There’s nothing quite like a plate of perfectly seasoned wings during game night. I remember the first time I discovered Wingstop’s hot honey rub wings—it was love at first bite. The sweet heat, the crispy skin, and the juicy meat made it the ultimate snack for any occasion.
After countless attempts, I’ve finally nailed down a homemade version that’s just as addictive as the original. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something spicy and sweet, these wings are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
What You Need for Hot Honey Wings
For the Wings:
- 10-12 chicken wings (about 1-2 lbs)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
For the Dry Rub:
- 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder (or regular chili powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt (or regular salt)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
Making Your Spicy Sweet Wings
1. Prepare the Chicken Wings
First, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is key to ensuring they get crispy in the air fryer. In a bowl, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the wings and add the mustard. This will add a little tang and help the seasoning stick. Sprinkle the baking powder over the wings and mix well to coat evenly. This might sound unusual, but trust me—it’s the secret to that crispy texture we all love.
2. Air Fry the Wings
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them—this ensures they cook evenly. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the wings and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until they are crispy and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
3. Make the Dry Rub
While the wings are cooking, it’s time to prepare the dry rub. In a small bowl, combine the ancho chili powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, seasoning salt, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly and set aside. This blend of spices and sugar is what gives the wings their signature sweet and spicy kick.
4. Prepare the Honey Butter Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the honey and stir until combined and smooth. Keep warm until ready to use. This glaze is what takes these wings to the next level, adding a delicious sticky sweetness.
5. Coat the Wings
Once the wings are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer. Toss the wings in a large bowl with the dry rub, ensuring an even coating. Then, drizzle the warm honey butter glaze over the wings and toss again to coat thoroughly. The combination of the rub and the glaze gives these wings their irresistible flavor.
6. Serve
Let the wings sit for a few minutes to absorb all the flavors. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives if desired. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce and celery sticks for that classic wing experience!
Adjusting the Heat: Making It Milder or Spicier
- For a milder version: Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the dry rub. You can also add more brown sugar to balance out the heat with a bit of sweetness.
- For extra spicy wings: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the honey butter glaze.
What to Serve Alongside Your Hot Honey Wings
- Dips: Ranch, blue cheese, or a cooling cucumber-yogurt dip are great options.
- Sides: Serve with classic sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh salad.
- Drinks: A cold beer or a refreshing iced tea pairs perfectly with these wings.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Wings
- Storing: Place any leftover wings in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To keep them crispy, reheat the wings in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the wings soggy.
And there you have it—delicious hot honey rub wings that are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re making them for a game night, a party, or just because, these wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy! 🍗💕
Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Wings Recipe
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 10-12 chicken wings about 1-2 lbs
- Olive oil for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
For the Dry Rub:
- 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder or regular chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for spice preference
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt or regular salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Wings:
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, drizzle a small amount of olive oil and add the mustard over the wings.
- Sprinkle the baking powder over the wings and mix well to coat evenly.
Air Fry the Wings:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12 minutes, flip the wings, and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until crispy and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F or 74°C).
Make the Dry Rub:
- In a small bowl, combine ancho chili powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, seasoning salt, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare the Honey Butter Glaze:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Add the honey and stir until combined and smooth. Keep warm until ready to use.
Coat the Wings:
- Remove the wings from the air fryer.
- Toss the wings in a large bowl with the dry rub, ensuring an even coating.
- Drizzle the warm honey butter glaze over the wings and toss again to coat thoroughly.
Serve:
- Let the wings sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives if desired. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce and celery sticks!
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