Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture – Thanks to cornstarch and high-heat cooking, these wings turn out extra crispy.
- Bold Flavor – A balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors makes these wings irresistible.
- Versatile Cooking Methods – Choose between baking in the oven or air frying for convenience.
- Simple Ingredients – Everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for game nights, parties, or even a simple family dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings (separated into flats and drumettes)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank's RedHot)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Lime wedges (optional)
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken Wings
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to help them crisp up.
Toss the wings in a bowl with salt, pepper, paprika, cornstarch, and vegetable oil until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Wings
Oven Method:
Arrange the wings on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
Air Fryer Method:
Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
3. Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, butter, and minced garlic.
Stir and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Coat the Wings
Once the wings are fully cooked, toss them in the prepared glaze until evenly coated.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the wings hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and lime wedges for an extra pop of flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze.
- Sweeter Flavor: Increase the honey or add a little brown sugar for a more caramelized glaze.
- Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for an extra garlicky kick.
- Asian-Inspired Twist: Replace hot sauce with gochujang and add sesame seeds for a Korean-style wing.
- BBQ Style: Swap hot sauce for BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze wings in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: While not recommended for crispiness, you can reheat in 30-second intervals until warm.
FAQs
1. Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake or air fry the wings ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and reheat them before tossing in the glaze.
2. Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness.
3. What’s the best hot sauce to use?
Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but you can use any hot sauce you prefer.
4. How do I make these wings less spicy?
Reduce the amount of hot sauce and add more honey or butter to mellow out the heat.
5. Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Yes, you can use drumsticks or boneless chicken tenders, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
6. Why do I need cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps create a crispy coating by absorbing moisture and promoting browning.
7. How do I prevent the wings from sticking to the air fryer?
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding the wings.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet or air fryer to ensure even cooking.
9. What sides pair well with these wings?
Celery sticks, carrot sticks, coleslaw, fries, or a simple side salad are great options.
10. Can I make these wings gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Conclusion
Crispy Glazed Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of crunch and bold flavor. Whether you make them for a party, a family dinner, or a solo treat, these wings are sure to be a hit. With easy preparation, multiple cooking methods, and endless variations, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again. Try them today and enjoy every delicious bite!
