Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Wings deliver the bold, fiery flavor of a Southern classic in bite-sized, irresistible portions. These wings are deep-fried to golden perfection and tossed in a spicy, seasoned oil that gives them their signature heat and deep red color—ideal for game day, gatherings, or any meal that calls for a little extra heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These wings offer the perfect combination of crunchy texture and spicy kick. Unlike typical buffalo wings, Nashville hot wings are infused with smoky heat and a touch of sweetness, making them a standout on any table. They are easy to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy spice lovers.

Ingredients

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

Chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Buttermilk
Eggs
Hot sauce
Cayenne pepper
Paprika
Brown sugar
Garlic powder
Salt and black pepper
Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and a few dashes of hot sauce. Add the chicken wings and let marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).
In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
Remove wings from marinade and dredge in the flour mixture until well coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Fry wings in batches for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
In a separate saucepan, combine cayenne, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and a bit of the hot frying oil to create the Nashville hot sauce.
Toss fried wings in the spicy oil until fully coated.
Serve hot with pickles or dipping sauces as desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (not including marinating)

Variations

Oven-Baked: Bake wings at 425°F for 40–45 minutes for a healthier version.
Air-Fried: Use an air fryer at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Extra Spicy: Increase the amount of cayenne or add chili oil.
Mild Option: Reduce cayenne and add a bit more brown sugar.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch for coating.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer until crispy. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispiness.

FAQs

What makes Nashville hot chicken different?

It is known for its unique spicy oil coating made with cayenne, brown sugar, and frying oil.

Can I make the wings less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce the amount of cayenne and increase the sugar slightly.

What should I serve with these wings?

They pair well with coleslaw, pickles, fries, or white bread.

Can I prepare the wings in advance?

Yes, marinate and bread them ahead, then fry when ready to serve.

Is buttermilk necessary for the marinade?

It helps tenderize the chicken, but you can use milk with a splash of vinegar as a substitute.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely. Just fry in multiple batches to maintain oil temperature.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil.

Can I make the sauce separately?

Yes, you can prepare and adjust the spicy oil to taste before tossing the wings.

How do I know when the wings are done?

They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Are these wings freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked wings and reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.

Conclusion

Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Wings are the ultimate indulgence for lovers of bold flavors and crunchy textures. With their spicy glaze and golden crisp exterior, these wings bring the heat and flavor of Nashville right into your kitchen. Perfect for entertaining or satisfying your craving for something fiery and delicious.

Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Wings

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Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken Wings are a bold and spicy appetizer or main dish, featuring fried chicken wings tossed in a fiery cayenne-based oil for that signature Nashville heat and crunch.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Fried
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Place chicken wings in a bowl with buttermilk and let marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
Remove wings from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture. Press firmly to ensure good coating.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry wings in batches for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels. Reserve 1/2 cup of the hot oil.
In a heatproof bowl, mix cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika. Carefully stir in the reserved hot oil to create the spicy glaze.
Toss the fried wings in the hot oil spice mixture until fully coated.
Serve immediately with pickles and white bread if desired.