sure to watch the video! Look for it in the recipe card, at the bottom of this post.
To see us make this honey bbq wings recipe from start to finish, watch the video in this post!
If you’re looking for a new appetizer or finger food recipe, I hope you’ll try a few more of our favorites.
Lemon Pepper Wings have a zesty, irresistible sauce, or try a crispy coating of garlic parmesan deliciousness!
My Sriracha Honey version is out of this world — sweet and spicy with a great added layer of flavor from the limes.
Plus, you can make them in the crockpot for an even easier meal.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Wings – I like to use a mixture of drumettes and flats, often labeled as a party pack. You can certainly opt for one type over the other, though!
If they’re frozen, just be sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator first. - Baking Powder – You read that right! This helps the skin get nice and crispy as it cooks. Just be sure that it’s aluminum-free.
- Spices – Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder are all you need!
- Honey BBQ Sauce – You can save some effort with a bottle from the store, but I highly recommend making the version in the recipe card below.
You can reduce the honey by a third if you prefer a sauce that’s a bit less sweet, or add a bit of hot sauce if you want it spicy!
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
No matter how you plan to cook them, you must prep the wings properly.
Pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel, then place them in a large mixing bowl. Toss with baking powder and seasonings until every piece is coated on all sides.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F.
- Spray the basket with cooking spray, then add the wings in a single layer.
- Air fry for about 24 minutes total, flipping air fryer BBQ chicken wings halfway.
Baked Honey BBQ Wings:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and place a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet.
- Spray wings on both sides with cooking spray, then place in a single layer on the wire rack.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165°F.
While the wings cook, combine the honey BBQ wing sauce ingredients in a saucepan on the stove. Simmer together for about 5 minutes, whisking occasionally.
Pour over the cooked wings and toss until well coated, then serve honey BBQ wings while they’re still hot!
Honey BBQ Wings Recipe FAQ
That depends on the overall size of your air fryer basket. Even with the largest model, you will need to work in batches.
It’s important to keep wings in a single layer with some space between each one. This allows the air to circulate around the chicken, cooking it to perfection in no time!
For larger quantities, you may want to use the oven cooking method instead.
This honey BBQ wings recipe will work just as well if you want to use poultry without the skin. It’s a wonderful way to cut the fat content without losing out on flavor!
How To Keep Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings Crispy
To keep your chicken crispy, it’s important that you leave enough room in the fryer for the air to circulate. And, never stack the meat on top of the first layer when cooking.
You can always keep batches warm in a low-temperature oven (250-300°F) while you work on another batch.
Or, serve them up right away — you’ll have more ready by the time the platter is empty!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Place honey BBQ wings in a container with a tightly fitting lid and store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
If you have extra sauce, you can store it in a separate container. Then, use it with your next batch or as a dipping sauce when you reheat them.
For longer storage, you will need to freeze honey BBQ chicken wings. Transfer them to a freezer-safe storage bag and use within 3 months.
Allow them to defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Then, toss them back into the air fryer for 9 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
The honey barbecue sauce makes the chicken finger-licking good. But, if you want something to dip them into, you can try one of these options.
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing
- Alfredo sauce
- Greek yogurt
- Sour cream
- Thousand Island dressing
Then, garnish your honey BBQ chicken wings with sliced scallions, sesame seeds, or cilantro.
For a full meal, pair air fryer BBQ chicken wings with your favorite sides. My top choices include:
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Honey BBQ Wings (Air Fryer or Oven Chicken Recipe) + Video
Ingredients
For the wings
- 4 pounds chicken wings, drumettes and flats
- 1 tablespoon baking powder, aluminum-free
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Honey BBQ Sauce
- 1/4 cup good honey
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
For the wings
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Place the wings in a large bowl, add the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the wings in the basket in a single layer, not touching. Air fry for 12 minutes, flip, and air fry an additional 12 minutes. Continue until all the wings are done. Toss in your favorite wing flavor and serve and enjoy!
Honey BBQ Sauce
- Place all of the ingredients in a small medium-sized saucepot. Whisk to combine. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally. Let simmer 5 minutes, whisking occasionally.
- Toss wings in sauce, garnish with optional sliced scallions.
Video
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published September 2020, updated and republished October 2024
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How do you do them in the oven?
Could you give instructions on doing these wings in an oven? If they are in the recipe, I missed it.
I don’t have an air fryer. Thank you
What are the instructions for the oven?
I opt for the air-fryer but I’m sure these would be just as delicious in the oven. They were nice and juicy, not chewy.
Oven instructions please. Don’t have an air fryer.