Crispy perfectly deep fried chicken wings are the ultimate crowd pleaser. Follow my recipe and tips to ensure that you get a crispy exterior every time!.
As an appetizer for a game day, nothing beats a big plate of chicken wings, am I right? There are a lot of different kinds, like dill pickle chicken wings, but today I’m going to show you how to make classic deep-fried chicken wings.
When it comes to any fried chicken, it is all about the crispy exterior. Today I’m going to tell you how to get that perfect crunch every time. The result? A chicken wing so good your family and friends will devour them and then beg you for the recipe!.
When you deep fry chicken wings, the skin gets the crispiest and crunchiest you can imagine. When cooked at the right temperature for the right amount of time, deep-fried wings get a cracklingly crisp outside that surrounds juicy, tender meat.
So how long should you deep fry chicken wings to achieve finger-licking, fall-off-the-bone perfection? Follow these tips for deep frying chicken wings until golden brown and delicious
Why Deep Fry Chicken Wings?
The best way to cook chicken wings if you want them to be extra crunchy is to deep fry them. Other ways of cooking, like grilling, baking, or air frying, just can’t match the outside of deep-fried wings for crispiness.
When the chicken wings are put into hot oil, they quickly get a crust that is browned, blistered, and crackling. The hot oil sears the outside while cooking the inside at the same time.
Deep frying also cooks the wings fast. It can take more than an hour to bake wings, but only 10 to 15 minutes to deep fry them. Because of this, deep-frying is a great way to entertain guests or make an easy appetizer on the spot.
Finally, deep fried wings pack a huge flavor punch. The hot oil imparts its own richness and intensifies the chicken’s savory umami qualities.
Best Oil Temperature for Frying Wings
The ideal oil temperature for deep frying chicken wings is between 350-375°F. This high heat quickly browns the exterior before overcooking the interior.
Aim for the lower end of this range (around 350°F) if working with smaller or cut-up wing sections. Go for the higher 375°F for whole wings.
If the oil is too cool below 325°F, the wings will soak up grease and turn out soggy. If the oil is too hot above 400°F, the exterior can burn before the inside cooks through.
Monitor the oil temperature with a deep fry or candy thermometer. Maintain the heat by adjusting the stove burner if needed.
How Long to Fry Chicken Wings
The cooking time for deep fried chicken wings can vary slightly based on the oil temperature and size of the wings. Use these cooking times as a guide:
- Whole wings at 350°F: Cook for 12-15 minutes
- Whole wings at 375°F: Cook for 10-12 minutes
- Wing sections or drumettes at 350°F: Cook for 8-10 minutes
- Wing sections or drumettes at 375°F: Cook for 6-8 minutes
For the best results, fry wings in small batches. This prevents overcrowding which can lower the oil temperature and produce soggy wings.
Fry just enough wings to fill the fryer basket without touching. Repeat with remaining wings.
Signs Wings are Done Frying
Watch for these signs to know when the wings are fully cooked:
- Deep golden brown exterior
- Skin is crispy and crackling
- Meat pulls away from bone
- Juices run clear when pierced
- Internal temperature reaches 165°F
Use tongs to occasionally lift and inspect wings during frying. Check the internal temp by inserting an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the meat near the bone.
Tips for the Crispiest Wings
Follow these tips for shatteringly crisp deep fried chicken wings every time:
- Pat wings dry before frying to remove excess moisture
- Fry plain uncoated wings for maximum crunch
- Chill wings before frying to dehydrate the skin
- Use a wire rack when chilling to allow air circulation
- Allow wings to rest after frying to set the crust
The dry coat and chilled temps help wings develop the crispest crust when submerged in the hot oil.
