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Crispy Nashville Hot Wings Recipe Easy Homemade Tangy Pickle Brine

Crispy Nashville Hot Wings - featured image

These Crispy Nashville Hot Wings feature a bold, savory heat balanced perfectly by a bright, tangy pickle brine. They deliver a crave-worthy, crispy, and juicy satisfaction perfect for game nights, cookouts, or a spicy snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds chicken wings, split at the joint and tips removed
  • 1 cup dill pickle brine (from your favorite jarred pickles or homemade)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (canola or peanut oil recommended)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Pickle slices (optional)
  • Celery sticks
  • Blue cheese dressing

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and pour the pickle brine over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 to 4 hours.
  2. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
  3. Remove the wings from the brine and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  4. Toss the wings in the seasoned flour mixture until well coated. Shake off any excess flour.
  5. Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large pot to a depth of about 3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Working in batches, carefully lower wings into the hot oil. Fry for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove wings and place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
  7. While frying, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then stir in apple cider vinegar.
  8. Put fried wings in a large bowl, pour over the hot sauce, and toss until fully coated.
  9. Arrange wings on a platter with pickle slices, celery sticks, and blue cheese dressing on the side. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pot when frying to maintain oil temperature and crispiness. Pat wings dry thoroughly before dredging to prevent coating from slipping. Toss wings immediately in hot sauce to keep crust crispy. For gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use dairy-free butter alternatives. Baking option available at 425°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot wings, crispy wings, pickle brine, spicy wings, homemade hot sauce, game day recipe, fried chicken wings