Go ahead and splurge. Deep fry those chicken wings. Here’s a handy guide showing you how.
Deep-frying is the standard way that wings are cooked in restaurants. We are sure that our way of baking chicken wings is just as crispy and much easier, but if you really want to go for it, you have to deep-fry them like a restaurant.
It’s actually not very hard to do. If you already own a deep-fryer, well, I’m guessing you know how to use it. If not, you can follow the instructions below for frying wings using your stovetop with a large pot, some oil, and a candy thermometer.
Deep frying chicken wings is a classic cooking method that yields irresistibly crispy, juicy wings. When cooked at the right temperature for the proper amount of time, deep fried wings develop a crispy browned exterior while the interior remains moist and tender.
One of the keys to fried wing success is maintaining the oil temperature at 375°F. This high heat quickly seals in juices and flavors while creating that sought-after crunchy coating.
Optimal Cooking Time at 375°F
In oil heated to 375 degrees F, the chicken wings should be fully cooked after about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re perfectly fried when the skin is crispy, the juices run clear, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat, near the bone, reads 165 degrees F.
This time frame (10 to 12 minutes) is suggested for frying wings of average size. It could take 8–10 minutes for smaller wings to cook through, but 12–15 minutes for bigger wings. Always use visual cues, like crispy skin and an internal temperature of 165°F, along with time to tell when something is done.
Why 375°F is the Magic Temperature
Frying at 375°F strikes the ideal balance between cooking the wings thoroughly while maximizing crispiness. Here’s why this temperature works so well:
-
High enough to quickly dry out the skin’s surface, making it exceptionally crispy and browned.
-
That’s hot enough to quickly send heat all the way through the meat, even the thickest parts.
-
Not too hot that the outside burns or gets too brown before the inside is fully cooked.
Lower oil temps around 325-350°F will lead to greasy wings with soft skin, while cranking up the heat above 400°F risks burnt outsides and dangerous undercooked centers. Sticking close to 375°F gives you the best of both worlds.
Tips for Fried Wing Success
Achieving the perfect fried wings depends on more than just the right cooking time and temperature. Here are some key tips:
-
Use a thermometer to monitor oil temp and internal temp. Guessing leads to inconsistent results.
-
Work in small batches so oil temp doesn’t drop too much when adding wings.
-
Let wings drain on a wire rack after frying to retain crispness.
-
Don’t crowd the wings or they’ll steam instead of frying evenly.
-
Dry wings thoroughly before frying so the skin gets ultra crispy.
-
Use fresh oil each time for best flavor. Reuse oil no more than a couple times.
-
Rest wings 5 minutes before tossing in sauce to allow juices to redistribute.
Safety Tips
While delicious, deep frying requires caution to avoid burns. Follow these safety measures:
-
Don’t overfill the pot with oil to prevent overflow.
-
Use a deep pot and long cooking thermometer.
-
Turn heat down if oil starts smoking.
-
Carefully add food to avoid splattering.
-
Keep kids and pets away from hot oil.
-
Turn pot handles inward to avoid knocking it over.
-
Never leave the stove unattended.
The Perfect Accompaniments
Once fried to golden perfection, there are so many tasty ways to sauce and serve your wings:
-
Classic Buffalo Style – Frank’s RedHot + melted butter
-
Honey BBQ – Sweet and smoky
-
Teriyaki – Savory with ginger and garlic
-
Jerk Dry Rub – Spicy and flavorful
-
Garlic Parmesan – Rich, herby flavor
-
Mango Habanero – Sweet heat
You really can’t go wrong when you start with crispy fried wings straight from the fryer! Serve with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing and plenty of napkins.
Next time your crowd is craving wings, try deep frying for 10-12 minutes at 375°F. Follow these tips for safety and you’ll achieve perfectly cooked wings every time. The ideal crisp-to-juicy ratio is just a thermometer and timer away.
Tips For Frying Wings
- Use an oil with a high smoke point. Getting the oil to 350–375°F is important, so make sure you use an oil that can handle that temperature. Vegetable or canola oil work well, or try peanut oil.
- Work in batches. If you’re making a lot of wings, don’t rush through the cooking process. Since the oil cools down when the wings are added, adding too many at once will change how long they take to cook. Also, you need to give them room to cook evenly.
- Keep them crisp and warm. After frying the chicken wings, put them on a wire rack on a baking sheet. They can stay warm in a 200°F oven if you work in batches.
Video: Frying Chicken Wings
I’ve kept my fried chicken wings recipe as simple as possible, so I skip the flour coating. I think the wings get plenty crispy without that extra step, but some people love it.
If you wanted to dredge them first, you could mix up about half a cup of all-purpose flour with a couple teaspoons of seasonings. Try a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika or use one of our fabulous seasoning blends. Toss your wings in the flour mixture before putting them in the hot oil.
Or, be like me, and add the flavor at the end with a great Buffalo sauce.
The Best Ways to Cook Chicken Wings in a Deep Fryer : Dirty Recipes
FAQ
How long to deep fry chicken wings?
Should be deep-fried for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on their size, until the chicken wings reach 165°F on the inside. The optimal temperature of the oil is between 350°F and 375°F. It is important to ensure the oil is hot enough before frying.
What temperature should chicken wings be fried at?
The ideal temperature for frying chicken wings in a deep fryer is between 350°F and 375°F. This temperature range allows for a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. If the temperature is too low, the wings will absorb excess oil and be greasy.
Do chicken wings need to be deep fried?
The best-tasting chicken wings are always deep-fried. Here are more reasons why frying is the best way to cook up wings. When frying chicken wings you want to make sure the oil temperature is just right. If the oil is too cool or too hot the wings will not cook properly. The best temperature for deep-frying wings is between 350° – 375°.
What is the best temperature for deep frying wings?
The best temperature for deep-frying wings is between 350° – 375°. Here is more on why this is my recommendation. When wings are fried at either 350° or 375°, the optimal cooking temperature is reached. They will be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside during this time.
How long to cook chicken wings?
Depending on how crispy you want your chicken wings, the cooking time will vary. In general, chicken wings should be fried in oil heated to 350°F to 375°F for 5 to 12 minutes. The wings are done when they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can you fry chicken wings in a fryer?
Once the oil has reached the desired temperature, you can begin frying the chicken wings. It is recommended to fry the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can lower the oil temperature and affect cooking. Each batch should consist of 6 to 7 wings to ensure even cooking.
How long do chicken wings take to deep fry at 375 degrees?
Generously season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Dredge the wings in flour, shaking off any excess flour, and set aside. In a large saucepan or deep fryer, heat the oil to about 375°F. Fry the chicken wings in small batches until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
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 to deep fry chicken 375?
Heat the oil to 375°F in an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer. Fry the chicken a few pieces at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear, about seven to eight minutes per side.Aug 8, 2024