Here’s a classic and crowd-pleasing recipe for Crispy Fried Chicken Wings. These wings are perfectly seasoned, fried to golden-brown perfection, and deliciously crispy on the outside while juicy on the inside.
Crispy Fried Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (separated into flats and drumettes)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup water
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
Instructions:
Prep the Chicken:
- Season the chicken wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste.
Make the Breading:
- Prepare the flour mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In another bowl, whisk the eggs and water together.
Coat the Chicken:
- Coat the wings: Dip each chicken wing in the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating. Repeat with all the wings and place them on a tray.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat the oil: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain a steady temperature.
- Fry the wings: Working in batches, carefully lower the wings into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wings are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain the wings: Use a slotted spoon to remove the wings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve:
- Serve hot: Serve the crispy fried chicken wings immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or hot sauce.
Recipe Notes:
- Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the flour mixture helps make the wings extra crispy. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can just use flour, but the cornstarch adds a nice texture.
- Double fry method: For even crispier wings, you can fry the wings once for 5-6 minutes, remove them, and then fry them again for another 3-4 minutes at a slightly higher temperature (375°F/190°C).
- Flavor options: You can toss the fried wings in sauces like buffalo sauce, honey garlic, or BBQ after frying for added flavor.
Time and Temperature:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes (in batches)
- Total time: 40-45 minutes
- Frying temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Enjoy your Crispy Fried Chicken Wings with a side of fries, coleslaw, or vegetable sticks for a classic, delicious meal!