These crispy fried chicken wings are the perfect snack or meal for any occasion! Made with a flavorful blend of seasonings and fried to golden perfection, these wings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Fried in peanut oil for that extra crunch, they are a great choice for parties, game days, or a delicious dinner. The secret to their crispiness lies in the cornstarch and baking powder added to the flour mixture. Once you taste these, you won’t look back!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drums and flats separated)
- 2 tbsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Accent seasoning (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- Peanut oil for frying
Directions
- Prepare the chicken wings:
Rinse the chicken wings thoroughly with water and lemon juice. Remove any feathers and pat dry well with paper towels. - Season the wings:
In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, Accent seasoning, and lemon pepper. Sprinkle half of the seasoning evenly over the wings and toss to coat. - Prepare the flour mixture:
In a shallow dish, combine flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and the remaining seasoning blend. - Coat the wings:
Dredge each wing into the flour mixture, pressing the flour into the wings to coat them. Shake off any excess flour. - Fry the wings:
Heat the peanut oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the wings for 8-11 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - Drain and serve:
Place the wings on a wire rack to drain (this prevents them from getting soggy). Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Nutrients (Per serving, estimated)
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Sugar: 1g
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Fried Chicken Wings
- Crispy on the Outside, Juicy on the Inside: The wings are perfectly crispy on the outside and wonderfully juicy on the inside, providing the perfect texture contrast that makes fried chicken so irresistible.
- Flavorful Seasoning: With a blend of Cajun or Creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon pepper, each bite is bursting with flavor.
- Easy to Make: With a few simple steps and ingredients, you can whip up these wings quickly and easily, whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just for a midweek treat.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These wings are versatile enough to be served as a main dish, appetizer, or even party snack. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to something delicious, they’re always a hit.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more spice, sweetness, or tanginess, depending on what you love. They can also be paired with a variety of dipping sauces, from ranch and blue cheese to buffalo sauce and honey mustard.
The Secret to Crispy Fried Chicken Wings
The magic behind these crispy fried chicken wings lies in the flour mixture, particularly the addition of cornstarch and baking powder. These two ingredients are key to achieving that crispy, golden coating that is both crunchy and light.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to dry out the coating, which creates a crispier crust when fried. It also contributes to a light and airy texture that contrasts perfectly with the juicy chicken inside.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, creating small bubbles in the coating that expand when fried, giving the wings an extra level of crispiness. It helps to keep the coating from becoming soggy, making sure that every bite stays crispy.
- Flour Mixture: The all-purpose flour, combined with these ingredients, forms a crispy shell around the chicken, which locks in the juices and flavor, keeping the wings tender on the inside.
Choosing the Right Chicken Wings
For the best results, using fresh chicken wings is crucial. You’ll want to separate the drums and flats of the wings for more even cooking and easy eating. Fresh wings have more flavor and moisture, which helps achieve the perfect texture once they are fried. Additionally, be sure to pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning and coating them, as excess moisture can cause the batter to become soggy during frying.
If you’re looking to save time, you can buy pre-cut wings from the store, but fresh, whole wings often give a better texture and flavor. The skin is an essential part of what makes fried wings so delicious, so make sure the wings are properly coated to get the crispiness you want.
The Role of Peanut Oil in Frying
While you can use different oils for frying, peanut oil is highly recommended for its high smoking point and neutral flavor, which allows the chicken wings to fry to a crispy perfection without adding unwanted flavors. Peanut oil also helps the wings achieve a golden, even fry without being greasy. Here’s why it’s the ideal choice for frying:
- High Smoke Point: Peanut oil can withstand high temperatures without burning, making it perfect for deep frying.
- Crispy Texture: Peanut oil contributes to a crispier, less greasy finish, ensuring that the wings maintain their crunchy coating.
- Neutral Taste: The mild flavor of peanut oil allows the seasonings and the natural flavor of the chicken wings to shine through without any interference from the oil itself.
Seasoning: Building Flavor from the Inside Out
The seasoning blend for these wings is where you can really get creative. The mix of Cajun or Creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon pepper creates a bold, savory flavor that permeates the chicken and coating, while providing a kick of heat that makes these wings truly irresistible.
- Cajun or Creole Seasoning: These blends are packed with spices and herbs, offering a perfect mix of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: These classic seasonings add depth and richness, making the wings even more flavorful.
- Lemon Pepper: This adds a bright, zesty finish to balance out the richness of the fried wings.
- Accent Seasoning (Optional): For those who enjoy a little extra umami, the addition of Accent seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and brings out the savory notes in the dish.
This seasoning blend ensures that every bite of chicken is packed with flavor, with just the right amount of spice to keep you coming back for more. You can adjust the amount of seasoning to fit your personal preference, whether you like it spicier or milder.
How to Fry Chicken Wings to Perfection
Frying the wings at the right temperature is key to achieving the ideal crispiness. Here’s how to ensure the wings come out perfectly:
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C): This is the ideal temperature for frying chicken wings. If the oil is too hot, the wings can burn before the inside cooks through; if it’s too cold, the wings will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Fry in Batches: Fry the wings in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in soggy wings.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Fry the wings for 8-11 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The wings should be golden brown and crispy when done.
- Drain the Wings: After frying, let the wings drain on a wire rack to avoid excess oil soaking into the coating, which can make them soggy.
Serving Your Crispy Fried Chicken Wings
These wings are perfect on their own, but you can elevate your meal by pairing them with a variety of sides and sauces:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve the wings with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, blue cheese, buffalo sauce, or even honey mustard for added flavor.
- Side Dishes: Pair the wings with classic sides like fries, coleslaw, or mac and cheese for a hearty meal. You could also serve them with a light salad for a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken.
- For Game Day or Parties: These wings are a crowd favorite at parties and gatherings. Serve them on a large platter with plenty of sauces and sides for guests to enjoy.
Why These Crispy Fried Chicken Wings Are a Must-Try
- Perfectly Crispy: The combination of cornstarch, baking powder, and peanut oil ensures that every wing is crispy, golden, and full of flavor.
- Bold Flavor: The seasoning blend delivers a savory, spicy, and tangy taste that perfectly complements the rich, juicy chicken.
- Easy and Convenient: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these wings are easy to make at home and perfect for any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a delicious dinner, these wings will satisfy both kids and adults alike.
Conclusion
These crispy fried chicken wings are the ultimate treat for any occasion, from casual dinners to special gatherings. With the right combination of crispy coating, savory seasoning, and juicy chicken, these wings are sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a family dinner, or simply as a snack, these wings will always hit the spot. Try them out today, and enjoy the delicious crunch that comes with every bite!