Crispy Spicy Fried Chicken Wings

Crispy, golden, and packed with bold flavor, these Spicy Fried Chicken Wings are the ultimate game-day appetizer or crowd-pleasing dinner idea! Juicy organic chicken wings are brined in a flavorful spicy buttermilk mixture made with almond milk, eggs, and hot sauce for extra tenderness and heat. Each wing is coated in a seasoned blend for a perfectly crunchy bite every time. Whether you’re frying them up for a weekend feast or a party snack, these homemade fried wings deliver that classic Southern-inspired flavor with a fiery twist. Plus, you can easily make them dairy-free or adjust the spice level to your taste and no deep fryer needed!

If you know me, then you know that chicken wings are my ultimate favorite things in the world. Literally, I love a good wing with whatever sauce (and sometimes dry rub) possible and these Crispy Spicy Fried Chicken Wings certainly are added to my list of faves! And while they're not specifically inspired by any particular recipe, I did take a bit of love for a good crunchy chicken wing from my Crispy Southern Hot Honey Fried Chicken for these and they didn't disappoint!

Honestly, I can guarantee that once you try these---you'll be hooked. Plus, these Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings and Sticky Gochujang Chicken Wings are truly the next best thing! Oh and these Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Peach Lemon Pepper Wings are something serious too!

I couldn't be more excited to share this recipe with you all and be rest assured that these crispy chicken wings are super easy to make, are spicy enough and savory, can be done over the stovetop by deep-frying (No deep fryer needed) or in the oven or air-fryer, and is the perfect addition to so many meal ideas for all occasions.

Jump to:

• What Makes These Spicy Fried Chicken Wings So Good?
• How to Adjust the Heat Level
• Can I Fry Chicken Wings Without a Deep Fryer?
• Do I Use Cornstarch or Flour for Crispy Chicken?
• How to Make Crispy Spicy Fried Chicken Wings
• Ingredients
• Pro Tips for Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken Wings on the Stovetop
• Air Fryer + Oven-Baked Options
• How to Keep Fried Chicken Wings Crispy for a Party
• Can I Use Buttermilk Instead of Almond Milk?
• Can I Make These Wings Gluten-Free?
• What to Serve with Spicy Fried Chicken Wings
• Common Q + A's for Crispy Spicy Fried Chicken Wings
• More Delicious + Flavorful Handheld Recipes
• MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
• Crispy Spicy Fried Chicken Wings

What Makes These Spicy Fried Chicken Wings So Good?

These wings are everything you crave—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with smoky, spicy flavor. The buttermilk brine tenderizes the chicken while adding tangy heat, and the seasoned flour and cornstarch coating creates that irresistible crunch. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry, this recipe delivers restaurant-style wings right at home.

How to Adjust the Heat Level

This recipe is naturally spicy thanks to hot sauce and red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust it:

• Milder: Use less hot sauce and omit red pepper flakes.
• Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coating, or toss cooked wings in buffalo or habanero sauce.
• Balanced Heat: Serve with cooling dips like ranch, blue cheese, or yogurt-based sauces.

Can I Fry Chicken Wings Without a Deep Fryer?

Yes! You can achieve perfectly crispy wings on the stovetop using a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. Just make sure to use enough oil to fully submerge the wings and maintain the correct temperature (350–375 degrees Fahrenheit). Check out the Pro Tips for Frying on the Stovetop section for detailed guidance.

Do I Use Cornstarch or Flour for Crispy Chicken?

OK, so this is one of the hot debates as it relates to which one creates the crispier chicken or chicken wings. While cornstarch does add extra layer of crispiness for your chicken, using flour still works too!

But to best honest, the best kept secret is the combination of both cornstarch and flour, which creates the crispiest results. Of course, if you're looking to make this fried chicken wing recipe gluten-free, then substitute the cornstarch or flour with arrowroot starch or a great all-purpose GF flour.

How to Make Crispy Spicy Fried Chicken Wings

Cooking crispy chicken wings is generally an easy process---in total of about 30-35 minutes. You first start by cleaning and washing your chicken wings to ensure that they are clean and ready to be seasoned. I like to wash my chicken with both vinegar and lemon to help keep things clean and sanitized.

