Go Back
Crispy air fryer chicken wings coated in sticky barbecue sauce served on a plate with dipping sauce
Print Recipe

Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Wings - Crispy, Sticky, and Ready Fast

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes, tips removed
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or canola), divided
  • 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite, regular or smoky)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
  • 1/2–1 teaspoon hot sauce or cayenne (optional, for heat)
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Prep the wings: Pat wings dry with paper towels until very dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so don’t skip this step.
  • Season and coat: In a large bowl, mix baking powder, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss wings with 1 tablespoon oil, then sprinkle the dry mixture over the wings. Toss until evenly coated and no dry pockets remain.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Set to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly brush or spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
  • First cook: Arrange wings in a single layer with a little space in between. Air fry at 390°F for 12 minutes. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed.
  • Flip and crisp: Flip wings and cook another 8–10 minutes at 400°F (205°C) until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra crisp, add 2–3 more minutes.
  • Make the sauce: While wings cook, warm BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat until glossy and smooth. Stir in hot sauce or cayenne if using. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang as needed.
  • Sauce the wings: Transfer hot wings to a clean bowl. Pour about two-thirds of the sauce over them and toss to coat. Let sit 1–2 minutes so the sauce clings.
  • Optional second glaze: For a stickier finish, return sauced wings to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 380°F to set the glaze. Then toss with the remaining sauce.
  • Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if you like. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.