Why You’ll Love Louisiana Hot Wings Recipe
These Louisiana Hot Wings are easy to prepare and packed with fiery flavor. The blend of spices and signature hot sauce delivers an authentic Southern taste that wing lovers will crave. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, they’re always a hit. Plus, you can bake or fry them depending on your preference, making this recipe flexible for any cooking setup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Chicken wings (split at joints, tips removed)
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All-purpose flour
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Paprika
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Cayenne pepper
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Louisiana-style hot sauce
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Unsalted butter
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White vinegar (optional)
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Oil for frying (if frying)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C) if frying.
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In a large bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
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Pat the chicken wings dry, then dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture until well coated.
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For baking: Place the wings on a greased baking sheet and bake for 45–50 minutes, turning once halfway through, until crispy and golden.
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For frying: Fry the wings in batches for about 10–12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
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In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and mix in the hot sauce and optional vinegar. Stir until combined and heated through.
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Toss the cooked wings in the hot sauce mixture until fully coated.
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Serve hot with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes (baked) or 12 minutes (fried)
Total time: About 1 hour
Variations
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Grilled Version: Skip the flour coating and grill the wings for a smoky flavor, then toss in the hot sauce.
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Honey Hot Wings: Add a few tablespoons of honey to the hot sauce mixture for a sweet and spicy twist.
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Extra Spicy: Increase the cayenne pepper or use a hotter sauce for more heat.
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Low-Carb Option: Skip the flour and bake or air-fry the wings for a keto-friendly version.
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Dry Rub: For a drier version, skip the sauce and use a Cajun dry rub before baking or frying.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. You can also reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the wings soggy.
FAQs
How spicy are Louisiana Hot Wings?
They are medium to high on the spice scale, but you can adjust the heat by choosing a milder or hotter sauce and modifying the cayenne pepper amount.
Can I bake the wings instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 45–50 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway through.
What is the best hot sauce for this recipe?
A classic Louisiana-style hot sauce like Crystal or Frank’s RedHot works best for authentic flavor.
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the wings ahead and reheat them before serving. Add the sauce just before serving for best texture.
Are Louisiana Hot Wings gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
What can I serve with these wings?
Celery sticks, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing are classic sides. Fries or cornbread are also great choices.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before coating and cooking.
How do I make them less spicy?
Use a milder hot sauce and reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture.
Can I air fry the wings?
Yes, air fry at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
What’s the difference between Louisiana Hot Wings and Buffalo Wings?
Louisiana Hot Wings typically use Louisiana-style hot sauce and often include a bit more spice and tang, while Buffalo wings have a milder, butter-based sauce.
Conclusion
Louisiana Hot Wings are a bold and fiery favorite that’s perfect for spice lovers. Whether baked, fried, or grilled, these wings are loaded with flavor and bring Southern heat to any table. They’re easy to customize, fun to eat, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.
