Wingstop lovers, rejoice! If you ever took a bite of a Wingstop Hot Honey Rub wing, then you can take your word for it as to why these honey-sweet, fire-hot, smoke-kissed bites are cult favorites. It's the flavor bomb that brings you back for more—crunchy exterior, stickiness, and that honey kiss of gold.
But wait, you shouldn't need to stand in line or take out a loan just to enjoy your hot honey rub on. Today we're dishing the sauce (aka the dry rub + drizzle duo) and sharing our favorite hot honey rub Wingstop recipe with you so that you can create it at home.
This copycat recipe doesn't just replicate the original, it might actually surpass it. So, begin!
What Is Hot Honey Rub at Wingstop?
Wingstop Hot Honey Rub is an attitude-full dry rub. Hot cayenne, smoky paprika, and earthy garlic mixed with just the right sweetness level. What brings it to life, however? A drizzle of hot honey is drizzled over the top after the wings are cooked. It's got Southern soul food flavor, BBQ flavor, and a little heat to pucker your lips.
The Flavor Profile of this Wingstop flavor is the perfect amount of heat balanced with sweetness, which gives it the umami flavor. This combination, paired with the crispy exterior and the glossy, sticky finish of the sauce, takes it to the next level. Bonus? The slow-building spice kick after every bite.
Ingredients for Hot Honey Rub Wingstop Recipe
Before we get cooking, make sure your pantry is ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Wings (Base):
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drums and flats)
- 2 tbsp baking powder (not baking soda!)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or avocado)
For the Dry Rub:
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Optional: ½ tsp ground mustard for tang
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or your fave)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Optional: A Dash of smoked paprika for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
Grab your tongs and apron—this is about to get spicy!
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Wings
To get that crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside finish, the first step is proper prep. Dry the wings thoroughly with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Toss wings with baking powder and salt in a large bowl. This helps create a crackly, golden skin. Drizzle with oil and toss again to coat evenly.
Let them rest for 15–20 minutes at room temperature while your oven or air fryer preheats.
Step 2: Bake or Air-Fry for Maximum Crisp
You’ve got two solid options here:
Oven Method:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place wings on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Air Fryer Method:
Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Place wings in a single layer (you may need to work in batches). Cook for 22–25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they’re perfectly crisp.
Step 3: Mix the Hot Honey Rub
While your wings are working their magic, whip up your homemade dry rub. In a bowl, mix all dry rub ingredients together. Adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less cayenne. Bonus tip for you, store this rub in a sealed jar for up to 3 months, and you could use it for a lot of other recipes as well!
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
Time for the sticky-sweet goodness! In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, vinegar, and smoked paprika (if using). Heat over low until warmed through and slightly runny, don’t boil it! Taste and adjust: Want it spicier? Add more hot sauce. Want it sweeter? Add more honey.
Step 5: Coat Those Wings!
Here’s where it all comes together. Once the wings are done, let them cool for 2–3 minutes (so the sauce doesn't slide off). Toss hot wings in a large bowl with the dry rub. Coat evenly for that classic Wingstop look. Drizzle the hot honey over the wings. Just a little goes a long way—sticky, glossy, perfect.
Step 6: Serve and Devour
Plate the wings while they’re still warm. Garnish with:
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Extra drizzle of hot honey
- A few chili flakes for flair
Serve with ranch, celery sticks, or just your bare hands. These wings don’t need much else!
Pro Tips for Wingstop-Style Perfection
Now that you have the recipe down, all we need to make sure is that your technique to making the perfect chicken tenders is just right.
- Double-fry or cook for extra crisp: Whether you’re baking your wings or frying them, let them rest for 10 minutes after your first batch of frying. When that’s done pop it back into the oven or fryer for 5 more minutes.
- Use parchment paper sparingly: The more airflow, the crispier the wings. So make sure you’re not smothering them!
- Adjust your honey: Local honey adds floral sweetness, while store-bought varieties tend to be milder.
Recipe Variations
Want to play around with the flavor profile? Try these:
- Nashville Hot Honey Wings: Increase the cayenne and add some pickle juice.
- Asian Fusion Twist: Combine soy sauce with your hot honey and garnish with sesame seeds.
- Lemon Pepper Hot Honey: Combine lemon zest with your dry rub for zesty zest.
Why Make It at Home?
There are a lot of reasons why you should opt for homemade Wingstop style wings over actual Wingstop. Firstly, this is great if you’re on a diet, you can portion control and customise the recipe according to your fitness needs.
Plus, Homemade wings have zero wait time, and anything you make with your own hands is always more flavorful than takeout. With homemade wings you can also control the heat level, the sweetness, and how many wings you eat.
Cleanup Tips
- Soak any honey-slicked pans in warm water for 15 minutes before scrubbing.
- Use parchment or foil under your baking rack to catch drips and save on dish duty.
- Air fryer baskets can get sticky—line with perforated parchment for easier cleanup.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're amidst wings at a party night, having friends over, or simply indulging yourself with some me-time, this hot honey rub Wingstop recipe is flames and flavor. It's spicy, sweet, gooey, and everything your wing fantasies are made of.
Try it, and we guarantee you: wings from the supermarket will never be the same.
