Original Hot Wings Recipe – Crispy, Spicy & Better Than Takeout

You’ve probably had wings that were soggy, bland, or just not it. Maybe they were too greasy, not spicy enough, or worse, they turned rubbery the next day. I’ve been there too. That’s exactly why I’m sharing my foolproof original hot wings recipe with you.

This recipe’s easy, crisp, and full of that buffalo-style heat you’d expect from places like Wingstop or Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY, but done right in your kitchen. No fuss. No guessing. And yep, I’ve added some helpful tips so your wings come out crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor even if it’s your first time.

Whether you’re baking, frying, or air frying, I’ll show you step-by-step how to make homemade buffalo chicken wings that hit the spot every time. Need to go gluten-free, keto, or avoid dairy? I’ve got subs for that too.

The History Behind Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings were first made in 1964 at Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY. They used deep-fried chicken wings tossed in hot sauce and butter, creating the flavor we now call ‘Buffalo-style’.

This recipe didn’t come from a fancy chef. It started as a late-night snack, and it stuck. What makes it the “original” is that perfect hot sauce + butter combo, no sugar, no crazy ingredients, spicy, tangy, and savory.

That’s the style I’m sticking with here. Nothing weird. Just the good stuff.

Ingredients You’ll Need (with Substitutes)

Here’s the full list you’ll need to make these wings just right:

• 2 lbs chicken wings, split at the joint, tips removed
• ½ cup Frank’s RedHot sauce (or Louisiana Hot Sauce)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp baking powder (helps crisp skin)

Optional subs:

• Keto? Skip flour or cornstarch, baking powder’s your best friend.
• No butter? Use ghee or a dairy-free spread.
• No hot sauce? Mix cayenne pepper with vinegar and garlic for a DIY version.

How to Make Original Hot Wings (Step-by-Step)

This method works for frying, baking, or air-frying. You’ll get crispy skin and that bold, buttery heat in every bite.

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Pat wings dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Toss wings with baking powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 3: Pick your cooking method (see next section).
Step 4: While wings cook, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in hot sauce and garlic powder.
Step 5: Toss cooked wings in the sauce until coated.

3 Cooking Methods Explained: Frying, Baking & Air Fryer

The best way to cook buffalo wings is by deep frying. But baking and air frying work great too—and they’re less messy.

Deep Frying (Restaurant-Style):

• Heat oil to 375°F.
• Fry wings for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels.

Baking (Healthier):

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
• Bake for 45–50 mins, flipping halfway.

Air Fryer (Crispiest at Home):

• Set the air fryer to 400°F.
• Cook wings for 10 mins, flip, then another 10 mins.

Pro Tip: Don’t crowd the pan or tray. Give those wings some elbow room, they’ll crisp better that way.

Making the Iconic Buffalo Wing Sauce from Scratch

Classic buffalo sauce is made with just two things: hot sauce and melted butter.

That’s it. Nothing fancy. If you like it hotter, use more sauce. If you want it milder, use more butter.

Want to tweak it?

• Add a little honey for sweet heat
• Mix in garlic powder for depth
• A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds umami

Tip: Sauce sticks best when wings are hot. Don’t let them cool before tossing.

What to Serve with Hot Wings

Buffalo wings go best with crisp veggies and creamy dipping sauces.

Serve your wings with:

• Celery and carrot sticks
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Potato wedges or onion rings
• Mac and cheese if you’re feeling extra

How to Store & Reheat Without Getting Soggy

The best way to reheat hot wings is in an air fryer or oven. Microwaves make them rubbery.

Storage:

• Keep wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat:

• Air fryer: 400°F for 5–6 mins
• Oven: 375°F for 10–12 mins
• Toss in fresh sauce if they look dry

Bonus: How to Make Them Healthier Without Losing Flavor

You can make these wings low-carb, keto, or gluten-free without missing the flavor. Just swap the following:

• Skip flour—use baking powder
• Use dairy-free butter
• Bake or air fry instead of deep-frying
• Use avocado oil spray for even crisping

FAQs

What’s the difference between buffalo wings and hot wings?
Buffalo wings are tossed in a specific sauce made with hot sauce and butter. Hot wings can mean any spicy wing, but not always the classic buffalo flavor.

Do I need to use Frank’s RedHot?
Nope. You can use Louisiana Hot Sauce or make your own with cayenne, vinegar, and garlic.

Can I use boneless wings?
Sure. Just reduce cooking time by a few minutes. They’re more like chicken nuggets, but still tasty.

Final Thoughts + Quick Recap Table

You don’t need restaurant tricks to make bold, crispy wings at home.
You just need the right heat, a good toss, and some kitchen paper towels.

Original Hot Wings Recipe

Recipe by Noah Nomlee

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings, split at the joint, tips removed

• ½ cup Frank’s RedHot sauce (or Louisiana Hot Sauce)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp baking powder (helps crisp skin)

Directions

• Step 1: Pat wings dry with paper towels.
• Step 2: Toss wings with baking powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Step 3: Pick your cooking method (see next section).
• Step 4: While wings cook, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in hot sauce and garlic powder.
• Step 5: Toss cooked wings in the sauce until coated.
• 3 Cooking Methods
• Deep Frying (Restaurant-Style):
  Heat oil to 375°F.
  Fry wings for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
  Drain on paper towels.
• Baking (Healthier):
  Preheat oven to 425°F.
  Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
  Bake for 45–50 mins, flipping halfway.
• Air Fryer (Crispiest at Home):
  Set the air fryer to 400°F.
  Cook wings for 10 mins, flip, then another 10 mins.