Crispy, tender, and irresistible, this hot wings recipe will be your go-to for game day, parties, & potlucks!

Hot wings are one of our all-time favorite snacks and with just a little more kick than buffalo wings.

Game-day snacks are our favorite and it’s no surprise that beer and wings are America’s #1 appetizer combo!

basket with Crispy Homemade Hot Wings

Our Favorite Appetizer

  • Hot wings are easy to take along and can be enjoyed hot or cold, which makes them perfect for road trips, picnics, and parties!
  • This is the best recipe for chicken wings, they’re guaranteed to come out tender and juicy with deliciously crispy skin!
  • It’s easy to make a double batch and keep them warm in the oven until ready to serve.
  • Or enjoy them all week long as a post-workout protein snack, an afterschool snack, or a movie night treat!

oil , salt , chicken wings , hot sauce , garlic powder, salt and pepper with labels to make Crispy Homemade Hot Wings

Ingredients for Hot Wings

Chicken Wings – Use fresh or frozen chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats so they cook at the same rate.

Seasonings – Garlic powder, salt, and pepper are the basic seasonings for these tasty hot wings.

Hot Sauce – Frank’s Red Hot sauce brings the perfect amount of zesty flavor without being too spicy. Buy it or make your own homemade version. For variety, try using tangy buffalo sauce or mix the hot sauce with teriyaki sauce, or bbq sauce.

Hot Wings vs Buffalo Wings

Although the terms “hot wings” and “buffalo wings” are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same thing. While hot wings are usually made with a hot sauce that may be spicy, the flavor and heat level can vary. Buffalo wings, on the other hand, are coated in a specific sauce made with hot sauce and butter, which gives them their signature tangy and spicy flavor.

How to Make Hot Wings

In the Oven:

  1. Toss wings with flour and baking powder, and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Toss them in a little bit of oil and bake until they are golden brown and crispy.
  3. Broil them for about a minute, if desired.
  4. Toss them in hot sauce and serve immediately.

In the Air Fryer:

  1. Toss wings in seasonings and cook them in a single layer in the air fryer until they are golden and crispy.
  2. Toss them in hot sauce and serve immediately.

In the Deep Fryer:

  1. Cook wings in the deep fryer until they are browned and crispy.
  2. Toss them in hot sauce and serve immediately.

Pro Tips For Chicken Wings:

  • To make them extra crispy, wings can be lightly tossed in flour before deep frying.
  • Always make sure the wings are dry so the ingredients can adhere properly. Larger wings may take longer to cook. If in doubt, the temperature for chicken should be at 165°F for doneness.
  • Avoid crowding the air fryer or deep fryer so the wings get crispy on all sides.

Storing Hot Wings

Keep leftover hot wings in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and enjoy them cold or reheat them in the air fryer. Cooked and cooled wings can be frozen for up to a month in a zippered bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer.

Delicious Dips for Hot Wings

Did you make these Crispy Air Fryer Hot Wings? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below! 

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top view of Crispy Air Fryer Hot Wings in a basket
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Crispy Homemade Hot Wings

Homemade Hot Wings are tender & juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and smothered in a flavorful hot sauce!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

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Ingredients  

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken wings
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • kosher salt
  • black pepper
  • ¼ cup hot sauce

Instructions 

  • Toss the chicken wings with flour and baking powder until evenly coated.
  • Refrigerate the wings for at least 30 minutes before cooking to help them get crispy.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Toss the wings with olive oil and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 35 minutes, flipping the wings after 20 minutes, or until they are crisp and golden.
  • Broil the wings for 1 minute per side.
  • Once the wings are cooked, toss them with your desired hot sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Make sure to use baking powder, not baking soda.
  • To make clean-up easier, place the wings on a lined baking sheet.
  • If deep frying, wings can be lightly tossed in flour before frying. Large wings may need a few minutes extra.
To Cook Wings in the Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook 10 minutes. Flip wings and cook an additional 8-11 minutes or until crispy. Toss with hot sauce and serve immediately.
To Cook Wings in the Deep Fryer: Preheat oil to 375°F. Add wings to the fryer basket and gently lower into the oil. Cook wings 10-12 minutes or until they reach 165°F. Toss with hot sauce and serve immediately.
Nutrition information is for air fryer wings (not oil fried).
5 from 25 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 238 | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 464mg | Potassium: 169mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 159IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course air fryer, Appetizer, Chicken, Party Food
Cuisine American
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Crispy Homemade Hot Wings in the fryer and in a basket with writing

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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