CopyCat Hooters Air Fryer Daytona Wings

Ingredients

Daytona sauce:
1/2 cup Kansas City–style BBQ sauce
1/4 cup cayenne hot sauce, e.g., Frank’s RedHot
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Pinch of salt

Wings:
2 lbs chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
1 tbsp baking powder, not baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
Neutral oil, for frying (or use air fryer/oven)

Directions

Pat wings completely dry, then toss with baking powder and salt until evenly coated.

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine all sauce ingredients. Simmer 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.

Cook wings until crisp — air fryer at 400°F for ~20 minutes (shaking halfway), fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, or oven at 425°F on a wire rack for ~45 minutes (flipping once).

Toss hot wings in about two-thirds of the sauce, then sear on a hot grill or cast-iron skillet 1–2 minutes per side until the glaze caramelizes.

Toss in the remaining sauce and serve immediately with celery, carrots, and blue cheese or ranch.