Once your chicken wings are clean, then it's patting dry and seasoning time! I'm all about seasoning every "layer" of my food, therefore, the chicken wings get direct seasoning and so does the coating. Let everything marinate for 5-10 minutes or overnight (preferably 1-2 days) tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for the best results.

Then you dust the chicken wings and add them to the wet mixture of some kind, and bread them in a flour before frying them to crispness. Finally, you serve them up and add a few drizzles of honey or hot sauce or a side of dipping sauce, if that's your thing!

Ingredients

• Chicken Wings. The star of this recipe! Using organic wings ensures clean, flavorful meat with a juicy bite. You can use whole wings or separate drumettes and flats for easier frying. You can also use chicken drumsticks or boneless chicken thighs for a similar crispy, spicy result.
• Smoked Paprika. Adds a deep, smoky flavor and rich color to both the brine and coating. You can also use regular paprika (for milder flavor) or chipotle powder (for more heat).
• On Everything All-Purpose Blend. My custom seasoning blend that layers in savory, well-rounded flavor. Make a homemade blend of seasonings and herbs for a similar taste---see recipe notes for ingredients!
• Sea Salt. Essential for enhancing flavor and drawing out moisture from the chicken, helping it crisp beautifully.
• Vegetable Oil. Neutral oil perfect for frying because of its high smoke point. Can also use canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil for similar frying results.
• Almond Milk. A dairy-free option that keeps the wings moist and tender. Feel free to use whole milk, buttermilk, oat milk, or soy milk.
• Eggs. Help the coating stick to the chicken for a crunchier crust. You can also use flax eggs or aquafaba for an egg-free alternative.
• Hot Sauce. Infuses the wings with heat and tangy flavor right from the start. Sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or buffalo-style hot sauce also works!
• All-Purpose Flour. Creates the base of a crunchy, golden crust. For a GF option use a gluten-free flour blend.
• Cornstarch. Lightens the coating, adding extra crispiness to the fried wings. Arrowroot powder or potato starch also works.
• Red Pepper Flakes. Gives the crust a pop of heat that complements the smoky paprika. If you don't have any on hand---cayenne pepper or chili powder for similar spice works!

SHOP MY FAVORITE BAKEWARE ITEMS AND ACCESSORIES FOR THESE CHICKEN WINGS!

Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with these Crispy Spicy Fried Chicken Wings. Everything from my fave dutch pot/oven, wooden spoons, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Pro Tips for Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken Wings on the Stovetop

Use the Right Pan. A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or deep cast-iron skillet distributes heat evenly and keeps the oil temperature stable, preventing soggy wings.

Maintain the Perfect Oil Temperature. Keep the oil between 350–375 degrees Fahrenheit. Too hot and the crust will burn before the chicken cooks; too low and the wings absorb oil, turning greasy. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.

Avoid Overcrowding the Pan. Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping. This ensures even cooking and ultra-crispy crusts.

Pat Wings Dry Before Brining. Removing excess moisture helps the brine stick and prevents oil splatter during frying.

Double-Coat for Extra Crunch. After dredging in flour, let the wings rest for a few minutes, then dredge again before frying for a thicker, crunchier coating.

Don’t Skip Resting on a Wire Rack. After frying, place wings on a wire rack (not paper towels) to keep the crust crisp and allow excess oil to drip off.

Season Immediately. While the wings are hot, sprinkle with extra seasoning or a pinch of salt to lock in flavor.

Finish with a Toss in Sauce (Optional). For spicy buffalo or sticky honey-garlic wings, toss fried wings in sauce just before serving to maintain their crispy texture.

Air Fryer + Oven-Baked Options

Not a fan of deep-frying? You can still enjoy these crispy, flavorful spicy chicken wings with less oil using an air fryer or oven—perfect for a lighter, easier cleanup option without sacrificing crunch.

Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Wings

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C).
• Prepare the wings the same way—brined and coated in seasoned flour and cornstarch.
• Lightly spray the wings with cooking oil to help achieve that fried texture.
• Air fry in a single layer for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden, crispy, and fully cooked.

