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Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Wings Recipe

Wingstop Hot Honey Rub Wings Recipe

Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 220kcal
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Description

🍯🔥 Craving something crispy, spicy, and sweet? These Wingstop-inspired Hot Honey Rub Wings are the perfect balance of heat and honey! Air-fried to perfection and coated in a smoky dry rub, then drizzled with a buttery honey glaze, they're an irresistible treat for any wing lover. Great for game day, a party, or any time you want to indulge! 🍗

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.
  • Clumping is a pain— I use a small sifter like this for even dusting of baking powder.

Air Fry the Wings:

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • No air fryer yet? A compact air fryer like this makes wings crispy in half the time.
  • 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.
  • Melting honey & butter is easier in a nonstick saucepan like this—no burnt edges, smooth glaze every time.
  • 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!

Notes

These wings are perfect for a crowd or game day! Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference, and feel free to experiment with different herbs and garnishes to customize the flavor.