Best Flavorings for Fried Wings
Deep fried wings are delicious eaten as is, straight from the fryer. But you can also toss them in a sauce or dry rub to add flavor. Consider these options:
- Buffalo hot sauce – classic zingy, buttery flavor
- BBQ sauce – sweet, tangy, and finger-licking good
- Dry seasoning rub – spice blends add kick without the mess
- Honey garlic sauce – sweet and sticky with a hint of heat
- Jerk dry rub – Jamaican-inspired with warm chili flavors
Just avoid heavy breading or batter which can turn soggy after frying. Stick to light coatings and sauces that complement, rather than overwhelm, the crispy fried exterior.
How to Keep Wings Crispy After Frying
Fried wings will start to lose their crispness over time after frying, especially if tossed with sauce.
To keep leftover wings ultra crispy:
- Allow fried wings to rest for 5 minutes before saucing
- Toss wings in sauce just before serving
- Store leftover plain wings and sauce separately
- Re-crisp wings by baking or air frying before reheating sauce
The brief rest sets the crust so it doesn’t get soggy when sauced. Saving extra sauce prevents it from soaking into the crispy skin. Quickly reheating in a hot oven or air fryer revives the crispy texture.
Game Day Wings Worthy of Any Party
With the right technique, deep fried chicken wings make the ultimate party appetizer. Crisp, juicy, and full of flavor, they satisfy any crowd.
Fry up a batch for your next big game day gathering, birthday party, or anytime you’re craving finger food at its finest. Just be prepared for all the “oohs” and “aahs” over these shatteringly crispy beauties hot from the fryer.
Tips for making deep fried chicken wings:
Tip #1: FRY IN BATCHES. With any fried food, you are going to want to fry it in batches. You want to make sure that the food has enough space around it without touching. This helps make sure that the exterior is crisp. If food is too close together, it’ll steam instead of fry and won’t be as crispy.
Tip #2: OIL TEMPERATURE. It is important to wait for the oil to reach 350 degrees in between each batch. This means frying one batch and waiting for the oil to come back up to temperature before frying the next batch.
Tip #3: SEASON THE WINGS WITH SALT IMMEDIATELY AFTER REMOVING FROM THE FRYER. When I take fried foods out of the fryer, I always sprinkle them with salt. It adds more flavor and the salt will adhere better when while the food is hot.
Tip #4: KEEP THEM WARM AND CRISPY. Since you are frying the wings in batches, you’ll want to make sure that they stay warm and crispy. To do that, set your oven to the lowest setting (my oven has a “warm” setting). Place a cooling rack on top of a baking sheet and place cooked wings on top of the cooling rack and keep in the oven in between batches. By putting them on the cooling rack, it allows the air to circulate around the wing keeping them crispy.
If you loved this Deep Fried Chicken Wing Recipe, you’ve got to check out some of my other easy chicken recipes:
Looking for more recipes to serve at your next game day? Check out my game day appetizers!
Note: This post was originally written in 2010. It was updated with a modified recipe, step by step photos and nutrition information in 2020. Video added in 2021.
Step by Step Instructions and Photos:
STEP #1: Place chicken wings in a bowl and sprinkle blackening seasoning over the top. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
STEP #2: Place eggs, milk and hot sauce in a bowl. Whisk until combined.
STEP #3: In a shallow bowl combine corn starch, flour and seasoning salt. Whisk until combined.
STEP #4: Dip chicken wings into the egg/milk wash and then dredge in the seasoned flour.
STEP #5: Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy duty pan over medium-high heat. Once oil reaches 350 degrees begin frying chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, 5 – 7 minutes.
How Long Do I Deep-Fry Chicken Wings With Flour? : Making Meals Delicious
FAQ
Is it better to fry wings at 350 or 375?
Fried wings tips and temps So the oil temperature needs to be lower to allow the meat to cook without overcooking the skin; 350°F (177°C) is the perfect temperature.
How long does it take to deep fry chicken at 375 degrees?
Deep-frying chicken at 375°F typically takes 12-18 minutes, but the exact time can vary depending on the size and cut of the chicken. Smaller pieces like tenders will cook faster, while larger pieces like thighs or drumsticks will take longer.