The Best Fried Chicken Wings

#### Instructions

1. **Prep the Chicken Wings:**
– Start by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help ensure they become crispy during frying.
– Cut the wings into drumettes and flats if they aren’t already pre-cut.

2. **Marinate the Wings:**
– In a bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken wings and toss to coat them thoroughly. Let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, refrigerate them for a few hours for even more flavor.

3. **Make the Flour Coating:**
– In a separate large bowl, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. The baking powder is the secret ingredient that makes the wings extra crispy!

4. **Coat the Chicken Wings:**
– Remove the wings from the buttermilk and dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each wing is well-coated. For an extra crispy crust, double coat by dipping the wings back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again.

5. **Heat the Oil:**
– In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to submerge the wings (about 3-4 inches of oil). Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). To test the temperature, drop a small amount of flour into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.

6. **Fry the Wings:**
– Carefully add the coated chicken wings to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the wings should reach 165°F (74°C).
– Remove the wings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7. **Make the Optional Sauce (Optional):**
– If you’d like to toss your wings in a flavorful sauce, mix the melted butter, hot sauce, honey, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Toss the crispy wings in the sauce for an added kick and sweetness.

8. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Serve your crispy fried chicken wings hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot sauce. Enjoy them as a main dish or a delicious appetizer!

#### Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken Wings:

– **Double-Dip for Extra Crispiness:** For wings that are extra crispy, double-dip them in the buttermilk and flour mixture.
– **Don’t Skip the Baking Powder:** Baking powder in the flour mixture is a game-changer, giving the wings a light, crunchy texture.
– **Rest Before Serving:** After frying, let the wings rest for a couple of minutes on paper towels. This helps the crispy coating set.
– **Flavor Variations:** You can customize the flavor by experimenting with different seasonings in the flour mixture or trying different dipping sauces. Classic buffalo, garlic parmesan, or teriyaki are great options to switch things up!

#### Conclusion:

This recipe for the best fried chicken wings combines simple ingredients and techniques to create the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just indulging in a tasty snack, these wings will be a hit. Serve them with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or just on their own—either way, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household!