Save It These Air Fryer Asian Chicken Wings with Honey Garlic Glaze bring together the perfect balance of sticky-sweet and savory flavors. The air fryer delivers that coveted crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The honey garlic glaze adds a beautiful sheen and irresistible flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Save It In many Asian cultures, chicken wings are considered the perfect vehicle for showcasing complex flavors and sauces. This recipe takes inspiration from classic Asian flavor combinations—the sweetness of honey balanced with soy sauce's umami depth and the aromatic punch of fresh garlic and ginger. The addition of sesame and green onions brings authentic finishing touches that elevate these wings from simple to spectacular.
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or Asian chili sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Prepare the air fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Season the wings
- Toss chicken wings with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated.
- Air fry the wings
- Arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- Make the honey garlic glaze
- While wings cook, make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Coat the wings
- Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the wings and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve
- Arrange wings on a serving platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately.
For the best results with this recipe, take care not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches. This ensures proper air circulation, which is key to achieving that perfectly crispy exterior. If cooking in batches, you can keep the first batch warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) while the second batch cooks.
This versatile recipe can be customized to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier version, increase the sriracha or add a teaspoon of gochujang paste. If you prefer a more pronounced sweetness, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the glaze. For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of orange zest or a tablespoon of orange juice to the glaze mixture. Vegetarians can adapt this recipe using cauliflower florets instead of chicken wings.
These honey garlic chicken wings make an excellent appetizer on their own, but they can also be part of a larger Asian-inspired meal. Serve them alongside steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete dinner. For a party spread, pair them with other finger foods like spring rolls, dumplings, or edamame. A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing makes a refreshing side that balances the rich, sticky wings.
Save It Whether you're hosting a game day gathering, planning a party appetizer, or simply craving a delicious Asian-inspired meal, these air fryer chicken wings deliver impressive flavor with minimal effort. The combination of the crispy texture from air frying and the sticky, sweet-savory glaze creates an irresistible dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Even better, since they're made in the air fryer, cleanup is a breeze, making this the perfect recipe for both special occasions and weeknight dinners alike.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get extra crispy wings in the air fryer?
Pat the wings very dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation for crispiness.
- → Can I adjust the heat level of the glaze?
Yes, adjust the amount of sriracha or Asian chili sauce in the glaze to make it milder or spicier based on preference.
- → What can I serve alongside these wings?
These wings pair well with steamed rice, fresh green salads, or as part of a party platter with dipping sauces.
- → Is there a gluten-free option for the glaze?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the glaze gluten-free while maintaining rich umami flavors.
- → How is the glaze prepared for these wings?
The glaze is simmered over medium heat combining honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until slightly thickened, then tossed with the cooked wings.
- → What is the cooking time for the wings?
Wings are cooked in the air fryer at 400°F for 20 minutes total, flipping halfway for even crisping.