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Ultimate Crispy Deep Fried Chicken Wings: Juicy Inside, Restaurant Crunch

A close-up of several perfectly golden brown, crispy fried chicken wings piled on a white plate.

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You will master the art of making perfectly seasoned, deeply flavorful fried chicken wings that stay shatteringly crisp. This recipe uses a simple double-fry method to guarantee a juicy interior and a crunchy exterior every time, perfect for game day or any party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings (flats and drumettes separated)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 4 cups vegetable oil or peanut oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial for crispiness.
  2. Mix the dry dredge: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Mix the wet mixture: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and buttermilk together.
  4. Coat the wings: Dip each wing first into the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off. Then, dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the wings. Place coated wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let them rest for 15 minutes to set the coating.
  5. First fry (Cooking through): Pour the oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer until it reaches about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). Carefully place wings into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 6 to 7 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove the wings and place them back on the wire rack. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period allows the internal temperature to equalize and dries the exterior.
  6. Second fry (Crisping): Increase the oil temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Carefully return the rested wings to the hot oil, again working in batches. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they achieve a deep golden-brown color and the coating is visibly crisp.
  7. Drain and serve: Remove the wings from the oil and place them immediately on a clean wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil. Season immediately with a pinch of salt if desired. Serve hot as your favorite appetizer or game day snack.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can marinate the wings in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce for 30 minutes before coating.
  • If you want Chinese Style Fried Wings, toss the finished wings in a glaze made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
  • To keep your fried chicken wings crispy longer, place them on a wire rack rather than draining them directly on paper towels after the final fry.

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