Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings With Hot Honey Butter Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it perfectly combines the convenience of the air fryer with a bold and flavorful hot honey butter sauce that’s irresistibly delicious. Plus, it’s the ultimate game day snack that satisfies my craving for something crispy and spicy, all while feeling like I’m indulging in a homemade treat!

Want a different take on tasty crispy wings? Try my Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings with Hot Honey Butter.

They’re a quick delight. I love how they taste.

The garlic and onion powders and smoked paprika really give them a lot of flavor. They are a little too nutritious for my liking because I don’t get to feel guilty about them when I eat them.

They’re so good, though, that I’m not sure I want to be guiltless! I got this recipe from the super handy website MyRecipes.

Ingredients

Chicken Wings, Frozen: An excellent protein source; versatile.

If you use an air fryer, you’ll get a crispy texture.

Olive oil is a source of healthy fats that make food taste better and gives it a nice, crispy texture.

Garlic powder: Provides low-calorie depth and aroma.

Paprika, which has been smoked, is the ingredient that imparts a smoky taste and contributes a wealth of antioxidants.

Honey: An organic sweetener, provides caramelization and sweetness.

Butter (unsalted): A creamy ingredient that helps the sauce stick.

Sauce Hot: Spicy and sharp, upping the taste, it has capsaicin in it.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 2 pounds frozen chicken wings
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

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Instructions

1. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Allow it to heat for approximately 5 minutes.

2. In a big bowl, combine the frozen chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Why are we doing this? To coat the wings with an even layer of deliciousness.

3. Place the prepared wings in the preheated air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches. Ensure that the wings are in a single layer and not crowded in the basket.

4. The wings should be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, with the basket being shaken halfway through to guarantee that the wings crisp up evenly.

5. Prepare the hot honey butter sauce while the wings cook. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter.

6. Combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper (if using) with the melted butter, stirring until everything is well mixed and nothing is separating.

7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and set aside.

8. After the wings are crispy and golden brown, take them out of the air fryer and put them in a large mixing bowl.

9. The wings should be poured over with the hot honey butter sauce, and they should be tossed so that the sauce coats them evenly.

10. If you prefer, you can serve the wings with a sprinkling of your favorite fresh herbs. Ranch or blue cheese dressing also makes a great accompaniment. That said, I’m not sure extra sauce or dip is strictly necessary to enjoy these crispy, spicy wings.

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Large bowl
3. Measuring spoons
4. Measuring cups
5. Small saucepan
6. Stirring spoon
7. Mixing bowl

FAQ

• Q: Can I use fresh chicken wings instead of frozen?Q: Can I use fresh chicken wings instead of frozen in this recipe, and if so, do I need to make any adjustments? A: You can use fresh chicken wings in this recipe. Just make sure you adjust the cooking time so they don’t undercook or overcook.
• Q: How can I make the wings crispier?For wings that are extra crispy, dry them with a paper towel before you season them and space them well in the air fryer.
• Q: What type of hot sauce works best for this recipe?A: Frank’s RedHot is a favored option for the flavor and heat balance of its hot sauce, but really any hot sauce will work.
• Q: Can I make the hot honey butter sauce spicier?Absolutely, raise the amount of cayenne pepper in the sauce or add additional hot sauce to modify the heat level to your preference.
• Q: Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar?You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar in this recipe.
• Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?B: An airtight container is ideal for storing leftover wings in the refrigerator. They taste best if eaten within 3 days. The air fryer is good to reheat them at 350°F.
• Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?Change the unsalted butter in the recipe to a plant-based butter to make the recipe dairy-free.

Substitutions and Variations

Use avocado oil or canola oil instead of olive oil.
Use 2 teaspoons of minced fresh garlic in place of garlic powder.
If you want a different flavor profile, substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika or chili powder.
To replace salt, use soy sauce or tamari for an extra umami hit.
Choose any hot sauce you favor, such as Tabasco or Sriracha, in place of Frank’s RedHot.

Pro Tips

1. Ensure Even Crispy Texture Always preheat your air fryer before adding the wings. This ensures that they start cooking immediately and develop a crispier texture. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps ensure even crisping on both sides.

2. Thaw for a Better Coat While the recipe uses frozen wings, if you have time, consider slightly thawing them under cold running water before seasoning. This can help the spices adhere better to the skin.

3. Double Layering Pro Tip When adding the wings to the air fryer, apply a light spray or brush of olive oil on top before cooking to enhance the golden, crispy finish.

4. Flavor Infusion Allow the cooked wings to rest in the hot honey butter sauce for a few minutes after tossing. This resting period lets the flavors further penetrate the wings.

5. Adjusting Heat Levels If you prefer milder wings, reduce the amount of hot sauce and omit the cayenne pepper. Conversely, for extra heat lovers, increase the cayenne pepper or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce directly to the cooked wings before tossing them in the sauce.