These Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are the ultimate appetizer or snack! Coated in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky glaze, these wings are baked or fried to golden perfection. Perfect for game day, parties, or a delicious family treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy wings without the need for deep frying.
The honey garlic glaze is the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Easy to prepare with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Perfect for parties, game nights, or as a flavorful dinner option.
Can be baked, fried, or air-fried for versatility.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Wings:

Chicken wings (drumettes and flats, separated)
Baking powder
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

Honey
Soy sauce
Garlic (minced)
Unsalted butter
Apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
Cornstarch (for thickening, optional)

Directions

Prepare the Wings:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
Bake the Wings:
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden and crispy.
Frying Option:
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375°F (190°C). Fry the wings in batches for 8–10 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Air-Frying Option:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer and air-fry for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to let the flavors meld. For a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce, cooking until thickened.
Coat the Wings:
- Toss the hot, crispy wings in the honey garlic sauce until well coated.
Serve:
- Transfer the wings to a platter and garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes (baking time)
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Wings: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Lemon Honey Wings: Substitute vinegar with fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.
Ginger Honey Wings: Add grated ginger to the sauce for a hint of warmth and spice.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Extra Crunch: Toss the wings in panko breadcrumbs after seasoning for a crispier texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5–7 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wings soggy.
Freezing: Freeze cooked wings without sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat and toss in fresh sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking for best results.

2. What’s the purpose of baking powder?

Baking powder helps the wings crisp up beautifully in the oven.

3. Can I use drumsticks instead of wings?

Absolutely, but adjust the cooking time as drumsticks may take longer to cook.

4. How do I know when the wings are cooked?

The internal temperature of the wings should reach 165°F (74°C).

5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the honey garlic sauce can be made in advance and reheated when ready to use.

6. How do I prevent the wings from sticking to the baking rack?

Grease the rack lightly with cooking spray before placing the wings on it.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just ensure the wings are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.

8. What sides pair well with these wings?

Celery sticks, carrot sticks, coleslaw, or a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing work great.

9. Can I make these wings less sweet?

Reduce the honey in the sauce and add a splash of extra vinegar for balance.

10. What type of honey works best?

Any honey works, but raw or wildflower honey adds more depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are the ultimate combination of crispy texture and sticky, flavorful glaze. Whether baked, fried, or air-fried, these wings are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe