Buffalo Honey Mustard Chicken Wings

Crispy, sweet, and spicy wings coated in a flavor-packed buffalo honey mustard sauce

137 4 minutes read

Buffalo Honey Mustard Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavours. They have the fiery kick of buffalo sauce, the rich sweetness of honey, and the bold, zesty taste of mustard, making every bite irresistibly delicious.

Whether you’re serving them for game day, a casual gathering, or just a fun meal at home, these wings will quickly become a favourite. One of the best things about these wings is their crispy texture. Even if you’re baking them in the oven or air frying, they can still have that deep-fried crunch.

These wings aren’t just tasty—they’re also surprisingly easy to make. The sauce comes together in minutes, and you can cook the wings using your preferred method. Whether you like them extra spicy or a bit sweeter, this recipe is easy to adjust to suit your taste.

Use paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the flour coating stick better. In a large bowl, season the wings with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss well to coat evenly. Soak in buttermilk – For extra tender and flavorful wings, soak them in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).

This step is optional but highly recommended. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. The cornstarch helps create a crispier crust, while the baking powder makes the coating light and airy. Remove the wings from the buttermilk (if using) and let the excess drip off.

Dredge each wing in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating. Shake off any excess flour and place the wings on a wire rack. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes—this helps the coating stick better when frying.

Option 1: Deep Frying (Crispiest Results)
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 175°C (350°F). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the wings. Carefully add the wings in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack. Let the oil return to temperature between batches for even frying.

Option 2: Baking (Healthier Alternative)
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and arrange the flour-coated wings in a single layer. Lightly spray the wings with oil (this helps them crisp up). Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

For extra crispiness, broil the wings for the last 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Option 3: Air Frying (Crispy Without Deep Frying)
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes for even cooking.

If the wings aren’t crispy enough, air fry for an extra 3-5 minutes.

While the wings are cooking, prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add ½ cup buffalo sauce, ¼ cup honey, and ¼ cup Dijon mustard. Stir well until smooth and heated through.

Taste the sauce—add more honey for sweetness, more mustard for tang, or a splash of vinegar for extra sharpness. Keep the sauce warm over low heat while waiting for the wings so it coats them evenly. Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl.

Pour the warm Buffalo Honey Mustard sauce over the wings. Toss until each wing is evenly coated. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

Expert Tips for Success;

Use cornstarch in the coating – It helps create an extra crispy texture.
Let the flour-coated wings rest before frying – This helps the coating stick better.
Fry in small batches – This prevents the oil temperature from dropping and ensures even cooking.
Taste and adjust the sauce – Customize the heat and sweetness to your preference.

Customization Ideas and Variations;

Spicier Wings: Add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
Milder Flavor: Reduce the buffalo sauce and increase the honey.
Different Mustard: Try spicy brown mustard or honey mustard instead of Dijon.
Dairy-Free: Skip the butter in the sauce and use olive oil instead.
Alternative Proteins: Use the same coating and sauce for chicken tenders or even cauliflower wings.

Serving Suggestions;

Dips: Ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Vegetable Sides: Celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a simple coleslaw.
Carb Options: Serve with fries, cornbread, or a side of mac and cheese.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips;

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10-15 minutes or an air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 5 minutes.
Make-ahead: The wings can be coated in flour and stored in the fridge for up to 8 hours before frying. The sauce can also be made in advance and reheated.

Buffalo honey mustard chicken wings are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and saucy flavours. The light flour coating ensures a satisfying crunch, while the sweet and tangy sauce makes them truly addictive.

Whether you deep fry, bake, or air fry them, these wings are guaranteed to impress. So grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy some of the best homemade wings you’ve ever had.