Step 1: Prepare the Wings
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows air to circulate around the wings, helping them become crispy.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Toss the wings with olive oil and a generous pinch of salt. Arrange them in a single layer on the wire rack.
Step 2: Make the Honey Spice Marinade
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, ginger, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Marinate the Wings
- Reserve a quarter of the marinade for basting later. Toss the wings in the remaining marinade until evenly coated. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or you can marinate them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Wings
- Arrange the marinated wings on the prepared rack and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, baste the wings with the reserved marinade, then flip them and baste the other side.
- Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the wings are nicely caramelized and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve
- Let the wings rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. Serve them warm, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Marinating Time: If you have time, marinating the wings for a few hours or overnight will enhance their flavor.
- Basting: Basting the wings with the marinade during baking adds layers of flavor and helps achieve that sticky, glossy finish.
- Broiling: For an extra crispy and caramelized exterior, you can broil the wings for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
These Honey Spice Baked Wings are a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, making them a great choice for game days, family dinners, or any casual gathering. Enjoy the depth of flavor and the delightful texture of these oven-baked wings.