Sticky and Crispy Wings – The Ultimate Game Day Favorite

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky-sweet glaze, these wings are an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or main dish, Sticky and Crispy Wings deliver that perfect balance of crunch and saucy flavor. They bake up golden and crisp in the oven (or air fryer), so you get all the indulgence without the mess of deep frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Without Frying: Oven-baked or air-fried for lighter crunch.
Sticky & Flavorful: Sweet, savory, and tangy glaze clings to every bite.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for game day, parties, or weeknight dinners.
Simple Ingredients: Easy pantry staples you already have.

Ingredients

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings, split at joints, tips removed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sticky Glaze:

• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water (slurry)

Optional Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Prep the Wings
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat wings dry with paper towels. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Bake Until Crispy
Arrange wings in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
(Air Fryer Option: Cook at 400°F for 20–22 minutes, shaking halfway.)

3. Make the Sticky Glaze
In a small saucepan, whisk soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.

4. Toss & Coat
Place crispy wings in a large bowl. Pour glaze over and toss until evenly coated.

5. Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot and watch them disappear!

Nutritional Information

Calories: 285
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 14g
Protein: 23g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

• Pat Dry Thoroughly: The drier the wings, the crispier they’ll bake.
• Wire Rack Trick: Elevating wings helps hot air circulate for even crisping.
• Customize the Glaze: Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat.
• Meal Prep: Bake wings ahead, then reheat and glaze before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret lies in baking wings until perfectly crisp, then tossing them in a glossy, sticky glaze that clings to every bite. It’s the best of both worlds: crunchy texture and bold flavor. These wings are easy, reliable, and guaranteed to become a regular favorite for parties, dinners, or anytime cravings hit.