Air Fryer Honey Old Bay Wings: A Tasty Treat!

If you're looking for a new way to cook wings, look no further than this recipe for honey old bay wings made in an air fryer. This method of cooking offers a healthy compromise between baking and frying, as air frying uses much less oil or fat but still produces a crisp, delicious texture. The secret to these wings is the traditional seasoning from Baltimore, Maryland, which gives them a unique sweet and spicy flavour. The wings are smothered in a mouth-watering honey-old bay sauce and are sure to be a hit at your next party.

Prepare the chicken wings

Preparing the chicken wings is a straightforward process. First, you need to wash the chicken wings thoroughly. You can then separate the drumettes, flats (or wingettes), and tips using a sharp knife to cut through the joints. If you prefer, you can skip this step and keep the wings whole.

Next, it's time to season the wings. In a large bowl, combine garlic, black pepper, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and honey to create a marinade. You can also add a little flour to the mixture if you want your wings to be extra crispy. Coat the chicken wings with this marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly covered.

After marinating, you can add another layer of flavour and texture by coating the wings with flour and then spraying them with oil. This step will ensure your honey Old Bay wings turn out crispy and delicious.

Make the sauce

While the wings are cooking, it's time to make the sauce. The sauce is what will give the wings their distinctive flavour, so it's important to get it right. Here's a step-by-step guide to making the perfect honey old bay sauce:

Start by mixing all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. The exact ingredients and quantities can vary depending on your taste preferences and the specific recipe you are following. However, the basic ingredients typically include honey, water or butter, and Old Bay Seasoning. You can also add in some hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or vinegar for an extra kick.

Once you have mixed all the ingredients, set the sauce aside while you prepare the wings. You can also make this sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. That way, you can focus on cooking the wings without worrying about the sauce.

When the wings are cooked, it's time to combine them with the sauce. You can either dip each wing into the sauce or toss them all together in a large bowl to ensure an even coating. Don't be afraid to be generous with the sauce!

If you want to get creative, you can also make an Old Bay dipping sauce on the side. Simply mix mayonnaise, Old Bay Seasoning, and lemon juice in a bowl, then transfer it to a closed container and refrigerate until serving. This dipping sauce will add an extra layer of flavour to your wings and impress your guests.

Remember, the key to making delicious honey old bay wings is finding the right balance of sweet and spicy flavours. So, feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities to suit your taste preferences. You can always taste the sauce as you make it and adjust the seasoning or add more honey to get it just right.

Air-frying instructions

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F–400°F. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare the chicken wings. Wash the wings thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. You can separate the drumettes, flats (wingettes), and tips if you prefer.

Next, create your seasoning mix. In a large bowl, combine garlic, black pepper, Old Bay Seasoning, salt, and honey. You can also add a little flour to make the wings crispier. Mix well, and then coat the chicken wings with this mixture. Make sure they are evenly coated.

Now, it's time to arrange the wings in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded. If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches. Spritz or spray the wings lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.

Air fry the wings for 20 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. For extra crispy skin, cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Once the wings are cooked to your desired level of doneness, transfer them to a serving bowl or plate. You can finish them with a generous coating of Old Bay Seasoning, or you can create a sauce for an extra flavour boost.

For a simple sauce, mix honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Heat this over a medium-low heat, stirring until fully combined. You can either drizzle this sauce over the wings or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.

Your Honey Old Bay Wings are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them with celery sticks and your favourite dipping sauce.

Reheating instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F (182°C). Preheating your air fryer will ensure that it is hot enough to crisp up the chicken wings quickly. It is recommended to preheat for about 3-5 minutes. You can also lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.

Prepare the wings: You can add extra salt or pepper at this stage for fresh seasoning and taste.

Arrange the chicken wings: Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the tray, ensuring some space between each wing for even air circulation. If you have too many wings to fit without overlapping, reheat in batches.

Lightly coat with oil (optional): For extra crispiness, lightly coat the chicken wings with a small amount of cooking oil using a brush or spray bottle. Alternatively, you can lightly brush the wings with melted butter before placing them in the air fryer.

Reheating process: Place the basket or tray with the chicken wings into the preheated air fryer. Reheat for about 5-7 minutes initially.

Shake or flip the wings: After the initial cooking time, carefully shake the basket or flip the wings using tongs to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.

Continue cooking: Reheat for an additional 5-6 minutes. Keep a close eye on the wings to prevent overcooking.

Check for doneness: Check the internal temperature of the wings using a meat thermometer. The wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Boneless wings generally take less time to reheat than bone-in wings due to their smaller size and absence of bones. Additionally, if your wings are sauced, it is recommended to use a small air fryer pan, tin foil, or parchment paper to prevent the sauce from sticking to the air fryer basket and burning. Reheat sauced wings for 4-5 minutes at 350°F (182°C).

Serving suggestions

Honey Old Bay Wings are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy. They are a great snack for game day and are sure to be a hit at your next party. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Honey Old Bay Wings:

Dipping Sauces

The classic pairing for Honey Old Bay Wings is a tangy honey and Old Bay seasoning sauce. However, if you want to switch it up, here are some alternative dipping sauces that will complement the wings:

• Chipotle sauce with ranch dressing for a spicy kick
• Barbecue sauce with blue cheese dressing for a sweet and savoury combination
• Honey mustard sauce with diced apples for a fruity twist
• Salsa and sour cream for added flavour and texture
• Tomato sauce with mozzarella cheese for a classic Italian duo

Side Dishes

Some side dishes that will go well with the wings include:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Oven-roasted green beans
• Wild mushroom risotto
• Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
• Lemon Pepper Wings

Drinks

As for drinks, a popular choice in Maryland is a Bohtini – a Natty Boh beer with Old Bay seasoning on the glass rim.

So, there you have it! Get creative with your serving choices, and enjoy your delicious Honey Old Bay Wings.

Frequently asked questions