Wingstop Hot Honey Rub holds a special place in your heart (and your taste buds!). The way it perfectly blends sweet honey and fiery spices is nothing short of magic.
Table of Contents
How to make Wingstop Hot Honey Rub
Wingstop Hot Honey Rub is a dry seasoning blend that combines the sweetness of honey with the heat of cayenne pepper and ancho chili, creating a crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavor profile.
Ingredients:
For the Dry Rub:
- 2 tbsp honey powder (or substitute regular honey if unavailable)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika (adds depth and smoky undertones)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder (for a mild kick, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
For the Wings:
- 1 lb chicken wings or drumettes
- 2 tbsp olive oil (helps the rub stick to the wings)
- Optional garnish: Chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra honey for presentation
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer:
- If using an oven, preheat to 400°F.
- If opting for an air fryer, preheat to 375°F for crispy wings in less time.
Prepare the Dry Rub:
- In a small bowl, mix the honey powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne depending on your heat preference—less for mild wings and more for fiery wings.
Prep the Wings:
- Rinse and pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a crisp texture when cooked.
- Place the wings in a large mixing bowl and toss with olive oil, coating evenly.
Coat the Wings:
- Sprinkle the prepared dry rub over the wings, tossing them until each wing is well-coated. Don’t be shy with the rub—it’s where all the flavor comes from!
Cook the Wings:
- For the oven: Place the wings on a lined baking sheet, spacing them out to allow even cooking. Bake for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through for an even crisp.
- For the air fryer: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispness.
Final Touches:
- Once cooked, optionally drizzle a little fresh honey for added sweetness or sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Tips for Perfecting the Hot Honey Rub:
- Use Honey Powder for Authenticity: Honey powder gives the wings their sweet flavor without a sticky mess. If unavailable, you can use liquid honey but mix it directly into the olive oil, creating a wet marinade.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan or Air Fryer Basket: To achieve maximum crispiness, ensure the wings are spaced out and not touching. Overcrowding traps steam, making the wings soggy.
- Customize the Heat: Wingstop’s version has a decent kick, but feel free to dial up or tone down the spice based on your taste! Add more cayenne or chili powder for heat or reduce these for a milder flavor.
- Experiment with Garnishes: For a gourmet touch, sprinkle the wings with crushed red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of fresh lime.
What to serve with
Wingstop Hot Honey Rub wings pack a sweet and spicy flavor punch, which can be complemented by carefully chosen sides, dips, beverages, and dessert options.
Dipping Sauces
Dips are an essential part of the wing-eating experience. Pair your Hot Honey Rub wings with dipping sauces like:
- Ranch Dressing: Its cool, herby flavor contrasts the heat beautifully.
- Blue Cheese Dip: Tangy blue cheese complements the smoky paprika and chili flavors without overpowering them.
- Honey Mustard: Enhance the honey flavors of the rub with a slightly tangy and sweet mustard dip.
- Garlic Aioli: A creamy, garlicky dip for a sophisticated addition to the plate.
- Spicy Mayo: Bold and creamy for those who like to keep the spice factor elevated.
Ingredients Substitutes
If you’re attempting to recreate Wingstop Hot Honey Rub at home but are missing some ingredients, you can use several substitutes that will still achieve a similar flavor profile.
1. Honey Substitute
Honey adds sweetness and stickiness to the rub. If you’re out of honey, you can try:
- Maple Syrup: Provides a similar sweetness but with a slight woodsy, nutty flavor.
- Agave Nectar: A great substitute that’s slightly thinner than honey but works well for sweetness.
- Brown Sugar (Mixed with Water): Combine brown sugar and water in a 3:1 ratio to mimic honey’s viscosity and sweetness.
- Date Syrup: A natural sweetener that offers a slightly darker flavor but can complement the rub well.
2. Heat-Spice Substitute
The spiciness in the Hot Honey Rub typically comes from cayenne pepper or other chili powders. Substitutes include:
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: More textured, but add similar heat.
- Sriracha Powder or Hot Sauce (for wet rubs): Slightly tangier spicy flavor.
- Chipotle Powder: Adds a smoky heat that enhances the rub’s complexity.
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes): Offers moderate heat and a slightly sweet undertone.
3. Paprika Substitute
Paprika provides earthy, mild spice and a vivid reddish color. Options include:
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor alongside the traditional paprika characteristics.
- Chili Powder: A stronger, spicier substitute that can mimic paprika’s taste with added warmth. Use sparingly.
- Bell Pepper Powder: For those who need paprika substitutes with no heat.
4. Garlic Powder Substitute
Garlic powder is a vital flavor element. Consider the following substitutes:
- Fresh Garlic: Minced finely and added directly to the rub. Adjust quantities to avoid overpowering.
- Granulated Garlic: Similar flavor to garlic powder but coarser in texture.
- Onion Powder: Works as a secondary savory spice if garlic is unavailable.
5. Salt Substitute
Salt balances flavors and enhances sweetness and spice. Alternatives include:
- Kosher or Sea Salt: Acts as a direct substitute for table salt.
- Soy Sauce (or Tamari): For a wet rub, adds saltiness and an umami boost.
- Celery Salt: Adds an herbal undertone alongside saltiness.
Final Thoughts
By experimenting with the suggestions above, you can customize your homemade Wingstop Hot Honey Rub using available alternatives.
More Sauce Recipes:
- Cheese Dip with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Bell Sauce Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Homemade Mcdonald’s Creamy Chili Sauce Recipe

Ingredients
For the Dry Rub:
- 2 tbsp honey powderÂ
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powderÂ
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
For the Wings:
- 1 lb chicken wings or drumettes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional garnish: Chopped parsley
Instructions
Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer:
- If using an oven, preheat to 400°F.
- If opting for an air fryer, preheat to 375°F for crispy wings in less time.
Prepare the Dry Rub:
- In a small bowl, mix the honey powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne depending on your heat preference—less for mild wings and more for fiery wings.
Prep the Wings:
- Rinse and pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a crisp texture when cooked.
- Place the wings in a large mixing bowl and toss with olive oil, coating evenly.
Coat the Wings:
- Sprinkle the prepared dry rub over the wings, tossing them until each wing is well-coated. Don’t be shy with the rub—it’s where all the flavor comes from!
Cook the Wings:
- For the oven: Place the wings on a lined baking sheet, spacing them out to allow even cooking. Bake for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through for an even crisp.
- For the air fryer: Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispness.
Final Touches:
- Once cooked, optionally drizzle a little fresh honey for added sweetness or sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color.