Old Bay Air Fryer Wings aren’t just a dish—they’re a tradition. Imagine a breezy evening on the Chesapeake Bay, the scent of brine and seaweed in the air, boats bobbing gently on the water. That’s the heartland of Old Bay seasoning, a Maryland classic that’s graced tables since the 1940s. Originally made to season crabs, it slowly found its way into the soul of East Coast cooking—sprinkled over fries, corn, and of course, chicken wings.

In our family, these wings marked every Super Bowl, Fourth of July barbecue, and spontaneous Friday night when no one felt like a big meal but everyone wanted something exciting. When we got our air fryer, this was the first recipe we tested. The wings came out crackly and golden, infused with that unmistakable Old Bay aroma—herby, peppery, a little smoky. And when we added the hot honey drizzle? Magic.

This dish is a love letter to coastal comfort food—crispy, salty, just a little sweet and spicy. Whether you’re planning a party or treating yourself, Old Bay Air Fryer Wings bring a bit of Maryland magic into your kitchen with very little effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible crunch without deep frying: Air frying gives you crisp, juicy wings minus the grease or splatter.
• That classic Old Bay flavor: Peppery, salty, with notes of paprika and mustard—it’s nostalgic and deeply satisfying.
• Quick to make, quicker to vanish: Just 25 minutes from kitchen to table, and they disappear even faster.
• Perfect for any occasion: These wings work for game day, movie night, or even as a side to a fresh salad.

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INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Wings:

• 1 lb chicken wings
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup Old Bay seasoning
• Olive oil spray

For the Hot Honey Drizzle:

• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

How to Make Old Bay Air Fryer Wings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep your wings:
   Start by patting the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. This step is key to getting that crispy skin. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Season generously:
   Add salt, pepper, and half the Old Bay seasoning to the bowl. Toss to coat every wing evenly. The iconic orange color of Old Bay will start to show—this is when your kitchen begins to smell like the boardwalk.
3. Preheat the air fryer:
   Set your air fryer to 350 °F. A brief 3–5 minute preheat ensures consistent crispiness.

1. Air fry the wings:
   Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket. Give them a light spritz with olive oil spray. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip them, then cook for another 10 minutes. You’re looking for deeply golden skin and bubbling edges.
2. Make the hot honey:
   While the wings are cooking, gently warm the honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly to combine—don’t let it boil. You want a smooth, pourable consistency.
3. Coat and serve:
   Transfer the wings to a large bowl, dust with the remaining Old Bay seasoning, and drizzle the hot honey right over the top. Toss gently to coat. Serve immediately while everything is sticky, crisp, and warm.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t skip drying the wings: Moisture on the skin creates steam—not crisp.
• Batch cook for parties: Cook in batches for a crowd and keep the wings warm in a low oven (250 °F).
• Adjust heat level: Use less red pepper or a milder hot sauce for less spicy honey, or kick it up with a pinch of cayenne.

DETAILS

Prep Time	5 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes
Yield	2 servings (about 8–10 wings)
Category	Appetizer / Main
Method	Air Fryer
Cuisine	American
Diet	Gluten-Free, High-Protein

Notes

You can substitute chicken drumettes or thighs, adjusting cooking time as needed. Hot honey keeps in the fridge for up to a week—try it on biscuits, cornbread, or roasted veggies.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: ~430 kcal | Protein: 24 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 41 g | Sodium: 282 mg | Fiber: 0.5 g | Sugar: 35 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, just increase the cooking time by 8–10 minutes. Ensure wings are separated before air frying.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3–5 minutes to re-crisp.

Can I skip the honey?
Absolutely. These wings are delicious with just Old Bay, or you can sub in a mustard-based dip or barbecue glaze.

Storage Instructions

Cool the wings fully before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer to bring back that crispy texture. Keep hot honey stored separately in a sealed jar at room temperature or in the fridge.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Old Bay Air Fryer Wings, you’ll definitely enjoy:

• Crispy Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce – A Cozy Comfort Dinner Favorite
• Chicken Pakora
• Lamb Schnitzel with Lemon Butter Sauce & Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Lamb Schnitzel with Lemon Butter Sauce & Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Conclusion

Whether you’re a Maryland native or just a fan of good food, Old Bay Air Fryer Wings bring bold flavor and coastal comfort right to your kitchen. They’re easy enough for weeknights, special enough for guests, and satisfying in every bite. Once you try them, this recipe might just become your new favorite ritual—warm wings, sticky fingers, and the joy of something homemade and perfect.