Print

Applebees Flamin Hot Cheetos Wings

Applebees Flamin Hot Cheetos Wings - recipe card
Print Recipe

Crispy, spicy chicken wings coated in a crunchy Flamin’ Hot Cheetos crust and tossed in a sweet and tangy buffalo-style sauce. These wings are baked until golden and served with a cool ranch dipping sauce for the perfect balance of heat and creaminess.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the wings:
  • 2 lbs chicken party wings (drums and flats), patted dry
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, finely crushed (about 4 oz)
  • For the sauce:
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • For the ranch dipping sauce:
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1/4 cup whole buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack lightly with non-stick spray. This allows hot air to circulate around the wings, ensuring they crisp evenly without sticking.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk until evenly blended. This seasoned flour base helps the egg wash and Cheetos coating adhere while adding a subtle heat layer.
  3. In a second shallow bowl, beat the 2 large eggs until frothy. In a third shallow bowl, place the 2 cups finely crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. To crush them, seal the chips in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until they resemble coarse sand—avoid powder, as larger pieces provide better crunch.
  4. Working one piece at a time, dredge each chicken wing in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the crushed Cheetos to coat all sides. Place coated wings on the prepared wire rack, leaving space between each for airflow.
  5. Bake the wings on the center rack of the preheated oven for 25 minutes. The wire rack ensures the bottom stays crisp. After 25 minutes, flip each wing using tongs, then continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F / 74°C and the coating is deep golden and crunchy.
  6. While wings bake, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1/4 cup hot sauce, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp apple cider vinegar. Whisk until the butter is fully incorporated and the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  7. To make the ranch dipping sauce, in a small bowl whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 1 tbsp chopped chives, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp kosher salt. Cover and refrigerate until serving. The buttermilk gives tanginess while the chives add freshness to cut the heat.
  8. Once wings are fully baked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over the hot wings and toss gently with tongs until each piece is evenly coated. Work quickly while wings are hot so the sauce absorbs into the crispy crust without making it soggy.
  9. Serve the wings immediately on a platter with the ranch dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with extra chopped chives or a sprinkle of crushed Cheetos if desired. The wings are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept warm in a 200°F / 93°C oven for up to 15 minutes.

Notes

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and restore crispiness, place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 375°F / 190°C oven for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the coating soggy. The ranch dipping sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and kept refrigerated. For extra heat, add 1/2 tsp cayenne to the sauce or use the hotter version of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

Nutrition

Keywords: Flamin Hot Cheetos wings, Applebees copycat wings, baked chicken wings, spicy Cheetos wings, buffalo wings, crispy oven wings, game day appetizer, party wings, ranch dipping sauce, Cheetos crusted wings

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/applebees-flamin-hot-cheetos-wings/