The Ultimate Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Wings Recipe
Follow this reliable recipe to make shatteringly crispy, juicy Southern fried chicken wings using the buttermilk soak and double-fry method for restaurant-style results at home.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken wings, toss to coat completely, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. This is your crunchy chicken wings coating.
- Remove the wings from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, but do not wipe them dry. Dredge each wing thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the skin.
- Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C).
- Fry the wings in batches, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 6 to 7 minutes until pale golden brown. This is the first fry. Remove the wings and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let them rest for at least 15 minutes.
- Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Return the partially cooked wings to the hot oil for the second fry. Fry for 2 to 4 minutes until they are deep golden brown and perfectly crispy. This double fry method guarantees the best homemade fried wings texture.
- Remove the wings and drain them briefly on a clean wire rack. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces for game day chicken wings perfection.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- The resting period between the two fries allows the internal moisture to redistribute, leading to a juicier interior.
- If you prefer a different style, toss these wings in a Korean glaze or a simple buffalo sauce after the final fry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 21
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 110