Air Fryer Hot Honey Butter Chicken Wings: The Ultimate Sweet, Spicy, Crispy Wing Recipe
These Air Fryer Hot Honey Butter Chicken Wings are perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky, sweet-and-spicy glaze with smoky paprika flavor. They’re quick to make, packed with bold taste, and ideal for parties, game day, or an easy appetizer at home.
Ingredients
Wings
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1½ tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 lbs chicken wings, split into flats and drummettes
Hot Honey Butter Sauce
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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⅓ cup hot sauce
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½ cup honey
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¾ tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
Instructions
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Season the wings
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken wings and toss until fully coated.
Tip: You can also do this in a zip-top bag for easy cleanup. -
Air fry (first cook)
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange wings in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 12 minutes. -
Make the hot honey butter
While the wings cook, whisk together melted butter, hot sauce, honey, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. Taste and adjust salt if needed. -
Glaze the wings
After 12 minutes, open the air fryer and generously brush the wings on both sides with the hot honey butter sauce. -
Finish cooking
Return wings to the air fryer and cook for 4 more minutes, or until fully cooked, crispy, and sticky. -
Serve
Serve immediately with extra hot honey butter sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
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Pat wings dry before seasoning to help them crisp up.
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Avoid overcrowding—cook in batches if needed.
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For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce.
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Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing for balance.