Crispy Honey Lemon Chilli Chicken Wings
These crispy chickenwings are coated in a smoky, spicy seasoning and cooked until golden andcrunchy. They’re tossed in a rich butter, chilli oil, and honey-lemon sauce fora perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang.
Ingredients
- 840 g chicken wings
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsps oil any neutral oil like vegetable or olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tbsps (28g) butter
- 4 tsp chilli oil
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 tbsp honey
Garnish (optional)
- Spring onions
Instructions
Prepare the wings:
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up in the air fryer.840 g chicken wings
Season the wings:
- Place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle with oil. Toss well so the wings are lightly coated. This helps the spices stick and promotes crispiness.2 tbsps oil
- Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, onion powder, corn starch, and baking powder in a small bowl.1 ½ tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp corn starch, 1 tsp baking powder, Salt to taste
- Toss the oiled wings in the spice mixture until evenly coated.
Cook the wings:
- Air fryer: Preheat to 180°C. Cook wings for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Oven: Preheat to 200°C. Arrange wings on a wire rack over a baking tray and bake for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Stovetop: Heat 2–3 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook wings covered for 12–15 minutes, then uncovered for 5–8 minutes until crispy.
- Important: Bake or air fry until the internal temperature reaches 73–75°C for safe consumption.
Make the sauce:
- While the wings are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.2 tbsps (28g) butter
- Add the chilli oil, lemon zest, and honey. Stir until combined and smooth.4 tsp chilli oil, Zest of one lemon, 1 tbsp honey
Coat the wings:
- Once the wings are cooked, place them in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss well to coat evenly.
- Garnish with spring onions.Spring onions
Serve:
- Serve hot as a starter or snack. Enjoy!
Notes
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make these wings in the oven or on the stovetop.
Oven Method (Crispy Wings)
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top (this lets air circulate and keeps the wings crispy).
Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the rack.
Bake for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Toss in the sauce and serve hot.
Stovetop Method (Pan-Fried Wings)
Heat 2–3 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the wings in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until mostly cooked through.
Remove the lid and cook for another 5–8 minutes, turning frequently, until the wings are crispy.
Toss in the sauce and serve immediately.