If you’re a fan of sweet heat and bold flavors, Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings are about to become your new go-to recipe.
This mouthwatering dish is a perfect marriage of sticky honey glaze and the savory, spicy punch of Old Bay seasoning.
Whether you’re prepping for a game-day spread, a casual backyard BBQ, or just a flavorful weeknight dinner, these wings are guaranteed to please.
Old Bay brings a unique blend of celery salt, paprika, and spices, while honey balances the heat with smooth sweetness.
Roasted, grilled, or air-fried—these wings are versatile and irresistibly tasty. Plus, they’re easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, yet they pack a gourmet punch.
This recipe is perfect for those seeking a bold twist on traditional wings while staying true to comfort food roots. Get ready to impress with these unforgettable Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings!
Personal Experience
I first tried Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings at a friend’s summer cookout and was instantly hooked. The balance of sweet and savory with a hint of spice was unforgettable. I knew I had to recreate it at home, and after a few tweaks, I landed on this crowd-pleasing version. Now, it’s a staple at all our gatherings—my guests can’t get enough!
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet or air fryer
- Wire rack (optional)
- Saucepan (for glaze)
- Tongs
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Cooking spray or oil
Ingredients List
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (split, tips removed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the Honey Glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Honey Old Bay Chicken Wing – Step-by-Step Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 390°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Pat the wings dry with paper towels. This helps them get extra crispy.
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika until well-coated.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared rack or in the air fryer basket.
- Bake or air fry the wings for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, then stir in the honey, apple cider vinegar, Old Bay, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until combined.
- Once the wings are cooked, toss them in the honey glaze until fully coated.
- Return the wings to the oven or air fryer for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Remove and serve immediately with extra Old Bay sprinkled on top if desired.
Tips For Success
- Dry wings thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispiness.
- Use a wire rack to elevate the wings while baking, allowing hot air to circulate.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—give each wing space to roast evenly.
- Taste your glaze before applying—it should be sweet, tangy, and spicy. Adjust to preference.
- Let the wings rest for a few minutes after cooking so the glaze sets beautifully.
- Double the glaze if you love extra sauce on your wings.
- Use fresh wings rather than frozen (or thoroughly thawed and dried) for best texture.
Variations
- Grilled Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings – Take them outside and grill for a smoky flavor twist.
- Spicy Kick Version – Add extra cayenne or hot sauce to the honey glaze.
- Lemon Honey Old Bay Wings – Add a splash of lemon juice or zest to brighten up the flavor.
- Garlic Honey Old Bay Wings – Stir in fresh minced garlic with the glaze for extra depth.
- Sticky Asian-Style Old Bay Wings – Mix soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil into the honey glaze.
- Honey Old Bay Chicken Drumsticks – Use the same marinade on larger cuts for a heartier option.
- Air Fryer Only Version – Cook fully in the air fryer for a faster, low-fat option with no oven time.
Conclusion
These Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings are bold, sweet, savory, and totally addictive. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to be a hit at any event.
Whether baked, grilled, or air-fried, the unique combination of Old Bay seasoning and honey creates a finger-licking experience that’s hard to beat. Don’t be surprised if there are no leftovers!
FAQs
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–8 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wings soggy.
What side dishes pair well with Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings?
These wings go great with classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, potato wedges, or a crisp garden salad.
For a more indulgent option, try pairing them with mac and cheese or garlic butter corn.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, you can use frozen wings—just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning. This helps them crisp up better and allows the flavors to stick.
Honey Old Bay Chicken Wings
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet or air fryer
- Wire rack (optional)
- Saucepan (for glaze)
- Tongs
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Cooking spray or oil
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings split, tips removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika optional
For the Honey Glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 390°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Pat the wings dry with paper towels. This helps them get extra crispy.
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika until well-coated.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared rack or in the air fryer basket.
- Bake or air fry the wings for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, then stir in the honey, apple cider vinegar, Old Bay, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until combined.
- Once the wings are cooked, toss them in the honey glaze until fully coated.
- Return the wings to the oven or air fryer for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Remove and serve immediately with extra Old Bay sprinkled on top if desired.
Notes
- Dry wings thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispiness.
- Use a wire rack to elevate the wings while baking, allowing hot air to circulate.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—give each wing space to roast evenly.
- Taste your glaze before applying—it should be sweet, tangy, and spicy. Adjust to preference.
- Let the wings rest for a few minutes after cooking so the glaze sets beautifully.
- Double the glaze if you love extra sauce on your wings.
- Use fresh wings rather than frozen (or thoroughly thawed and dried) for best texture.