Spicy Chicken Wings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These wings are everything you want in a spicy snack: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and absolutely loaded with flavor. They’re easy to make, can be adjusted to your spice preference, and work well with a variety of cooking methods—baked, fried, or air-fried. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep, parties, or whenever you need a quick, crave-worthy dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken wings (split at the joint, tips removed)
• Baking powder (for crispiness, if baking)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
• Butter (melted)
• Honey or brown sugar (optional, for sweet heat balance)
• Optional garnishes: chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
3. If baking, toss wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
4. Arrange wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
5. If frying, season wings with salt and pepper and fry in batches until crispy and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes.
6. In a saucepan, combine hot sauce, melted butter, and a touch of honey or sugar (if using). Heat gently until combined.
7. Toss cooked wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
8. Serve immediately with garnishes and your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40–45 minutes (baked) or 10 minutes (fried)
Total time: about 50 minutes

Variations

• Sweet & Spicy: Add honey or maple syrup to the sauce for a sweet heat combo.
• Extra Hot: Mix in a few dashes of ghost pepper or Carolina reaper hot sauce for serious spice lovers.
• Buffalo Style: Use classic Buffalo sauce with equal parts hot sauce and butter.
• Asian-Inspired: Add soy sauce, garlic, and sriracha to the sauce for an umami-rich twist.
• Dry Rub Option: Skip the sauce and coat wings in a spicy dry rub before baking or air frying.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes, or air-fry until crispy and heated through.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wings soggy.
For longer storage, freeze cooled wings for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer.

FAQs

How do I make my wings crispy in the oven?

Tossing them with baking powder and cooking on a wire rack at high heat helps draw out moisture and creates a crispy skin.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning or cooking.

What’s the best hot sauce to use?

Frank’s RedHot is classic, but feel free to use sriracha, Tabasco, or any spicy sauce you love.

Are these wings very spicy?

They’re medium-spicy by default. You can adjust the cayenne and hot sauce to make them milder or hotter.

Can I grill the wings?

Absolutely. Grill over medium heat, turning often, until fully cooked, then toss with sauce before serving.

What dipping sauces go well with spicy wings?

Ranch, blue cheese dressing, garlic aioli, or even a creamy sriracha mayo are all great choices.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway through, then toss in sauce.

Do I need to marinate the wings?

It’s not necessary, but marinating in buttermilk or a spicy marinade for a few hours can add flavor and tenderness.

What sides go well with spicy wings?

Celery sticks, carrot sticks, fries, potato wedges, or coleslaw are all perfect pairings.

How can I make them less messy to eat?

Serve with small napkins or finger bowls. For a cleaner version, use drumettes, which are easier to handle.

Conclusion

Spicy Chicken Wings are a fiery, flavorful favorite that never goes out of style. Whether baked, fried, or air-fried, these wings pack just the right amount of heat and crunch. Perfect for parties, sports nights, or satisfying a spicy craving, they’re endlessly versatile and always a hit. Serve with your favorite sides and sauces for the ultimate wing experience.

Spicy Chicken Wings

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Spicy Chicken Wings are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish featuring crispy, juicy wings coated in a fiery, flavorful sauce. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual dinners, they’re easy to make and endlessly customizable to suit your spice level.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking or Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings (split at the joint, tips removed)
• 1 tbsp baking powder (if baking)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional)
• Optional garnishes: chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels.
3. If baking, toss wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
4. Arrange wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
5. If frying, season wings with salt and pepper and fry in batches for 8–10 minutes until crispy and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
6. In a small saucepan, heat hot sauce, melted butter, and honey or sugar (if using) over low heat, stirring to combine.
7. Toss cooked wings in the sauce until fully coated.
8. Serve immediately with optional garnishes and your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Baking powder helps create a crispy skin when baking—don’t skip it for oven-baked wings.
• Use an air fryer for a quicker, lower-fat option (400°F for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway).
• Adjust cayenne and hot sauce to control the spice level.
• For a sweeter profile, increase honey or brown sugar slightly.
• Serve with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or garlic aioli for dipping.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 95mg