Easy Bourbon Honey Air Fryer Chicken Wings

I love making air fryer chicken wings because they turn out so crispy without all the extra oil from deep frying. The air fryer creates golden, crunchy skin while keeping the meat juicy. When I add a honey bourbon glaze, it takes the flavor to the next level with the perfect mix of smoky, sweet, and slightly tangy notes. These wings are my go-to for game day, parties, or an easy weeknight dinner.

Whenever I make these wings, I like to serve them with classic sides like celery and ranch dressing, a fresh coleslaw, or even cornbread for a Southern twist. If I’m in the mood for something lighter, a simple side salad balances the richness of the glaze really well.

For another wing recipe with bold flavor, these Instant Pot Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings are a great alternative, bringing a spicy kick with Caribbean-inspired seasonings.

What Are Bourbon Honey Air Fryer Chicken Wings?

Bourbon honey air fryer chicken wings combine crispy air fryer wings with a rich, caramelized glaze made from bourbon, honey, and BBQ sauce. This recipe takes inspiration from Southern-style bourbon glazes often used in ribs and grilled meats. Bourbon adds a warm depth of flavor, while honey creates a sticky, glossy coating that clings to the wings perfectly.

I first tried bourbon-glazed wings at a barbecue restaurant, and I knew I had to recreate them at home. The combination of sweet and smoky flavors was just too good to pass up. By using an air fryer, I was able to get that crispy texture without frying in oil, making these wings easier and less messy to make.

If you love making wings in different ways, you might also enjoy this Cajun Baked Chicken Wings, which delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone wings in no time.

Ingredients To Make This Recipe

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in making these wings flavorful and crispy. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken wings – I prefer fresh wings, but frozen wings work too if you thaw them properly.

Smoked paprika – Adds a smoky depth that enhances the bourbon’s warm notes.

Garlic powder – Brings a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the glaze.

Onion powder – Adds a mild, slightly sweet onion taste to balance the spices.

Salt – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.

BBQ sauce – Acts as the base of the glaze, giving it a tangy, slightly smoky profile.

Apple cider vinegar – I like using this to add acidity, which balances the sweetness of the honey and bourbon.

Bourbon – Brings caramel and vanilla notes that make the glaze extra rich.

Brown sugar – Helps create the sticky texture while adding a deep molasses sweetness.

Honey – The key to getting that glossy, sweet coating that makes these wings irresistible.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Bourbon Honey Glaze

Making crispy air fryer wings is easier than you think! Here’s how I do it.

1. Season the Wings

In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Toss well to coat the wings evenly. This seasoning step makes a big difference in the final flavor.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer

I always preheat my air fryer to 380°F to ensure even cooking and crispy skin. If your air fryer doesn’t require preheating, you can skip this step.

3. Cook the Wings in Batches

Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd them, or they won’t crisp up properly. Cook at 380°F for 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 8 to 10 minutes to ensure they cook evenly.

4. Prepare the Bourbon Honey Glaze

While the wings cook, I make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, bourbon, brown sugar, and honey. Simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to keep it from burning.

5. Toss the Wings in the Glaze

Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a bowl. Pour the bourbon honey glaze over them and toss until they’re fully coated.

6. Air Fry Again for Extra Crispiness

This step is my favorite! Return the glazed wings to the air fryer and cook at 400°F for another 10-15 minutes. This caramelizes the glaze and gives the wings a crispy, slightly sticky texture.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Take the wings out of the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. I love adding a sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips For Making The Best Honey Bourbon Air Fryer Wings

Here are some tips I’ve learned to make sure these honey bourbon wings turn out amazing every time.

• Pat the wings dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture. This helps create extra crispy skin.
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The wings should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Double the glaze recipe if you love extra sauce for dipping.
• Shake the air fryer basket during cooking to ensure the wings cook evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Cook in batches if needed.
• If you want even more flavor, use a silicone brush to apply extra glaze after cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?

Yes! While bourbon gives a unique caramel-like flavor, you can substitute it with whiskey, rum, or even brandy. If you prefer to keep it alcohol-free, I recommend using apple juice or a splash of vanilla extract for a similar depth of flavor.

Can I bake these wings instead of air frying?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the wings at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once they’re cooked, toss them in the bourbon honey glaze and broil them for about 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

I store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, I pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy, unlike the microwave, which makes them soft.

What can I serve with bourbon honey chicken wings?

These wings pair well with celery sticks and ranch, mac and cheese, cornbread, or a fresh coleslaw. I also love serving them with roasted potatoes or a light green salad to balance the flavors.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. If cooking directly from frozen, add about 5-7 extra minutes to the initial air frying time.

Have you tried making bourbon honey air fryer chicken wings? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a review and let me know if you made any tweaks to the recipe. These wings are a perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and crispy—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

If you love making different wing recipes, you might also enjoy this Instant Pot Chicken Wing Recipe, which delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone wings in no time. It's a great alternative when you want a quicker cooking method without sacrificing flavor. Serve them at your next gathering, and watch them disappear fast!