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Looking for a spicy honey chicken wings recipe that's both simple and delicious? These crispy Hot Honey Chicken Wings are a crowd favorite and come together quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings.
Plus, they're gluten-free like my beloved Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, and can easily be made dairy-free too! Whether baked, air-fried, or grilled, this recipe delivers crispy, flavorful wings every time.
Why You’ll Love These Hot Honey Chicken Wings
As a mom of three and someone living with Celiac disease, I know how important it is to have family-friendly, gluten-free meals that don't feel restrictive. These wings check all the boxes-simple ingredients, bold flavors, and easy prep. And if you've tried my dry rub baked wings, you know I don't mess around about wings!
Plus, you can customize the heat and sweetness to your preference. If you're like me and love both spicy and sweet flavors, this recipe is about to become a new favorite in your household.
Wings are a game day classic, but don't shy away from serving these for an easy weeknight dinner with a side of sweet potatoes or a simple salad. And double your sauce ingredients if you want extra for dipping (or smothering over other recipes). Enjoy!
Ingredient Notes
If you're wondering how to make hot honey wings at home, it's easier than you think-just a few simple steps and you're done.
Air fryer hot honey wings recipe instructions are included for a faster cooking option. Plus, you can easily make these dairy-free hot honey chicken wings by swapping the butter for ghee or a plant-based alternative.
- Organic chicken party wings: About 30 wings. I get the big 3-pack bag at Costco. Make sure to separate them if still connected!
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne (for the perfect seasoning)
- Mike's Hot Honey: For the best sauce for hot honey wings, we use a combination of Frank's Red Hot and Mike's Hot Honey to get that perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
- Frank's Red Hot – This is my preferred hot sauce, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
- Melted butter: Feel free to use ghee or a vegan alternative for dairy-free.
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Please see the printable recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and full instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Add the wings to a large bowl and dry them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Toss with olive oil and seasonings.
Step 3: Spread the wings in an even layer on a large baking sheet, ensuring they have plenty of room.moisture.
Step 4: Roast the wings for 45 minutes, then flip and broil for 5-6 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy enough for your liking. The internal temperature will read 165 degrees F when fully cooked.
Step 5: Meanwhile, add the butter to a small saucepan on the stove and melt over medium heat.
Step 6: Add hot sauce and hot honey, and whisk until combined. Let it bubble over medium heat for a few minutes until thickened. Let the sauce sit and cool to thicken.
Step 7: When the wings are done, drain any fat and add them to a large bowl
Step 8: Toss with the hot honey sauce to coat and enjoy!
Air Fryer or Grill Method
For an air fryer, cook the wings in the air fryer basket at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning frequently.
Tips for the Perfect Wings
- Crispy Texture: For extra crispy wings, dry your wings thoroughly with paper towels before baking to ensure they crisp up. You can also put a baking rack on top of your baking sheet so they air circulates all the way around the chicken. I’ve found that it works just as well for them to cook in their own fat directly on the baking sheet to get crispy, though!
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce or cayenne to control the spiciness. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes on the wings for extra heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter alternative to make this recipe completely dairy-free.
- Want to mix up your flavors? Swap cayenne pepper for chipotle powder or use a different hot sauce for a new twist!
- Extra Sauce: You can make a double batch of the sauce and serve for dipping, or use in variety of other dishes.
Serving Suggestions
These delicious wings serve as the perfect appetizer, side dish, or part of a bigger meal. Add a small bowl of extra sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. Here are some ideal pairings:
Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Fries: The crispy, sweet flavor complements the heat from the wings perfectly.
Cucumber Carrot Salad: A refreshingly simple, nutrient-packed side to balance the bold flavors.
Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta: If you're looking for a creamy, high-protein side, this gluten-free dish adds a nice contrast to the spiciness of the wings.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up.
- Freezer: Freeze the cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll last up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Reheating Tip: Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy! Oven or air fryer reheating works best.
Recipe FAQS
Yes! Simply swap the butter for ghee or a plant-based butter alternative to make this recipe completely dairy-free.
Definitely! You can use your favorite hot sauce if you prefer something less spicy or with a different flavor profile. Cholula or sriracha are great options.
If you're sensitive to heat, reduce or skip the cayenne, and use less Frank's Red Hot. You can also increase the honey for a sweeter flavor balance.
Absolutely! For even more flavor, toss the wings in the seasoning and let them marinate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
More Recipes to Try
Instant Pot Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip (Dairy Free)
Whole30 Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins (No Breading)
Paleo Old Bay Wings {Whole30}
Easy Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe (Air Fryer Option)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 lbs chicken wings , about 30 wings, separated if still attached I get a 3-pack at Costco that has about 4.5 lbs.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1.5 tsp salt
- ½ tsp cayenne
Hot Honey Sauce
- ½ cup Mike’s hot honey
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup Frank’s Red Hot
Instructions
Oven-Baked Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Add the wings to a large bowl and dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Toss with the oil and seasonings. Spread out evenly on a large baking sheet so they have plenty of room.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then flip and broil for 5-6 minutes until they are crispy enough for your liking.
- Meanwhile, add the butter to a saucepan on the stove. Melt over medium heat. Add the hot sauce and hot honey and whisk until combined. Let it bubble over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Let it sit and cool/thicken.
- When the wings are done, drain any fat and add them to a large bowl with the sauce. Toss to coat, and enjoy!
Air Fryer
- For an air fryer, cook the wings in the air fryer basket (sprayed first with oil), at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Grilling Instructions
- If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning frequently, until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Notes
- Crispy Texture: For extra crispy wings, dry your wings thoroughly with paper towels before baking to ensure they crisp up.
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce or cayenne to control the spiciness. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes on the wings for extra heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use ghee or a plant-based butter alternative to make this recipe completely dairy-free.
- Want to mix up your flavors? Swap cayenne pepper for chipotle powder or use a different hot sauce for a new twist!
- Extra Sauce: You can make a double batch of the sauce and serve for dipping, or use in variety of other dishes.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up.
- Freezer: Freeze the cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll last up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Reheating Tip: Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy! Oven or air fryer reheating works best.
Nutrition
All nutrition facts are an estimate and automatically calculated. While I fact check them using My Fitness Pal, please note that they may not always be 100% accurate and depend on ingredients used. Weigh your total and divide by the number of servings for the most accurate grams per serving size.
These wings were AAMAZING
So good my husband, 3 year old and myself devoured them ALL and wanted more. This recipe will definitely be added into our dinner rotation.
Absolutely delicious! Just the right amount of heat and sweet. Everyone loved them! Thanks for another great recipe, Mary.
Thanks Michele! So glad everyone loved them!