Crispy Nashville Hot Wings

Name: Crispy Nashville Hot Wings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying; 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Texas Pete); 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Cozy Cravings Kitchen

I absolutely love making these Crispy Nashville Hot Wings at home. The combination of spices and the fiery kick from the hot sauce creates a flavor explosion that keeps us coming back for more. Each bite is incredibly crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside. Perfectly seasoned, they make for an unforgettable snack or appetizer, especially when served with a cooling ranch dip. I guarantee you'll impress your family and friends at your next gathering with this bold chicken wing recipe.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-17T13:52:27.789Z

When I first tasted Nashville hot wings at a small joint in Tennessee, I was instantly hooked. The spiciness combined with the crispiness left a lasting impression on my taste buds. I decided to recreate that experience at home, experimenting with various spice combinations until I found the right balance that mirrors the original.

A key tip I learned is to double-fry the wings for extra crunch; it makes a world of difference in texture! By marinating them in spices beforehand, you ensure every bite is flavorful and satisfying.

        Why You'll Love These Wings
        Explosive flavor with a perfect spicy kick
Crispy exterior and juicy interior that perfects every bite
Great for gatherings, game days, or a cozy night in

      

Understanding the Importance of Baking Powder

Using baking powder in the coating for your wings is crucial for achieving that signature crispy texture. Baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate, which helps to create tiny bubbles in the chicken skin as it heats. This not only contributes to the crispiness but also reduces moisture, ensuring that your wings remain juicy on the inside while achieving a crunchy exterior. If you run out of baking powder, you can substitute with equal parts cornstarch for similar results.

It's important to thoroughly coat the wings with the baking powder and spice mix. I recommend tossing them well in a large bowl until each wing is evenly coated. You’ll want to see a slight white residue from the mix on the surface, which indicates that you’ve added enough baking powder to create those desirable textures during frying.

Perfecting the Frying Technique

When frying your wings, maintaining the right oil temperature is essential for the ideal outcome. Aim for a temperature of around 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil; if it browns in about 60 seconds, you’re ready to fry. Frying in batches is also key, as overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, leading to greasy wings rather than crispy ones.

After frying, let the wings rest on a wire rack rather than using a paper towel. This helps to keep the wings crispy because the air can circulate around them, allowing steam to escape instead of being trapped underneath. If you notice any moisture, you can always pop them in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for a few minutes to help refresh the crispiness.

Tasty Variations and Serving Suggestions

If you want to tailor your Nashville hot wings to suit different tastes, try adjusting the level of cayenne pepper in your hot spice mix. For a milder version, you can start with half the cayenne and gradually increase it until you reach your preferred heat level. Additionally, you can experiment by adding other spices like smoked paprika or even a splash of lemon juice for a zesty twist.

These wings pair wonderfully with a creamy ranch dip, but don’t shy away from experimenting with other dips like blue cheese or garlic aioli. Serve them alongside classic sides like celery sticks or carrot sticks to balance the heat and provide a refreshing crunch. These additions not only enhance the overall experience but also make for a colorful platter that’s sure to wow your guests.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for crispy, flavorful wings:

For the Chicken Wings

2 pounds chicken wings
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying

For the Hot Spice Mix

1/2 cup hot sauce (like Texas Pete)
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Prepare these ingredients to ensure everything is at hand and fresh!

Instructions

Follow these steps to achieve crispy perfection:

Prepare the Wings

In a large bowl, mix the chicken wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until well coated.

Fry the Wings

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the wings in batches for about 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove them and let them rest on a wire rack.

Make the Hot Spice Mix

In a separate bowl, combine hot sauce, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Adjust the cayenne for more or less heat based on your preference.

Coat the Wings

Once the wings have rested for a few minutes, toss them in the hot spice mix, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce.

Serve

Serve the wings hot with ranch dip or celery sticks. Enjoy!

Doing these steps carefully will guarantee crispy, spicy goodness!

Pro Tips

For extra crispy wings, consider air-drying the wings in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. This helps to render out moisture and improve crispiness.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover crispy Nashville hot wings, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To maintain their crispiness, make sure to let them cool completely before sealing the container. This prevents condensation, which could lead to sogginess.

When reheating, avoid the microwave as it can make the wings rubbery. Instead, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the wings on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are sizzling and heated through. This method revitalizes the crisp texture while ensuring the wings are enjoyable even the next day.

Scaling the Recipe for Larger Groups

If you're hosting a larger gathering, scaling the recipe is straightforward. Each batch of wings typically requires about 10 minutes of frying time, so plan accordingly if you're doubling or tripling the quantities. Just ensure you have a large enough frying pan or deep fryer to maintain the oil temperature as you add more wings.

Don’t forget to adjust the spice mixture accordingly! For every additional 2 pounds of chicken wings, simply multiply the amounts of the hot spice mix ingredients by two. This way, every single wing gets that bold, spicy flavor that makes Nashville hot wings irresistible.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your wings are coming out less crispy than you’d like, it may be due to insufficient coating. Ensure each wing is well coated in the baking powder and spice mixture before frying. Additionally, if the oil temperature is too low, the wings will absorb more oil, leading to a greasy texture instead of a crisp finish. Adjust your heat and give the wings enough room to fry properly.

On the other hand, if you find that your wings are too spicy, considering serving them with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese can help balance the heat. Adding a side of raw veggies can also provide a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of Nashville hot wings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I bake these wings instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 425°F for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.

→ How spicy are these wings?

They have a significant kick due to cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

→ Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, just ensure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating and cooking.

→ What can I serve with Nashville hot wings?

They pair well with celery sticks, carrots, and cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing.