Food,  I'm Hungry

Spicy Honey Bourbon Wings

Spicy Honey Bourbon wings

Hot wings? BBQ wings? Now you don't have to choose! These wings deliver on every level. Sweet with the heat and all with that Kentucky bourbon flavor that brings the South to your mouth! I can't think of a better appetizer for the upcoming Kentucky Derby. With no frying required, these are definitely on the list for an easy crowd pleaser.

This was such a fun project to do with my friend Alyssa at www.winealittlecookalot.com and lots of friends in the food blogger world! For more Kentucky Derby Party Food Recipes, see https://herplateisfull.com/kentucky-derby-party-food/

Don't you just LOVE the honey jar pictured?! Much thanks to my friend Meagan at www.leecohoney.com for their gorgeous product!

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Bbq wings, Bourbon, Bourbon wings, Hot wings, Kentucky Derby, Spicy wings, Wings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 10

Ingredients

Wing Seasoning

  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper
  • 3/4 tsp Onion powder
  • 3/4 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • Olive oil nonstick spray
  • 2 lbs Chicken wings (about 20) Pat dry with paper towels

Spicy Honey Bourbon Sauce

  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 1 Onion (medium) Diced small
  • 2 Garlic cloves Minced
  • 1.5 cups Ketchup
  • 1/3 cup Steak sauce Like A-1
  • 3/4 cup Honey
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Tobasco sauce
  • 1/2 tbsp Onion salt
  • 4 oz Bourbon I used Wild Turkey. It's a sweeter Kentucky bourbon.

Instructions

Wing Instructions

  1. Pat wings with paper towels until thoroughly dry.

  2. Add wings to a large bowl.

  3. In a small bowl, combine seasonings and stir.

  4. Sprinkle seasoning mixture over wings and toss by hand to coat.

  5. Place wings in one even layer, skin side up into air fryer.

  6. Spray tops of skin generously with olive oil nonstick cooking spray.

    (Do not use traditional nonstick spray in air fryer. This will cause a sticky coating that will not remove).

  7. Air fry @ 360 for 15 minutes. Flip over and cook an additional 15 minutes, or until skin is crispy.

  8. If baking in oven, bake @ 350 for 60-70 minutes.

Spicy Honey Bourbon Sauce Instructions

  1. While wings are cooking:

  2. In a medium sized pot, melt butter.

  3. Add onion and cook five minutes.

  4. Add garlic and cook one minute.

  5. Add ketchup, steak sauce, honey, worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, onion salt and bourbon. Whisk until combined.

  6. Simmer on a low heat while wings are cooking, About 15-20 minutes.

  7. Remove from heat.

Finishing

  1. Line a cookie sheet with foil, spray with nonstick spray.

  2. Place wings skin side up on foil.

  3. Using a basting brush, brush sauce onto each wing.

  4. Place in the oven on BROIL. Bake until sauce is thick and caramelized. This will only take a minute or two. Watch it carefully!

  5. Remove and serve!