Tip: For an extra-crispy finish, spray lightly with oil again and cook an additional 3–5 minutes.

Oven-Baked Spicy Chicken Wings

• Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
• Prepare the wings as directed with the brine and coating.
• Arrange wings on the rack, making sure they’re not touching for even airflow.
• Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Finish: For maximum crunch, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end while watching closely.

Tip: Whether using the air fryer or oven, always let the coated wings rest for 10 minutes before cooking. This helps the coating stick and crisp up beautifully.

How to Keep Fried Chicken Wings Crispy for a Party

• Drain wings on a wire rack, not paper towels
• Keep them warm in a 200 degrees Fahrenheit oven until serving
• Avoid covering with foil (it traps steam) and makes them wet
• Serve sauces on the side to prevent sogginess

Can I Use Buttermilk Instead of Almond Milk?

Yup! Buttermilk is a classic choice for fried chicken because its acidity breaks down proteins, making the meat incredibly tender. If you don’t have almond milk or prefer a traditional flavor, simply swap in regular buttermilk. You can also make your own buttermilk by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk.

Can I Make These Wings Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your hot sauce and seasoning are gluten-free. Cornstarch remains naturally gluten-free and will still give you that signature crispy crust.

What to Serve with Spicy Fried Chicken Wings

These Crispy Spicy Fried Chicken Wings are full of flavor all on their own, but who doesn’t love to dunk and dip----right? So, feel free to serve your wings with any (or all) of these tasty condiments:

• Easy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
• Creamy Lemon Garlic Dressing
• In-N-Out Sauce
• BBQ Sauce
• Ranch Sauce
• Honey mustard
• Creamy Chipotle Dressing/Sauce
• Blue Cheese
• Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce
• More hot sauce!

However, if you're thinking about serving these chicken wings with something to create a complete, full meal, then I recommend trying my favorite ways to incorporate them:

• Enjoy them with a salad. I’m obsessed with this Copycat Olive Garden House Salad, Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad or Green Goddess Pasta Salad or Ultimate Smashed Cucumber Salad or Spicy Chipotle Sweet Potato Chopped Salad.
• Make a fun meal by pairing them with light handheld sides. My top fave handheld side recipes are Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries, Crispiest Seasoned French Fries, Crispy Cajun Sweet Potato Fries, Garlic Herb Yucca Fries, Seasoned Fried Green Tomatoes, and Crispiest Jumbo Garlic Herb Fries.
• Eat them with more traditional sides. This Stovetop Southern Mac and Cheese or My Childhood Velveeta Mac and Cheese or Grown-Up Baked Jerk Mac and Cheese or Southern Baked Mac and Cheese are the absolute best! Plus, I love these Garlic Herb Biscuits, Soft Honey Butter Dinner Rolls, Flaky Honey Buttermilk Biscuits, Vegan Quinoa Fried Rice, Ultra Creamy Cheesy Garlic Vegan Mashed Potatoes, and Garlic Herb Smashed Potatoes.
• Create a full eating experience as an addition to other dishes. I’m always in love with these Dairy-Free Mexican Street Corn Nachos as well as this Ultimate Summer BBQ Chopped Kale Salad, Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli, Grandma’s Cheese Sheet Pan Pizza, Ultra-Creamy Southern Cheese Grits, and Creamy Jamaican Rasta Pasta.

Common Q + A's for Crispy Spicy Fried Chicken Wings

More Delicious + Flavorful Handheld Recipes

• Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Peach Lemon Pepper Wings
• Crispy Lemon Pepper Buffalo Chicken Wings
• Everything Bagel Cauliflower Bites
• Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings
• Spicy Honey Sweet Potato Wedges
• My Favorite Deviled Eggs
• Roasted Garlic Olive Oil Dip
• Classic Hummus
• Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
• My Fave Easy Classic Bruschetta
• Easy Blackened Salmon Sliders
• Homemade Everything Bagel Chex Mix

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried my Crispy Spicy Fried Chicken Wings recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag me @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!

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