👩‍🍳 Everyone needs a recipe for Nashville Hot Chicken Wings

Our love for Nashville Hot Wings runs even deeper after our recent trip to Nashville. Our little family finally made it down to Music Row to visit a good friend of ours, and it was everything we dreamed it would be—live music pouring out of every bar, neon lights buzzing, and that unbeatable energy that just wraps you up and makes you never want to leave.

We spent the day wandering from honky-tonks to ice cream shops, soaking it all in (and maybe dancing a little in the street, not gonna lie). Of course, no trip to Nashville would be complete without tasting some legit Nashville hot chicken straight from the source. It totally inspired us to come home and perfect our own version—smoky, spicy, and full of that same electric spirit you feel walking down Broadway. These Nashville Hot Chicken Wings are a little piece of that magic you can make right in your own backyard.

These Nashville hot chicken wings are drenched in a fiery blend of cayenne pepper, smoky spices, and a dash of Southern charm, embodying the bold spirit of Nashville itself. If you love smoked wings with a kick of heat, then get ready for an explosion of flavor that will leave your taste buds singing!

This mouthwatering Nashville Hot Wings recipe comes straight from my husband, Brant. And let me just say—if there’s ever been a more god-fearing, women-lovin’, chicken-wing-cookin’ man on this earth, I’d be shocked. Not only is he the kind of guy who’ll make you laugh ‘til you cry, but he can also whip up chicken wings so good they might just make you fall in love twice.

Here’s why you’re gonna be hooked on these Nashville Hot Chicken Wings:

They bring the heat, but not in that evil way that has you chugging milk straight from the jug like a goat. Instead, you get a punchy, upfront heat that melts into a smoky-sweet aftertaste that keeps you reaching for just one more. The Nashville Hot Rub? Totally our creation after a whole lot of trial, error, and taste testing (not mad about it). It’s so good, I sprinkle it on everything from drumsticks to thighs—it’s basically my secret weapon.

And hey, if you want to balance out the heat, you have to check out our Rowdy Ranch Chicken Wings too. Smoky, tangy, and packed with ranch flavor, they’re the perfect partner to these spicy beauties on any game day, backyard BBQ, or tailgate feast.

Recipe Ingredient List

🥣 How Nashville Hot Chicken Wings are made

First Things First: The Brining Process

It all begins with brining the wings in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce for 3-4 hours. Why brine? Well, the acidity of buttermilk tenderizes the meat, making it juicier and bursting with flavor. Plus, it adds a subtle tanginess to the chicken and helps retain moisture during cooking. The soaking process also allows the wings to absorb the hot sauce, paving the way for that killer flavor. This technique results in chicken wings that are tender, flavorful, and perfectly textured!

Next Up: The Special Nashville Hot Wing Rub

Brant’s Nashville Heat Rub features a dynamic blend of ingredients that come together to create the signature flavor Nashville is famous for. Here’s the magic: cayenne pepper delivers intense heat, balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar. Smoked paprika adds that irresistible smoky depth, while chipotle powder gives a kick of earthy spiciness.

To amp up the savory notes, he throws in granulated garlic and onion powder, while cumin contributes warm, earthy tones. Finally, a mix of herbs like oregano, rosemary, and powdered sage brings complexity and freshness to the rub. Trust me, this combination captures the essence of Nashville’s spicy culinary tradition. And if you’re a heat lover like Brant, don’t hesitate to sprinkle on some extra cayenne for that fiery kick!

The Real Secret to Perfect Chicken Wings: Smoke Then Air Fry

Now, let’s talk technique. The secret to achieving those beautifully smoked wings with crispy skin? Traditionally, you’d deep-fry them after smoking. That’s totally acceptable, but I prefer a healthier twist. We smoke the wings at 400℉ for about an hour, allowing that rich flavor to develop.

Next, we transfer them to the air fryer basket and air fry at 350-375℉ for 10-15 minutes until they’re nice and crispy on the outside. You won’t believe how incredible the texture turns out! These Nashville Hot Chicken Wings are truly a game-changer, and they’ll be the star of your next gathering.

Brant’s Nashville Hot Smoked Chicken Wings

Brant's perfectly smoked, juicy, flavorful Nashville Hot Smoked Chicken Wings with an air fry finish for the right crispy crust on the outside!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Brining Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 406 kcal

Equipment

• Smoker
• Air Fryer

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 24 chicken wings
• 2 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup hot sauce

Rub Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tbsp Light Brown Sugar
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon rosemary
• ½ teaspoon powdered sage
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl (big enough for all your wings), combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add wings and allow them to marinate for 3-4 hours in the fridge.
  
• Combine all the ingredients for the dry rub: 1 teaspoon cayenne, 1 teaspoon cumin, 2 tbsp Light Brown Sugar, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 teaspoon granulated garlic, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon powdered sage, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  
• Remove the wings from the marinade and dry them off with paper towels. Discard the buttermilk marinade and rinse the bowl. Dry the bowl thoroughly.
  
• Add wings back to the bowl and toss with 2 tbsp olive oil and the dry rub. Allow the wings to rest for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  
• While the wings rest, preheat your smoker to 400℉.
• Arrange the wings on the smoker and cook until they reach an internal temperature of approximately 195℉, about 1 hour.
  
• Preheat airfryer to 350℉. Place wings on an airfyer try and airfry until crispy, about 5-10 minutes.
  
• Serve warm with blue cheese or ranch.

Notes

If you don’t have a smoker, bake the wings in your oven at 400℉ until they’re cooked through, then blast them in the air fryer to crisp them up. You’ll still get all that awesome flavor from the marinade and seasoning. (But if you can smoke them, do it—you’ll taste the difference.)

Substitutions

These wings pack a nice medium heat—enough to get your lips tingling but not so much that you’re crying into your ranch dressing. The heat is not one that sticks with you – it hits, then goes away pretty fast. Want it hotter? Add a little extra cayenne to the dry rub. Need it milder? Dial back the hot sauce in the marinade just a bit.

Storage

Store the wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.

When we went to the Smokies, I froze a batch. After the wings cooled, I spread them out on a baking sheet and popped them in the freezer for about an hour. Once they were frozen solid, I tossed them into a freezer-safe bag or container. (Vacuum sealing works too if you want even longer storage) For the best flavor and texture, try to use them within about 6 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 406kcal

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Serving Suggestions

When it’s time to serve up these Nashville Hot Chicken Wings, I like to go all in. Pile them high on a big platter and brush a little extra Nashville Hot Butter over the top right before serving to really make them glisten (and amp up the flavor). Keep some classic sides nearby—think crunchy dill pickles, celery sticks, and carrot sticks to help cool down the heat in between bites. Ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side is non-negotiable if you ask me—everyone’s gotta have a dunking option.

Since these Nashville Hot Wings bring some serious heat, I also like to serve them with a little something sweet to balance things out. A side of sweet cornbread, honey butter biscuits, or even a fresh fruit salad can be the perfect counterbalance. And don’t forget the drinks! Ice-cold beer, sweet tea, or even a fruity cocktail like a pineapple margarita pairs so good with that spicy, smoky kick. Whether you’re serving them up for a backyard BBQ, a game day party, or just a Friday night craving, these wings are guaranteed to steal the show.