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Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken Wings

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Tongs
  • Wire Rack for draining excess oil
  • Baking sheet for resting wings before frying

Ingredients
  

For the marinade

  • 2 lbs party wings or a mix of drumettes and flats
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the coating

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch for extra crispiness
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a spicy kick
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

For frying

  • 4 cups vegetable oil or enough to submerge the wings

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
    mixing bowl filled with creamy buttermilk
  2. Add the party wings and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Prepare the Coating

  1. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, cayenne, onion powder, and baking powder.
  2. Remove the wings from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off, and dredge them in the flour mixture until well coated.
    buttermilk-marinated chicken wings being dredged in a seasoned flour mixture
  3. Place coated wings on a baking sheet and let them rest for 10 minutes (this helps the coating stick better when frying).

Fry the Wings

  1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the wings in batches for about 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  3. Transfer the fried wings to a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Serve with Your Favorite Sauce

  1. Toss the wings in your favorite chicken wing sauce, such as classic buffalo, honey garlic, or spicy Korean gochujang.
  2. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.