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instant pot buffalo wings

Easy Sticky Honey Instant Pot Buffalo Wings in 4 Simple Steps

Super easy instant pot buffalo wings with an irresistible sticky honey glaze combined with a spiced rub for an addicting blend of flavors! Done in the instant pot for that mouthwatering fall-off-the-bone texture everyone loves! Quick and delicious in just 4 easy steps!
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Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: instant pot buffalo wings
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Chicken Wings

  • 2 pounds fresh chicken wings
  • 1 cup water

Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper optional
  • salt and pepper to taste

Honey Buffalo Sauce

  • ½ cup hot sauce see note below
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

Garnish (optional)

  • chopped green onion

Instructions

  • Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl. Toss the chicken wings with the seasoning.
  • Fill the Instant Pot with the water. Put the trivet/rack in the Instant Pot and place the seasoned wings on top.
  • Cook on HIGH for 12 minutes followed by a quick release after 2 minutes when cooked. During this time, mix together in a small bowl the ingredients for the honey buffalo sauce.
  • Line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Put the cooked chicken on the tray. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the chicken with the honey buffalo sauce. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the skin begins to crisp and the sauce slightly glazes. Pull the tray out and flip the chicken to the opposite side. Repeat brushing the chicken with the sauce and then broil for at least 2 times on each side. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. Tapatio is our go-to hot sauce for a spicy honey buffalo sauce combination with the seasoning.
  2. We stick these wings under the broiler for 2-3 minutes on each side until the sauce caramelizes. For that sticky glaze, we brushed each side of the wings with our honey buffalo sauce 2 times under the broiler!
  3. You can use either frozen or fresh wings, however the time in the instant pot for frozen wings may need to be adjusted. To cook frozen wings in the instant pot, cook 2 pounds of frozen chicken wings on HIGH for 15 minutes.
  4. See Sam’s Pro Tips for this Instant Pot Buffalo Wings for further details.