Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Wings with Spicy Dip

Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Wings with Spicy Dip deliver the fiery heat and crunch of the iconic Tennessee-style dish, tailored into irresistible wing form. These wings are deep-fried or air-fried to golden perfection and coated in a bold, cayenne-forward seasoning. Served with a creamy, cooling dip, they are a game-day favorite or the centerpiece of any casual gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These wings capture the flavor explosion of Nashville hot chicken in a finger-licking, crispy wing format. The deep spice of the cayenne-based sauce is balanced by a rich, buttery coating, while the accompanying spicy dip offers a cool contrast. Whether you’re hosting friends or indulging in a weekend feast, these wings are bold, addictive, and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken wings (split into flats and drums)
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Buttermilk (for marinade)
• Oil (for frying or spraying)

For the Nashville hot coating:

• Butter (melted)
• Cayenne pepper
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder

For the spicy dip:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Hot sauce
• Lemon juice
• Garlic (minced)
• Salt

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken wings in buttermilk for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
2. In a bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Dredge each wing in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure an even coat.
4. Fry in hot oil at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in cayenne, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Brush the mixture over hot wings immediately after cooking.
6. Mix all dip ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
7. Serve wings hot with spicy dip on the side.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35–45 minutes

Variations

• Baked Version: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 35–40 minutes for a healthier alternative.
• Mild Heat: Reduce cayenne in the coating and dip for a gentler spice level.
• Honey Hot: Add a drizzle of honey to the spice butter for a sweet-spicy profile.
• Boneless Option: Use chicken tenders or thighs for a boneless twist on this classic flavor.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the wings soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

You can marinate and dredge them in advance. Fry or air fry just before serving for best texture.

Are these extremely spicy?

They are quite spicy, but the heat level can be adjusted by reducing cayenne or using a milder hot sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What oil is best for frying wings?

Peanut oil or vegetable oil works well due to their high smoke points.

Can I grill the wings instead?

Yes, grill over medium-high heat until crispy, then brush with the hot butter mixture.

Is the dip optional?

It’s recommended, as it complements the spice well, but you may also serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

What sides go well with these wings?

Coleslaw, pickles, fries, or cornbread are great traditional pairings.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Fry in batches or use multiple air fryer trays if needed.

How do I get ultra-crispy wings?

Double-dredge the wings (dip in buttermilk again, then flour) for an extra crunchy exterior.

Is brown sugar necessary?

It helps balance the heat and adds a slight caramelized flavor to the coating.

Conclusion

Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Wings with Spicy Dip deliver a fiery kick, intense flavor, and irresistible crunch in every bite. Whether you fry or air fry, these wings bring the bold Southern tradition of Nashville hot chicken to your kitchen with ease. Pair them with the cool, creamy dip and prepare to impress your guests—or satisfy your own craving for heat and flavor.

Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Wings with Spicy Dip

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Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Wings with Spicy Dip are bold, fiery, and perfectly crunchy. These wings are deep-fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a signature hot chili oil blend and served with a creamy, cooling dip for contrast.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
• 1/2 cup frying oil (reserved from fryer)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for dip)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for dip)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for dip)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (for dip)
• Salt and pepper to taste (for dip)

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Instructions

1. Place chicken wings in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
2. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove wings from buttermilk, let excess drip off, and coat in the flour mixture. Press to ensure a good crust.
5. Fry wings in batches for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. While wings are frying, combine cayenne, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a heatproof bowl.
7. Add 1/2 cup of hot frying oil to the spice mix and stir to create the Nashville hot oil.
8. Toss fried wings in the hot oil mixture until well coated.
9. For the dip, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
10. Serve wings hot with the spicy dip on the side.

Notes

• Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
• Use an oil thermometer to maintain consistent frying temperature.
• Serve with celery sticks or pickles for traditional flair.
• The dip can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 135mg