Honey BBQ Wings – The Ultimate Game Day Favorite
These Honey BBQ Wings are the perfect game-day appetizer, combining crispy, juicy chicken wings with a sticky, sweet, and smoky honey BBQ glaze. Baked or air-fried for the perfect crunch, then tossed in a finger-licking homemade honey BBQ sauce, these wings are a must-have for your Super Bowl party. Serve them up with ranch, blue cheese, or extra BBQ sauce, and watch them disappear before halftime!
Honey BBQ Wings – The Ultimate Game Day Favorite
Recipe
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: Approx. 30 servings
Enjoy the sweet and smoky flavors of classic Honey BBQ Wings, but in a lighter, healthier way! These wings are baked or air-fried instead of deep-fried, coated in a low-sugar honey BBQ glaze, and packed with high-quality protein and healthy fats. Perfect for Super Bowl parties, tailgates, or any game-day gathering!
Kitchen Tools Needed
🏈 Mixing Bowl – For tossing the wings with olive oil and seasonings before baking or air frying.
🏈 Measuring Cups & Spoons – To accurately portion out the honey, BBQ sauce, and spices.
🏈 Baking Sheet & Wire Rack (for Oven Method) – A rimmed baking sheet lined with foil and a wire rack help the wings cook evenly and crisp up without frying.
🏈 Air Fryer (for Air Fryer Method) – If using an air fryer, make sure it's large enough to cook the wings in a single layer for best results.
🏈 Tongs – To flip the wings while cooking and toss them in the Honey BBQ sauce after baking.
Ingredients
🏆 Ingredients:
🏈 2 lbs chicken wings
(drumettes & flats)
🏈 1 tbsp olive oil
(for crispy skin)
🏈 1 tsp garlic powder
🏈 1 tsp smoked paprika
🏈 ½ tsp black pepper
For the Healthier Honey BBQ Sauce:
🏈 3 tbsp honey
(natural sweetness)
🏈 ½ cup low-sugar BBQ sauce
(store-bought or homemade)
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Wings:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture (this helps them crisp up!).
2️⃣ Season the Wings:
- Toss wings in a mixing bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3️⃣ Bake or Air Fry:
- Oven: Arrange wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
- Air Fryer: Place wings in a single layer and air fry for 18-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4️⃣ Make the Healthier Honey BBQ Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, warm the honey and low-sugar BBQ sauce over low heat until combined.
5️⃣ Coat & Serve:
- Toss the crispy wings in the warm Honey BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with veggie sticks and a light ranch or yogurt-based dip.
Nutrition Information:
Serving: 5-6 wings
Calories:
390 kcal | Carbohydrates:
29g | Protein:
29g | Fat: 25g (healthy fats from olive oil & chicken skin)

Benefits of Honey BBQ Wings
🏈
1. Baked or Air-Fried for Less Fat
These wings are
baked or air-fried instead of deep-fried, cutting out excess unhealthy fats while still achieving that
crispy, golden texture. Enjoy the crunch
without the greasy guilt!
🏈
2. High in Protein to Keep You Full
With
29g of protein per serving (5-6 wings), these wings make a
satisfying, muscle-friendly snack that keeps you
energized and full throughout the game. A perfect balance of flavor and nutrition!
🏈
3. Lower in Sugar for a Smarter Choice
By using
low-sugar BBQ sauce and natural honey instead of high-fructose corn syrup, these wings have
fewer added sugars, making them
a better option for blood sugar control and overall health.
🏈
5. Perfect for Meal Prep & Game Day Parties
These wings are
easy to prepare in advance—just season, bake (or air-fry), and toss in sauce before serving.
Great for a Super Bowl party, tailgate, or meal prep-friendly protein option!
Check Out Our Other Super Bowl Recipes
Game Day Bites: Super Bowl Recipes to Score Big with Your Crowd!