18 Wings Recipe
18 Wings with Buffalo or BBQ sauce, Blue Cheese or Ranch
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Ingredients
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Wings
Buffalo Sauce
BBQ Sauce (option)
Dips
Method
Wings
- 1
Prep wings
If whole wings are provided, separate into flats and drumettes and discard wing tips (or save for stock). Pat the 18 wings very dry with paper towels; removing surface moisture helps crisping.
- 2
In a large bowl, toss the wings with kosher salt, black pepper and baking powder until evenly coated. The baking powder helps create a crisp skin when cooked.
- 3
Let the seasoned wings rest on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet for 15–20 minutes at room temperature to air-dry the skin slightly (optional but recommended).
- 4
Cooking—Deep Fry (recommended)
Pour oil into a heavy pot or deep fryer and heat to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches (do not crowd), carefully add wings and fry for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove wings with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel–lined tray to drain.
- 5
Alternative—Oven Method
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top. Lightly oil the rack. Arrange wings in a single layer and bake 25–30 minutes, turning once, until crisp and internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). For extra crispness, broil 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
Buffalo Sauce
- 6
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the hot sauce and butter. Stir until butter is melted and sauce is smooth. Add honey, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook gently 1–2 minutes, stirring, then remove from heat. Keep warm.
- 7
Place the cooked wings in a large clean bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the wings and toss vigorously until wings are evenly coated. Serve immediately with blue cheese or ranch and celery sticks.
BBQ Sauce (option)
- 8
If choosing BBQ, warm the BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over low heat with 1 tbsp honey and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, stirring until combined and slightly loosened. Toss the cooked wings in the warmed BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
Dips & Serving
- 9
Arrange wings on a platter with celery sticks and small bowls of blue cheese and ranch dressing for dipping. Provide napkins and let diners choose Buffalo or BBQ and blue cheese or ranch as desired.