Golden fried chicken wings glazed in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce with just the right amount of heat. These wings are ultra-crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and made to be dipped and devoured—perfect for game day, parties, or weekend cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Crispy Texture: The cornstarch and flour coating delivers a perfect crunch every time.
• Bold, Balanced Flavor: The honey garlic glaze is the ultimate mix of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A party favorite that works for everything from casual snacking to appetizer spreads.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the chili flakes to suit your spice level.
• Better Than Takeout: Crispy and saucy, made fresh in your kitchen with real ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs (900g) chicken wings, split and tips removed
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for deep frying

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped parsley or green onions

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken wings with salt, pepper, cornstarch, and flour until all pieces are well coated.
2. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
3. Fry the wings in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each batch for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove wings and drain on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack.
5. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, vinegar, and chili flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
7. Place the fried wings in a large bowl, pour the sauce over them, and toss to coat evenly.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
9. Serve immediately with dipping sauces of your choice.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Oven-Baked Version: Bake the wings at 425°F (220°C) for 45–50 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil for a few minutes for extra crispiness before tossing in sauce.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook wings in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Extra Heat: Add sriracha or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicier version.
• Garlic Lover’s Version: Double the garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
• Sticky Soy Wings: Replace honey with hoisin or teriyaki for a different sweet-savory glaze.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or in an air fryer until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating.
• Freezing: Not recommended after saucing, but you can freeze the fried (unsauced) wings and toss in fresh glaze later.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but fully thaw them and pat dry before coating and frying to prevent oil splatter.

What’s the difference between cornstarch and flour in the coating?

Cornstarch gives the wings a lighter, crispier texture, while flour adds body. The combination provides the best crunch.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the honey garlic sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before tossing with wings.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, due to the soy sauce and flour. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I bake the wings instead of frying?

Yes, though they won’t be quite as crispy. Bake at a high temperature (425°F) and broil briefly for added crunch.

How do I get the sauce to stick to the wings?

Make sure the wings are hot and crispy before tossing them in the sauce. Thickening the sauce with cornstarch also helps it cling.

Can I use chicken drumsticks or thighs?

Yes, but adjust cooking time as larger cuts take longer to cook through.

What sides go well with these wings?

Serve with coleslaw, fries, celery sticks, or steamed rice for a balanced meal.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely. If you like your wings extra saucy or plan to use the sauce as a dip, double the recipe.

How do I prevent soggy wings?

Serve immediately after saucing. For leftovers, re-crisp in an oven or air fryer before serving.

Conclusion

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and satisfying crunch. With a sticky-sweet garlic glaze and a golden fried coating, these wings deliver everything you want in a finger-licking appetizer or main dish. Whether served at game night, a dinner party, or a casual meal, these wings are guaranteed to impress.

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