Frying Chicken Wings: How Long Should You Fry?

Chicken wings are a classic game-day appetizer and a crowd favourite. While there are many ways to cook chicken wings, deep frying is the standard way to cook them in restaurants. The wings are done when the skin is crispy, the juices run clear, and the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat, near the bone, reads 165°F. This should take about 8-12 minutes in oil heated to 350-375°F. However, some recipes suggest frying the wings for 10 minutes at 350°F and then frying them for an additional 4-7 minutes at 360-375°F.

Oil temperature: heat oil to 350-375°F

Frying chicken wings is a delicate process that requires precision and attention to detail. The oil temperature is a crucial factor in achieving the perfect fried chicken wings. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for heating your oil to the ideal temperature of 350-375°F:

Selecting the Right Oil:

First, choose an oil with a high smoke point that can withstand temperatures of up to 375°F. Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are excellent choices for deep-frying chicken wings. These oils have high smoke points and can handle the heat without breaking down or burning.

Heating the Oil:

• Use a deep fryer or a large pot/Dutch oven on the stovetop.
• Pour enough oil into your deep fryer or pot to completely submerge the chicken wings. The amount of oil needed will depend on the size of your fryer or pot. As a reference, some recipes suggest using 1-2 gallons of oil or pouring oil to a depth of 1-2 inches.
• Attach a candy/oil thermometer to the side of your pot or deep fryer, ensuring it is fully immersed in the oil but not touching the bottom of the container.
• Heat the oil over medium heat. Carefully monitor the temperature with the thermometer, aiming for a range of 350-375°F. Adjust your heat source as needed to maintain this temperature.

Fry the Chicken Wings:

Once your oil reaches the desired temperature, it's time to fry! Carefully lower the chicken wings into the hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Avoid overcrowding the fryer/pot, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop. Fry the wings in batches if necessary.

The frying time will depend on your preferred level of crispness. Generally, fry the wings for 8-12 minutes, occasionally flipping them, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the meat near the bone.

Tips for Success:

• Work in batches: If frying a large quantity of wings, avoid crowding the fryer/pot. Frying in batches helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking.
• Monitor oil temperature: Keep a close eye on the thermometer and adjust the heat as needed to stay within the desired temperature range.
• Flip the wings: Occasionally turn the wings over during frying to ensure even browning and cooking.
• Drain excess oil: After frying, transfer the wings to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet or a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Fry time: cook wings for 8-12 minutes

The cooking time for chicken wings in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the wings and the model of the air fryer. However, on average, it takes around 8-12 minutes to cook chicken wings in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve the perfect crispy wings in your air fryer:

Preparation:

Before cooking the wings, it is important to ensure they are thoroughly dry. Use paper towels to pat them dry and remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps the wings crisp up during the cooking process.

Seasoning:

Place the wings in a large bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, or even a dry rub. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated. You can also add a little baking powder to the mixture, as it helps create an extra crispy skin on the wings.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 360-400°F. Place the seasoned wings into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook the wings for 10 minutes at the set temperature.

Flip and Air Fry Again:

After the initial cooking time, flip the wings and air fry them again for another 8-12 minutes at the same temperature. This cooking time may vary based on the size of your wings and the model of your air fryer, so adjust the time accordingly. For crispier wings, you can increase the temperature to 400°F for the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving:

Remove the wings from the air fryer and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or buffalo sauce. You can also toss the wings in your favorite wing sauce before serving.

Tips for Crispy Wings:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Ensure the wings are in a single layer with a little space between them to allow for even cooking and crispiness.
• Toss the wings occasionally during cooking to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Be flexible with the cooking time. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your wings. Larger wings may require a longer cooking time, while smaller wings may need less time.
• For the crispiest skin, avoid tossing the wings in sauce before serving. Instead, serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

With these tips and guidelines, you'll be able to cook delicious and crispy chicken wings in your air fryer every time!

Batches: fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding

Frying chicken wings in small batches is essential to achieving the perfect level of crispiness. Overcrowding the pan or air fryer basket can lead to greasy, soggy wings that fail to impress. By frying in batches, you allow each wing sufficient space to cook evenly and attain that desirable crunchy texture.

While it may take a little longer to cook the wings in batches, the results are well worth the wait. You can also use this opportunity to experiment with different sauces and seasonings for each batch, catering to a variety of taste preferences. This way, you can offer a diverse selection of wings to your guests, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Additionally, frying in batches helps maintain the ideal oil temperature. A common mistake that can ruin your wings is overcrowding the pan, which reduces the oil temperature and results in soggy skin. By frying in small batches, you give the oil the space it needs to retain its temperature and effectively crisp up the wings.

Furthermore, frying in batches allows you to monitor each wing's progress and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Every air fryer and stove is unique, and cooking times can vary. By frying a few wings at a time, you can keep a close eye on their progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure they turn out just right.

Remember, the key to achieving that mouthwatering crunch is to avoid overcrowding by frying your wings in small batches. This simple technique will ensure your wings are the star of the show at your next gathering, leaving your guests wanting more.

Internal temperature: ensure wings reach 165°F internally

To ensure that your chicken wings are cooked through, it is important to check their internal temperature. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that poultry be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illnesses.

You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken wings. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding the bone, to get an accurate reading. If the temperature reads 165°F or above, your wings are done and safe to eat. If the temperature is below 165°F, continue cooking the wings in the air fryer in short intervals, checking the temperature frequently, until they reach the desired temperature.

It is important to note that the cooking time for chicken wings in an air fryer may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, as well as the size of the wings themselves. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of your wings before serving to ensure they are fully cooked.

• Cut the wings into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the wings.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the wings in a single layer, leaving space between them for air to circulate. You may need to cook the wings in batches.
• Flip or shake the wings during cooking to ensure even browning and crisping.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size of your wings and your air fryer. Larger wings may require a few extra minutes, while smaller wings may cook faster.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding the bone, for an accurate reading.
• If your wings are not reaching the desired internal temperature, continue cooking in short intervals, checking the temperature frequently, until they are done.
• For frozen wings, increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes at the initial temperature before increasing to the final temperature.

Resting: let wings rest on a wire rack to drain excess oil

Resting your chicken wings on a wire rack is a great way to drain excess oil and achieve a crispy texture. The wire rack allows air to circulate under the wings, preventing them from becoming soggy. This method is superior to simply placing the wings on paper towels or brown paper, as it ensures that the wings remain crisp and dry.

However, some people suggest an alternative method that combines the use of paper towels and a wire rack. This involves placing paper towels on a flat surface, such as a baking sheet or wire rack, and then putting the fried wings on top. This approach takes advantage of the wicking action of paper towels, which helps to draw out more fat, while still allowing air to circulate and prevent sogginess.

Additionally, it is recommended to pat the wings dry with paper towels before frying to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial, as it helps the wings crisp up during the frying process.

Frequently asked questions