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Ultimate Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Wings

A close-up stack of golden brown, crispy fried chicken wings piled high on a white plate.
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Follow this recipe to make shatteringly crispy, juicy Southern-style fried chicken wings using a buttermilk soak and double-fry method.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken wings, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  2. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Remove the wings from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, but do not pat them dry.
  4. Dredge each wing thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating firmly onto the chicken.
  5. Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).
  6. Carefully place the wings into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry for 6 to 7 minutes until lightly golden.
  7. Remove the wings and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Increase the oil temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
  8. Return the partially cooked wings to the hot oil and fry a second time for 3 to 5 minutes, until they are deep golden brown and very crispy.
  9. Remove the wings and drain them briefly on clean paper towels or the wire rack. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the dry dredge mixture.
  • Maintain the oil temperature carefully; too low results in greasy wings, too high results in burnt coating and raw interior.
  • The double-fry technique is key to achieving long-lasting crispiness, perfect for Game Day gatherings.

Nutrition

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