Extra Crispy Hot Wings Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken wings, especially when paired with a tangy and spicy sauce. This recipe is for all the wing lovers out there who prefer their wings extra crispy. The combination of Crystal Hot Sauce, flour, and a few spices ensures every bite has the perfect balance of heat and crunch. Whether you’re prepping for game day, a gathering, or just indulging yourself, these wings will hit the spot.
Preparation Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 lbs | Chicken wings (thawed) |
| 1 cup | All-purpose flour |
| 2 | Eggs (beaten) |
| 1 cup | Crystal Hot Sauce (or your preferred wing sauce) |
| 1 tbsp | Old Bay seasoning |
| 1 tsp | Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat) |
| 1 qt | Vegetable oil (for frying) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1255.9 kcal |
| Total Fat | 75.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 21.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 455.3 mg |
| Sodium | 1491.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g |
| Sugars | 0.9 g |
| Protein | 92.4 g |
Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the chicken wings: Begin by taking your thawed chicken wing portions and placing them into a large ziplock bag. This method helps evenly distribute the marinade across the wings and keeps the mess minimal. |
| 2 | Add the hot sauce: Pour your chosen hot sauce (Crystal Hot Sauce is recommended for its tangy flavor with a slight kick) directly into the bag with the wings. You can adjust the amount depending on your desired heat level. For an added punch, mix Crystal Hot Sauce with a bit of Crystal Extra Hot or Tabasco. |
| 3 | Shake to coat: Seal the ziplock bag and give it a good shake to ensure every wing is evenly coated with the hot sauce. This step is crucial in layering the flavor. |
| 4 | Marinate: Place the bag of wings in the refrigerator and allow them to marinate for at least 2 hours. This resting time ensures that the flavors seep into the chicken, resulting in wings that are flavorful from the inside out. |
| 5 | Prepare the egg wash: While the wings are marinating, beat the eggs in a medium-sized bowl and set them aside. You’ll use this egg wash to help the flour adhere to the wings later. |
| 6 | Prepare the flour coating: Pour the all-purpose flour into another ziplock bag. To this, add the Old Bay seasoning, which gives the wings a rich, savory flavor, and cayenne pepper if you want an extra layer of heat. Shake the bag well to mix the ingredients thoroughly. |
| 7 | Coat the wings: After the marinating time is up, take the wings out of the refrigerator. First, dip each wing in the beaten egg, making sure it’s completely coated. Then, transfer the wing into the bag with the flour mixture. Shake the bag until each wing is fully coated in flour. |
| 8 | Chill for a better coating: Once coated, place the wings back in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This allows the flour to adhere better to the wings, ensuring a crispier texture when fried. |
| 9 | Preheat your oil: If you’re using a deep fryer, preheat it to 370°F. Alternatively, if you’re using a deep-bottomed frying pan, heat enough oil to submerge the wings. The oil should reach the same temperature of 370°F for optimal frying. |
| 10 | Fry the wings: Once the oil is heated, gently place the wings into the fryer or pan in batches, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry the wings until they reach a deep golden brown color. This should take about 8-10 minutes per batch, but keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary depending on the size of your wings. |
| 11 | Drain and serve: Once your wings are done, use tongs to remove them from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving so they retain their crispiness. |
| 12 | Optional – Toss in more sauce: If you like your wings saucier, you can toss them in additional hot sauce before serving. However, they’re already packed with flavor and heat from the marinade, so this step is completely up to you! |
Tips for Extra Crispy Wings:
- Dry your wings thoroughly before marinating them to prevent excess moisture, which can reduce crispiness.
- Letting the wings rest after coating them in flour helps create a better texture when frying. Don’t skip this step.
- If you don’t have a deep fryer, use a cast iron skillet for an even fry and better heat retention.
Variations:
- Buffalo Wings: Substitute Crystal Hot Sauce with a classic buffalo wing sauce. You can also mix equal parts buffalo sauce and melted butter for a more traditional buffalo flavor.
- Honey Sriracha Wings: For a sweet and spicy twist, mix equal parts honey and Sriracha sauce and use this mixture for the marinade.
- Garlic Parmesan Wings: Skip the hot sauce altogether and marinate your wings in melted butter with a generous amount of minced garlic. After frying, toss them in a mixture of grated Parmesan and parsley for a savory option.
With these easy steps, you’ll be on your way to enjoying restaurant-quality crispy wings right at home. Pair these wings with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for the ultimate experience.
