Frying Wingettes: How Long Should You Deep Fry?

Frying chicken wingettes is a great way to get crispy skin and juicy meat. The process is simple and only takes around 10 minutes. To get started, you'll need to heat your oil to between 325 and 375°F. You can test if your oil is hot enough by dipping the end of a wooden spoon in—if bubbles start to emerge, it's ready. When frying, make sure you work in batches so you don't overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make your wingettes greasy and soggy. Fry the wingettes for 8-12 minutes, turning them over to ensure they cook evenly on both sides and become golden brown. When they're done, spread them on a wire rack or paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Oil temperature

The oil temperature is crucial for frying chicken wingettes. The ideal temperature range for the oil is between 350°F and 375°F.

It is important to ensure that the oil has reached the desired temperature before adding the chicken. One way to test if the oil is hot enough is to use a wooden spoon and submerge its end into the oil. If bubbles start to form around the edges, the oil is ready. Another method is to sprinkle some flour into the oil; if it sizzles, the oil is hot enough.

A meat thermometer can also be used to check the temperature of the oil, which should be maintained throughout the frying process. The temperature will drop when the chicken is added, so it is important to cook the wingettes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and lowering the oil temperature. This will help ensure that the wingettes are cooked evenly and maintain the desired crispiness.

Additionally, the oil should be heated gradually. When set over medium-high heat, it will take around 15 minutes to reach the desired temperature range.

Different types of oils can be used, such as vegetable, canola, peanut, or any other oil with a high smoke point above 400°F.

Cooking time

The cooking time for wingettes in a deep fryer depends on a few factors, including the temperature of the oil, the size of the wingettes, and the number of batches.

Firstly, it is important to ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding the wingettes. The ideal temperature range for frying chicken wings is between 325°F and 375°F (162°C-190°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature, or test by dipping the end of a wooden spoon into the oil—if bubbles emerge around the edges, it is ready. Do not add the wingettes until the oil is hot enough, or they will become greasy and soggy.

Once the oil is at the right temperature, you can carefully add the wingettes. It is best to work in batches of 6-8 wingettes at a time to avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can lower the oil temperature and affect cooking. Fry the wingettes for 8-12 minutes, turning them over occasionally to ensure even cooking on both sides. For larger wingettes, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. The wingettes are done when the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the meat is tender and cooked through. You can also check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer—chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

When the wingettes are cooked, remove them from the oil with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet or a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.

If you are frying multiple batches, make sure to let the oil come back up to temperature between batches. You can also keep the cooked wingettes warm in an oven set to 200°F (93°C) while you cook the remaining batches.

Oil type

The type of oil you use for frying chicken wingettes is important as it can affect the flavour and the crispiness of the chicken. Oils with a high smoke point (above 375°F) are best for frying chicken wingettes. This is because the oil needs to be hot (around 350°F) to get the chicken crispy, and oils with a lower smoke point will start to smoke at this temperature.

Vegetable oil, canola oil, and peanut oil are all suitable for frying chicken wingettes. Peanut oil can add an extra layer of flavour.

Wing preparation

Ingredients

You will need:

• Chicken wings
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are all good options)
• Salt
• Optional: flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and other seasonings of your choice

Equipment

• Deep fryer or large pot
• Thermometer
• Paper towels
• Wire rack (optional)

Method

• Separate the wingettes and drumettes. You can also cut the wings into flats and drumettes if you prefer.
• Dry the wings with paper towels.
• If you are using flour and seasonings, mix them together in a bowl. Toss the wings in the flour mixture until they are fully coated, then shake off any excess.
• Heat the oil in your deep fryer or pot to between 350°F and 375°F. Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
• When the oil is hot enough, carefully place the wings into the oil. Do not overcrowd the pan—fry the wings in batches if necessary.
• Fry the wings for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Turn the wings over occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the wings from the oil and place them on paper towels or a wire rack to absorb any excess oil.
• Season the wings with salt and your choice of sauce, if desired.
• Serve and enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Deep-fried chicken wingettes are best served hot out of the fryer. They are best enjoyed when they are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

There are a variety of sauces and seasonings that can be used to enhance the flavour of the wingettes. For a classic, tangy, spicy and slightly buttery flavour, toss the wingettes in a Buffalo sauce. For an Asian twist, toss them in a Thai sauce made with ginger, garlic, Thai chilli pepper, brown sugar, lime juice, cilantro and fish sauce. Alternatively, you can make a spicy barbecue sauce by infusing barbecue sauce with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, honey and cider vinegar.

For those who like it hot, serve the wingettes with a spicy hot sauce batter and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. You can also sprinkle the wingettes with grated parmesan or dried herbs such as rosemary, oregano, basil and thyme.

Frequently asked questions