Air Fryer Honey Bbq Wings: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious chicken wing recipe, look no further than honey BBQ wings made in an air fryer. This cooking method makes the wings super crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and the sauce – a combination of honey, BBQ sauce, and a few other simple ingredients – adds the perfect amount of sweetness and spice. The whole recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer at your next get-together.

Choosing the right oil for frying

When it comes to choosing the right oil for frying, there are several factors to consider, including the type of frying you are doing, the smoke point of the oil, and the desired flavour profile. Here are some guidelines to help you select the most suitable oil for frying:

Smoke Point

The smoke point of an oil is the temperature at which it starts to burn and produce smoke. This is an important factor to consider because using an oil with a low smoke point can result in a smoky kitchen and negatively impact the flavour and nutritional value of your food. Oils with moderate to high smoke points are generally recommended for shallow frying, while deep frying requires oils with higher smoke points.

Type of Frying

The type of frying you are doing will dictate the temperature range you need to achieve. Shallow frying, which includes stir-frying and sautéing, typically uses medium-high heat, usually below 400 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, deep frying requires higher temperatures, often exceeding 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Flavour Profile

The flavour of the oil you choose can also affect the taste of your final dish. While some oils have a neutral flavour, others can impart a distinct aroma and taste. For example, unrefined oils tend to have a stronger flavour and are better suited for low-heat applications, such as sauces, dressings, and drizzles. On the other hand, refined oils tend to have a more neutral flavour and are suitable for high-heat frying.

Recommended Oils for Frying

• Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a slightly nutty taste, making it suitable for both shallow and deep frying.
• Canola oil is a versatile option that can be used for shallow frying and deep frying. However, it is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can make it less stable at high temperatures.
• Corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, and peanut oil are all suitable for high-heat frying due to their high smoke points.
• Olive oil is a healthy option for deep frying as it is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, making it resistant to heat. However, it is best to use refined olive oil for frying, as extra-virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point and is better suited for raw applications.
• Vegetable oil is a cost-effective option for deep frying as it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavour.
• Coconut oil is stable and resistant to heat due to its high saturated fat content. However, some people may not prefer its flavour or smell.
• Animal fats such as lard, tallow, ghee, and drippings are excellent choices for deep frying as they are high in saturated and monounsaturated fats, making them resistant to high temperatures.

Preparing the sauce

If you want to make your own, you can use a variety of ingredients, including ketchup, pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, baking powder, salt, and parsley flakes. Simply add all the ingredients to a pot over medium heat, stir, and bring to a light simmer. Reduce the heat and let the sauce gently simmer and thicken. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

If you prefer to use a store-bought option, you can choose your favourite brand of BBQ sauce and add honey to taste. Some popular brands include Stubbs and Sweet Baby Rays. You can also add a little water to thin out the sauce if it's too bold for your taste.

Cooking the wings

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer doesn't require preheating, simply set it to 400°F.

Next, pat your chicken wings dry with a paper towel and place them in a large bowl. Season the wings with salt and pepper, and, if you like, a little avocado oil. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated.

Now you're ready to air fry! Place the wings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren't overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches. Air fry the wings for 10 minutes, then flip them and cook for another 10 minutes. For extra crispiness, flip the wings again and cook for a further 5 minutes. In total, the wings should spend 25 minutes in the air fryer.

While the wings are cooking, prepare your honey BBQ sauce. Simply whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, dijon mustard, and, if you like, a little hot pepper sauce.

Once the wings are cooked, add them to a large bowl and toss them in the sauce until they are fully coated.

Storing and reheating leftovers

When stored properly, your air-fried honey BBQ wings can be enjoyed again as a tasty leftover treat. Here's a simple guide to ensure your wings stay fresh and delicious:

Storing:

Always allow the wings to cool to room temperature before storing. Place the wings in an airtight container, separating the layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. You can also store the wings in resealable plastic bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Ensure that the wings are not crowded in the container or bag to maintain their quality. Mark the storage container with the date, and aim to finish the wings within 3–4 days of cooking for the best quality. You can also freeze the cooked wings for later consumption. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers, again ensuring they are not crowded, and mark with the date. Frozen wings will maintain their quality for around 2 months.

Reheating:

For the best results when reheating, use your air fryer. This will help retain the crispy texture of the wings. Reheat in batches to ensure even heating. Set the air fryer to a temperature of around 350–375°F (180–190°C). Place the wings in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they have space around them. Reheat for 3–5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. If you're reheating from frozen, add a couple of minutes to the time, and ensure the wings are heated thoroughly before serving. You can also reheat the wings in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the wings on a lined baking sheet and heat for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. Again, ensure the wings are heated thoroughly, especially if starting from frozen.

Note:

Always ensure that leftovers are reheated to a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent any food safety issues. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the meat. Don't reheat the wings more than once. It's best to reheat only the portion you intend to consume. Enjoy your crispy, saucy, and delicious honey BBQ wings, fresh or as tasty leftovers!

Serving suggestions

These honey BBQ wings are perfect as an appetiser or as the main protein for a weeknight dinner. If serving as a starter, whip up a chicken wing dipping sauce, such as a simple ranch dressing. If serving as a main, pair with a starchy side like potato wedges or sweet potato fries, and a green veggie side like an arugula salad.

For a lighter option, serve with coleslaw and a garden salad. If you're after something with more flavour and texture, try air fryer macaroni and cheese, or crunchy air fryer garlic bread. Air fryer zucchini fries or air fryer roasted cauliflower are also unique options.

If you're serving these wings for game day, pair them with grilled corn on the cob. For a classic pairing, serve with crispy air fryer french fries or air fryer potato wedges.

If you're looking for sauce options, try buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or a side of extra honey BBQ sauce.

Frequently asked questions