For your next party or gathering, you have to make these honey chili oil chicken wings. Crispy air-fried wings get tossed in a warm, sticky honey chili oil sauce that’s sweet, savory, and just spicy enough to keep you and your guests wanting more.
What Are Honey Chili Oil Chicken Wings?
Honey chili oil chicken wings are crispy cooked wings coated in a glossy sauce made from chili oil, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The balance of heat and sweetness is what makes this dish so addictive!
Why You’ll Love These Honey Chili Oil Chicken Wings
- Perfect Sweet Heat: The honey balances the chili oil’s heat so it’s bold but not overpowering.
- Air Fryer Friendly: You get that deep-fried crispiness without the mess or extra oil.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These wings are perfect for parties but sometimes I like to make a batch just for myself!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- Chicken wings: You can use chicken wings and drumettes for this recipe.
- Avocado oil
- Soy sauce
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Onion powder
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Honey Chili Oil
- Chili oil: Brings heat and rich chili flavor.
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce and helps it glaze the wings.
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Sesame seeds
Garnish
- Scallions
Customizations
- Adjust spice level: Use less or more chili oil based on your taste preference.
- Oven-baked option: Bake at 425°F, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
How to Make Honey Chili Oil Chicken Wings
Prep the Wings
Rinse the chicken wings briefly under water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Dry skin is key for crispy wings.
Season and Marinate
In a large bowl, add the wings, avocado oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated. Cover and marinate for about 15 minutes.
Air Fry Until Crispy
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the wings in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
Air fry for 13–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Make the Honey Chili Oil Sauce
While the wings cook, combine chili oil, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds in a small pan.
Heat over medium-low for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly thickened.
Toss and Serve
Transfer the cooked wings to a bowl, pour the warm honey chili oil sauce over them, and toss until evenly coated.
Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately.
Storage
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
Tips to Make the Perfect Wings
- Dry skin matters: The drier the wings, the crispier they’ll be.
- Don’t overcrowd: Give the wings space in the air fryer so they crisp instead of steam.
- Warm sauce only: Heat just until fragrant to keep the honey from burning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the baking powder for?
Baking powder helps dry out the chicken skin, which leads to crispier wings when air fried.
Can I make these honey chili oil chicken wings ahead of time?
You can cook the wings ahead but wait to toss them in the sauce until just before serving for best texture.
Are honey chili oil chicken wings very spicy?
They’re mildly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat by using more or less chili oil.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but fully thaw and dry them first so they crisp properly.
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Absolutely. Bake them in the oven or cook them in a convection oven until crispy.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Lemongrass Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Korean Fried Chicken
- Air Fryer Soy Rosemary Chicken Wings
- Honey Butter Chicken
- Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey Chili Oil Chicken Wings
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 1.5 pounds chicken wings and drumettes
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Honey Chili Oil
- 3 tablespoon chili oil
- 2.5 tablespoon honey
- 2.5 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Garnish
- Chopped Scallions
Instructions
- Give the chicken wings a quick rinse under water then pat them completely dry with paper towels to help them crisp up.1.5 pounds chicken wings
- In a large bowl, add the wings, avocado oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated, then cover and marinate for about 15 minutes.1 tablespoon avocado oil, 2 tablespoon soy sauce, 1.5 teaspoon garlic powder, 1.5 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¾ teaspoon salt, Freshly ground black pepper
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F for a few minutes. Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- While the wings cook, add chili oil, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds to a small pan. Heat over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened and fragrant.3 tablespoon chili oil, 2.5 tablespoon honey, 2.5 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon minced ginger, 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Transfer the cooked wings to a bowl, pour the warm honey chili oil sauce over them and toss until evenly coated. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with chopped scallions.Chopped Scallions
Notes
- Bake in the oven at 425F for 30-40 mins, flipping halfway
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