Easy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings with Grilled Corn & Fresh Salad

Introduction

If you love crispy, flavorful chicken wings but want a healthier cooking method, these Easy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings with Grilled Corn & Fresh Salad are perfect. Using an air fryer, you can achieve wings that are golden and crunchy on the outside while juicy and tender inside. The sticky honey garlic sauce adds a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, and pairing the wings with grilled corn and a crisp salad makes it a complete, refreshing meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These wings are not only delicious but also practical and family-friendly. Cooking them in an air fryer reduces the oil needed, making them lighter without sacrificing taste. The honey garlic glaze is quick to prepare, coats the wings beautifully, and adds a finger-licking flavor that everyone loves. Serving them with grilled corn and a fresh salad keeps the meal balanced and visually appealing, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Easy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings, split at joints
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• ½ cup raw honey
• ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
• 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish

For the Sides:

• 2 ears of corn, husked
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Mixed greens or romaine lettuce, 4 cups
• Cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 cup
• Cucumber, sliced, 1 cup
• Light vinaigrette dressing, as desired

Ingredient Notes

• Honey substitute: Maple syrup can replace honey for a different flavor.
• Soy-free option: Use coconut aminos instead of tamari or soy sauce.
• Air fryer alternative: Bake wings in the oven at 425°F for 25–30 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.
• Cornstarch: Helps wings get crispy without deep-frying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Wings

1. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
2. In a large bowl, toss wings with cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the wings and toss to coat evenly.

Step 2 – Air Fry the Wings

1. Preheat the air fryer to 450°F.
2. Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded.
3. Cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until wings are golden and crispy.

Step 3 – Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a small pan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in honey and tamari/soy sauce.
4. Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then add to the sauce.
5. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
6. Optional: Add red pepper flakes for a slight kick.

Step 4 – Toss Wings in Sauce

1. Transfer air-fried wings to a large bowl.
2. Pour honey garlic sauce over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Step 5 – Prepare the Sides

1. Brush corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Grill over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred.
3. Toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber with light vinaigrette.

Step 6 – Serve

Arrange wings on a platter with grilled corn on the side and fresh salad. Serve immediately while wings are warm and sauce is sticky.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Dry wings well: Moisture prevents crispiness.
2. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in batches if needed.
3. Adjust sweetness: Add more or less honey based on your taste.
4. Marinate for extra flavor: Let wings sit in dry seasoning for 1 hour or overnight.
5. Check internal temperature: Wings should reach 165°F.
6. Reheat carefully: Use air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Flavor Variations

1. Spicy Honey Garlic: Add Sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.
2. Garlic Parmesan: Toss cooked wings with melted butter, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan.
3. Citrus Honey Garlic: Add a splash of orange or lemon juice to the sauce.
4. Teriyaki Twist: Mix honey garlic with a bit of hoisin sauce.
5. Smoky BBQ: Combine honey garlic sauce with smoked paprika and a touch of BBQ sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve wings on a platter with corn sliced into rounds.
• Use the salad as a bed for wings for a one-plate meal.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra color.
• Pair with cold beverages like lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wings can be frozen after cooking and cooled; wrap in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Protein	24g
Carbs	18g
Fat	16g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	580mg

FAQ About Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before air frying for even cooking and crispiness. Pat dry before seasoning.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce, and confirm cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

How do I make the wings less sweet?

Reduce the honey by half or balance it with a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to maintain flavor.

Can I bake instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, bake at 425°F on a lined baking sheet for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until wings are golden and cooked through.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Warm gently before tossing with wings.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings with Grilled Corn & Fresh Salad are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crispy goodness. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, they’re ideal for family dinners, game nights, or casual entertaining. The addition of grilled corn and a fresh salad balances the richness and makes the meal both satisfying and visually appealing.