Hot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings in Air Fryer Recipe

If you’re a fan of wings that pack a punch of sweet heat and tangy zest, then the Hot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings in Air Fryer Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. These wings boast a delightful balance between spicy cayenne, smoky paprika, and the luscious sweetness of raw honey combined with the tang of Dijon and whole grain mustards. Air frying them locks in an irresistibly crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Trust me, this recipe transforms simple chicken wings into an unforgettable flavor sensation that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing its own magic to the plate. From the savory spices that create depth to the honey and mustards that deliver that signature hot honey mustard flavor, every component counts in making this recipe shine.

• Chicken wings (4 pieces): A mix of drumettes, wingettes, and tips ensures varied textures and even cooking.
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory note that compliments the honey’s sweetness.
• Smoked sweet paprika (½ teaspoon): Infuses a smoky warmth and beautiful reddish color to the wings.
• Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Crucial for seasoning and balancing the flavors throughout.
• Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and enhances the overall spiciness.
• Olive oil (up to 3 tablespoons): Used to help seasonings stick and to create a luscious glaze.
• Raw and unfiltered honey (3½ tablespoons): The sweet element that harmoniously blends with the spicy mustard.
• Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Provides tangy sharpness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Whole grain old-style mustard (1 tablespoon): Offers texture and a rustic, pungent flavor.
• Cayenne powder (½ teaspoon): Brings the essential kick that defines this hot honey mustard blend.
• Apple cider vinegar (¼ teaspoon): Adds brightness and acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Pinch kosher salt: Finishes the mustard sauce for a perfect savory balance.

How to Make Hot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings in Air Fryer Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your Air Fryer to 375°F (191°C) and set the timer for 25 minutes. This warm-up ensures the cooking chamber is evenly heated, creating the perfect environment for crisping the wings beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings

Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which helps in achieving that prized crispy skin. Separating the drumettes from the wingettes and tips not only makes enjoying them more convenient but also promotes even cooking throughout the batch.

Step 3: Season the Wings

Drizzle the wings with olive oil and toss them lightly so the seasonings stick well. Sprinkle garlic powder, cayenne, kosher salt, and pepper evenly on all sides. Let the wings marinate at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes to soak up the flavors—it’s a little patience that goes a long way.

Step 4: Arrange Wings for Air Frying

Place the wings skin side up on the Air Fryer’s tray. Position drumettes toward the inner side and wingettes plus tips near the door. This layout improves airflow, ensuring every wing crisps up perfectly while cooking evenly.

Step 5: Initial Air Fry

Air fry the wings for 5 minutes, then carefully flip them skin side down to crisp the other side. Continue air frying for 8 additional minutes, allowing each wing to develop that gorgeous golden crust.

Step 6: Make the Mustard Sauce

In a shallow bowl, combine Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, cayenne powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside 1 tablespoon of this mixture for glazing later. To the remaining mustard, add the apple cider vinegar and honey, stirring until the sauce is smooth, sweet, and tangy—your signature hot honey mustard sauce.

Step 7: Prepare the Mustard-Oil Glaze

Mix the reserved tablespoon of mustard with olive oil until creamy. This glaze will give the wings an extra layer of flavor and help with caramelization during the final cooking phase.

Step 8: Glaze and Continue Cooking

Brush the glaze generously on all sides of the wings, then place them skin side down back into the Air Fryer. Lower the temperature to 370°F (188°C) to prevent burning while allowing deep browning and flavor development.

Step 9: Finish Cooking Wingettes and Tips

Air fry wingettes and tips separately for 5 minutes. Remove and toss them in the hot honey mustard sauce until they’re perfectly coated. Return them to the tray skin side up and air fry for 2 more minutes to caramelize the sauce, then let them cool slightly.

Step 10: Finish Cooking Drumettes

Continue cooking the drumettes for 7 more minutes. Once done, coat them thoroughly with the hot honey mustard sauce. Give these a final air fry, skin side up, for 5 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring juiciness and safety.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer all the hot honey mustard chicken wings to a serving plate and serve immediately with the reserved mustard dipping sauce on the side. This makes every bite a tour de force of flavor and texture.

How to Serve Hot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings in Air Fryer Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro add a burst of color and freshness to these rich wings. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions can also elevate the visual appeal and texture contrast, enhancing your eating experience.

Side Dishes

Pair these wings with crunchy celery sticks or cooling cucumber slices to balance the heat. Creamy coleslaw or a simple potato salad complements the wings’ bold flavors while offering a refreshing counterpoint. For something heartier, crispy fries or roasted veggies also make excellent sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Hot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings in Air Fryer Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, inviting vibe. Adding small bowls of extra mustard dipping sauce and a drizzle of honey on the side encourages interactive dining and sharing. For parties, skewering the wingettes for easy grab-and-go bites adds a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining their flavor and texture if reheated properly.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, freeze the cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen wings last up to 2 months and thaw quickly in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat wings in the Air Fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness without drying them out. Alternatively, warming them in the oven on a baking rack also helps keep the skin crisp and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the wings before seasoning and cooking for even crispiness and proper cooking throughout.

Is there a substitute for the raw honey?

You can use other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar, but raw honey offers a unique flavor and texture that really makes the sauce shine.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

While the air fryer creates the perfect crispy texture, you can bake the wings in a preheated oven at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How spicy are these wings?

They have a medium heat level thanks to the cayenne powder, balanced by the honey’s sweetness—adjust the cayenne amount to suit your heat preference.

What dipping sauces pair well with these wings?

Besides the mustard dipping sauce provided, try ranch dressing or blue cheese dip to cool down the spicy sweet heat for variety.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings in Air Fryer Recipe are a game-changer when it comes to flavorful, crispy wings made with minimal fuss. The harmony of sweet, spicy, and tangy in every bite is simply irresistible. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be rewarded with wings that everyone will be begging for again and again.

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