Name: Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ cup honey; 2 tbsp sriracha; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Crispy, juicy air fryer chicken wings coated in a mouthwatering sweet and spicy sauce. Perfectly balanced flavors with a caramelized glaze, these wings are quick to make, healthier than deep-fried, and ideal for game days, parties, or a fun family dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

These Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a crowd-pleaser that combine the best of both worlds: a sticky, sweet glaze with a fiery kick. Unlike traditional deep-fried wings, the air fryer delivers crispy skin without excess oil, making them a healthier indulgence. The recipe is incredibly easy, requiring minimal prep and cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal. Whether you’re hosting a game night, craving a quick weeknight treat, or planning a party, these wings deliver bold flavors that keep everyone coming back for more. Plus, the customizable heat level means you can tailor them to suit any palate!

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Pat Dry for Crispiness: Ensure wings are thoroughly dried with paper towels before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness.
Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
Shake the Basket: Halfway through cooking, shake or flip the wings for even browning.
Sauce Timing: Toss wings in sauce after cooking to prevent sogginess; broil briefly for a caramelized finish.
Test Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm wings reach 165°F (74°C) internally for safety.

Yield: Serves 4

Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Crispy air fryer chicken wings with a sticky sweet and spicy glaze, perfect for game day or quick dinners.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp sriracha
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Prep the Wings: Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. This step is key for that golden, crunchy texture!
Season Wings: In a large bowl, toss wings with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes for optimal cooking.
Arrange Wings: Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking.
Cook Wings: Air fry for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping wings halfway through for uniform crispiness.
Check Doneness: Ensure wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for safety.
Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and melted butter, stirring until smooth.
Toss Wings: Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl, pour the warm sauce over, and toss gently to coat evenly.
Optional Caramelization: For a sticky glaze, return sauced wings to the air fryer at 400°F for 2-3 minutes.
Serve Hot: Plate your wings, garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired, and enjoy immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!

Notes

Adjust sriracha to taste for a family-friendly heat level.
For extra crispiness, let wings sit in the air fryer for 2 minutes after cooking before saucing.
Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool the spice.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 928Total Fat 66gSaturated Fat 24gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 37gCholesterol 207mgSodium 1857mgCarbohydrates 44gFiber 2gSugar 20gProtein 41g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes:

Chicken Wings (2 lbs): Fresh or thawed frozen wings work best; split into drumettes and flats for even cooking.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Adds a light coating to enhance crispiness and help seasonings stick.
Honey (¼ cup): Provides natural sweetness and creates a sticky glaze; raw honey adds depth.
Sriracha (2 tbsp): Delivers the spicy kick; adjust quantity for milder or hotter wings.
Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Adds umami and balances sweetness; use low-sodium to control saltiness.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Enhances savory flavor; fresh minced garlic can burn, so powder is preferred.
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp): Gives a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the wings.
Butter (2 tbsp): Melted into the sauce, it creates a smooth, rich texture.

Variations and Substitutions:

Milder Flavor: Swap sriracha for a milder hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot or reduce the amount.
Sweeter Wings: Increase honey to ⅓ cup or add a tablespoon of brown sugar.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
No Butter: Substitute with olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Spice Alternatives: Try gochujang for a Korean-inspired twist or chipotle sauce for smokier heat.
Dry Rub Option: Skip the sauce and toss with a mix of chili powder, cumin, and brown sugar after cooking.

Storage Options:

Refrigerator: Store cooked wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezer: Freeze cooked, unsauced wings for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then reheat and toss in fresh sauce.
Make Ahead: Prep wings and sauce separately up to 24 hours in advance; store in the fridge until ready to cook.