Fried Chicken Wings Recipe

Flaky, Crispy Fried Chicken Wings are the Best

It's time for Fried Chicken Wings, my friends! Would you care for a wing? Hot wings are favorite in the spicy food world. I enjoy them baked, grilled, roasted, air fried, you name it.

But there's something about a good fried chicken wing. We go out for wings quite often, but they're fun to make at home, and we can really spice them up as much as we want to.

When I fry chicken wings, I like to brine them first to ensure extra moist and juice wings, then coat them in buttermilk, dredge them in a seasoned mix of cornstarch and flour, then fry them up in oil.

The results? Perfection! There are a few ways to make fried chicken wings at home, but this is my favorite method.

Let's talk about how to make fried chicken wings, shall we?

Fried Chicken Wings Ingredients

• FOR THE BRINE
• Water. Enough to cover the wings.
• Seasonings. Salt, black pepper, and any of your additional favorite seasoning blend, like blackening seasoning or Cajun seasoning. Or try my Chicken Wing Dry Rub.
• FOR THE CHICKEN WINGS
• Chicken Wings.
• Seasonings. Salt and black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder.
• Flour.
• Cornstarch.
• Buttermilk.
• Egg.
• Hot Sauce. Louisiana style preferred.
• Vegetable Oil. For frying the chicken.
• For Serving. Your favorite hot sauce or wing sauce.

How to Make Fried Chicken Wings - the Recipe Method

Brine the Wings. Add the wings to a large bowl with the salt and pepper, and optional extra seasonings. Add enough water to cover. Cover and refrigerate to brine for at least 4 hours. Overnight is best for the most flavor penetration.

When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken and pat them dry. Season with salt and pepper.

Set Up the Breading Station. In one large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs and hot sauce.

In another large bowl, stir together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.

Prep the Oil Fryer. Heat the oil in a large wide pot over medium-high heat to 350 degrees F. If you are unable to measure the temperature, add a droplet of batter to the oil. It is ready when the batter sizzles. Do NOT bring the oil to a boil.

Coat the Wings. Dredge the wings in the seasoned flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mixture, then into the flour one more time.

Fry the Wings. Fry the wings in the oil in a single layer 7-8 minutes, or until the wings are cooked and turn golden brown, stirring here and there to ensure even cooking.

An instant read thermometer inserted should measure 165 degrees F internally. It could take 10-12 minutes for frying, depending on the thickness of your chicken wings.

Remove and drain on a paper towel lined plate, or on a wire rack.

Serve Them Up! Toss with your favorite wing sauce and serve, or serve naked with the wing sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Boom! Done! Your deep fried chicken wings are ready to serve. So nice and crispy, aren't they? I love the flaky crust, and the wonderful crunch.

How Long Do You Fry Chicken Wings?

A common question is how long to fry chicken wings in a deep fryer or in oil. Chicken wings should be fried in oil for 7-8 minutes, and up to 10-12 minutes, until their juices run clear. Cooking time will depends on the size of your chicken wings.

It is best to cook to internal temperatures for more accurate cooking. Chicken wings should measure 165 degrees F internally when tested with a meat thermometer.

I like to use my Thermapen meat thermometer from ThermoWorks (I’m an affiliate) to get the perfect temperature every time. 

Storage

This recipe will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It isn't bad served cold, but is easily reheated in the oven.

That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy your fried chicken wings! Let me know if you make it. I'd love to hear how it turned out for you, and if you decided to spice it up!