Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings (Easy Air Fryer Recipe)

There’s something extra special about wings. Sweet, sticky, crispy and juicy every bite. This honey garlic version is crowd-approved. It’s a balance of savory and sweet. Made quickly using the air fryer. No messy deep frying is required here. Perfect for game days or snacks. These wings are flavorful and simple to prepare. Coated in a garlicky glaze that’s golden. Let’s make this family favorite at home.

Ingredients

These wings need a few fresh things. Everything mixes for a tasty glaze. You probably have these at home. Fresh garlic brings out bold flavor. Honey balances it with sticky sweetness. The wings crisp up beautifully too.

1 ½ lbs chicken wings
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp minced garlic
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water (optional for thickening)

Nutritional Information

These wings are better than takeout. Lower fat thanks to air frying. Each bite still packs big flavor. They also offer good protein content. You can control salt and sugar. Balanced and smart for everyday enjoyment.

Calories: 320
Protein: 22g
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugars: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Sodium: 600mg

Time Needed

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings (Easy Air Fryer Recipe)

Making these wings is super easy. You’ll love each part of cooking. Follow these simple steps and enjoy. Sticky sauce and crispy wings await. They come together in one pan. Clean-up is also quick and easy.

Step 1: Prep the Wings
Pat the chicken wings very dry. Mix with salt, pepper, olive oil. Let them rest for flavor blending. This helps wings cook more evenly. Dry wings get crispier when frying. Now preheat your air fryer properly.

Step 2: Air Fry the Wings
Set air fryer to 380°F temperature. Place wings in one even layer. Don’t let them touch too much. Cook for 10 minutes and flip. Fry another 8–10 until golden crispy. Remove and let them sit briefly.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small pan, heat oil. Sauté garlic until golden and fragrant. Add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar. Let it bubble and stir well. Mix water with cornstarch and pour. Simmer until sauce is thick and shiny.

Step 4: Toss Wings in Sauce

Place cooked wings into mixing bowl. Pour warm sauce all over them. Toss gently until every wing’s coated. Add green onions or sesame seeds.
They’ll look shiny, sticky, and delicious. Serve them immediately while still warm.

Healthier Alternatives

Want to make these even lighter? Try these easy swaps and tips. They still keep the flavor strong. These ideas are smart and tasty. Great for clean eating and variety. Perfect for family-friendly healthy meals too.

Use skinless wings to lower fat
Use low-sodium soy sauce option
Replace sugar with coconut sugar alternative
Try air frying with zero added oil
Add fresh ginger for extra flavor
Use sugar-free honey for fewer calories

Serving Suggestions

aesthetic serving of Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

These wings are great with sides. Serve them with coleslaw or salad. Try mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables too. They’re perfect for parties or quick dinners. Pair with rice or soft bread rolls. Serve with extra sauce for dipping fun.

Kid-Friendly Ideas

Kids love fun and tasty food. Make wings smaller for easy bites. Use less garlic for milder flavor. Serve with ketchup or honey dip. Add fruit salad for colorful healthy plate. Turn them into sliders with buns.

Chef’s Tips

Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings with sauce

Dry wings well before cooking them. This helps them get extra crispy. Flip halfway for even golden color. Don’t skip resting them post-fry. Use fresh garlic—not powdered—for rich flavor. Add chili flakes for spicy kick.

Conclusion + Call to Action

Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are a must-try. They’re sweet, sticky, crispy, and full-flavored. Using the air fryer makes cooking easy. You can serve them for anything. Kids love them, adults do too. Give this recipe a go tonight!

Try it, tweak it, and share. Leave a review or tag us. Show off your cooking on socials. Want more recipes? Stick around and explore. Your next favorite dish starts here.

FAQs

Yes, you can use frozen wings, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking and better texture. If cooking from frozen, increase the cook time by about 5–7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Thawed wings also allow the seasoning and sauce to stick better. For best results, pat them dry. This helps them get crispier in the air fryer.

The ideal temperature is 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps achieve crispy skin without drying out the meat. Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes ensures even cooking. Cook in batches if needed for space. Avoid overcrowding the basket so air circulates well. Flip halfway through to brown evenly.

Absolutely. Just reduce the honey amount slightly or add more soy sauce for balance. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice for tanginess. If you like spicy, add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce. The sauce is easy to customize to taste. Always taste-test before glazing the wings.

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. This keeps the skin crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave. However, the microwave may make them soft. For best taste, reheat only once.

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Double-check your other ingredients like garlic paste or ketchup if using. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Also, avoid flour coatings or breaded wings. It’s an easy dish to make allergy-friendly.

Crispy wings need dry skin and good airflow. Make sure you pat the wings dry before seasoning. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this traps moisture. Cook in batches if needed. A small spray of oil can help crisp them up too. Always flip halfway for even crispness.