Kickin' Wings Recipe
CHOOSE YOUR WINGS: 5 WINGS +1 FLAVOR, 10 WINGS +2 FLAVORS, 15 WINGS +2 FLAVORS, 20 WINGS +2 FLAVORS, 50 WINGS +2 FLAVORS
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Ingredients
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Wings (choose quantity)
Oil for frying (or roasting alternative)
Buffalo-style Hot Sauce (per flavor)
Garlic Parmesan Sauce (alternate flavor)
Sweet Chili Glaze (alternate flavor)
Lemon Pepper (alternate flavor)
Dry Rub (optional before cooking)
To serve
Method
Preparation
Pat the wings dry with paper towels. Trim any excess skin or tips if desired.
Place wings in a large bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper and baking powder. Toss thoroughly to coat—baking powder helps crisp the skin during cooking.
If using the dry rub: mix paprika, onion powder and cayenne in a small bowl and toss lightly with the wings so all pieces are evenly coated.
Cooking (Frying method — fastest, yields crisp skin)
Heat oil
Pour oil into a deep heavy pot or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches (~1 cup for a small batch). Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test with one wing piece: it should sizzle steadily on contact.
Fry wings
Working in batches to avoid crowding, carefully add wings to the hot oil. Fry for 8–10 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until skin is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For very crisp wings, fry a second time: remove and rest 3 minutes, then return to oil at 375°F (190°C) for 1–2 minutes.
Drain
Use a slotted spoon to transfer wings to a wire rack set over a sheet pan or to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Cooking (Oven method — alternative)
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange wings in a single layer, skin side up, leaving space between pieces.
Bake 35–45 minutes, flipping once at 20–25 minutes, until skin is browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra crispness, broil 2–3 minutes at the end watching carefully.
Sauces & Tossing (make chosen flavors)
Buffalo-style Hot Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 2 tbs butter. Add 1/2 cup hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire, honey (if using), garlic powder and 1/4 tsp salt. Whisk until blended and warm but not boiling. Taste and adjust salt or sweetness.
Sweet Chili Glaze
Combine 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp rice vinegar and 1/4 tsp sesame oil in a small saucepan. Warm gently until combined and slightly reduced (2–3 minutes).
Lemon Pepper
Whisk together 2 tbs melted butter, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper and 1/4 tsp sea salt in a bowl.
Place hot cooked wings in a large clean bowl. Pour desired sauce over wings (use amount listed for each flavor). Toss gently but thoroughly so each wing is evenly coated. If using two flavors for a larger order (per menu options), divide wings into two bowls and toss half in each sauce.
Finish & Serve
Transfer sauced wings to a serving platter. Garnish Garlic Parmesan with extra grated Parmesan and parsley; sprinkle Lemon Pepper wings with additional lemon zest if desired.
Serve immediately with celery, carrot sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side.