Bourbon Garlic Hot Wings

My most viral wing flavor. Sweet, spicy, garlicky perfection—crisped to glory in the air fryer.

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you’ve definitely seen these wings go wild. Whether it’s game day, summer cookout season, or just a craving that hits hard—these are the wings everyone asks for.

Marinated overnight in a bold bourbon-pickle brine and tossed in a buttery hot honey glaze, they hit every flavor note: smoky, sweet, garlicky, spicy, herbaceous, and tangy.

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Ingredients

For the Marinade:

    •    2 lbs chicken wings

    •    1/3 cup bourbon

    •    1/4 cup pickle juice

    •    3 garlic cloves, minced

    •    2 tbsp olive oil

    •    1 tbsp brown sugar

    •    1 tbsp soy sauce

    •    1 tbsp Dijon mustard

    •    1 tsp smoked paprika

    •    1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat)

    •    1/2 tsp ground black pepper

    •    1 tsp onion powder

    •    1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

    •    1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

    •    1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Finishing:

    •    2 tbsp butter, melted

    •    1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)

    •    1 tbsp honey

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Wings

In a large bowl, combine bourbon, pickle juice, garlic, olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.

Add wings and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight for max flavor.

2. Air Fry the Wings

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Remove wings from marinade and pat dry (this helps them crisp!).

Air fry in a single layer for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

3. Glaze & Garnish

Melt butter and stir in hot sauce + honey.

Toss cooked wings in this buttery glaze.

Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley.

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Macros (per 4–5 wings):

Estimated: 450 cal | 36g protein | 8g carbs | 28g fat

Pro Tips:

    •    Use a high-smoke-point bourbon for best flavor depth.

    •    Don’t skip drying the wings—crispness depends on it.

    •    Great served with pickled veggies or creamy herb d