Hey! I'm Des!
Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.
Deep Fried Chicken Wings
Crispy perfectly deep fried chicken wings are the ultimate crowd pleaser. Follow my recipe and tips to ensure that you get a crispy exterior every time!
Nothing says “game day” appetizer like a big ol’ plate of chicken wings, am I right? And while there are a plethora of variations (helllooooo dill pickle chicken wings), today I am sharing a recipe for classic deep fried chicken wings.
When it comes to any fried chicken, it is all about the crispy exterior. Today, I am going to share with you my tips and tricks to make sure that you get that perfect crunch every time. The result? A chicken wing so good your family and friends will devour them and then beg you for the recipe!
First up, let’s talk about the ingredients that you’ll need:
Ingredients needed:
- CHICKEN WINGS: I like to buy “party wings” these are wings that are already separated into “drums” and “flats”. Of course, you can buy whole chicken wings but you’ll have to separate them yourself. Here is a tutorial video on YouTube showing you how to do it.
- BLACKENING SEASONING: A seasoning blend of paprika, onion, thyme, black pepper, garlic and oregano. It is similar in taste to Cajun seasoning but Cajun seasoning is a bit spicier. If you’d like spicier wings, definitely substitute Cajun.
DES’ TIP: Make note of whether or not your seasoning blend has salt. Some blackening and cajun seasonings do while other’s do not. If it does, use slightly less (maybe 1 1/2 tablespoons instead) or omit the seasoned salt from the flour mixture.
- EGGS/MILK/HOT SAUCE: Whisk these two together to make a “wash”. This is what you want to dredge the seasoned wings in before you dip them in the flour. This gives the flour something to stick to.
DES’ TIP: The hot sauce is totally optional, just a few dashes will do! It won’t make it a lot spicier but it will give it a little flavor.
- ALL PURPOSE FLOUR: To coat the wings.
- CORNSTARCH: This is my #1 trick in making perfect deep fried chicken wings. Adding cornstarch to the flour helps up the crunch factor by preventing gluten development.
- SEASONED SALT: When making fried chicken wings, it’s important to season along the way. Even though the wings are seasoned, it creates more flavor if you season the flour as well.
Step by Step Instructions and Photos:
STEP #1: Place chicken wings in a bowl and sprinkle blackening seasoning over the top. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
STEP #2: Place eggs, milk and hot sauce in a bowl. Whisk until combined.
STEP #3: In a shallow bowl combine corn starch, flour and seasoning salt. Whisk until combined.
STEP #4: Dip chicken wings into the egg/milk wash and then dredge in the seasoned flour.
STEP #5: Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy duty pan over medium-high heat. Once oil reaches 350 degrees begin frying chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, 5 – 7 minutes.
Tips for making deep fried chicken wings:
Tip #1: FRY IN BATCHES. With any fried food, you are going to want to fry it in batches. You want to make sure that the food has enough space around it without touching. This helps make sure that the exterior is crisp. If food is too close together, it’ll steam instead of fry and won’t be as crispy.
Tip #2: OIL TEMPERATURE. It is important to wait for the oil to reach 350 degrees in between each batch. This means frying one batch and waiting for the oil to come back up to temperature before frying the next batch.
Tip #3: SEASON THE WINGS WITH SALT IMMEDIATELY AFTER REMOVING FROM THE FRYER. I always season fried food with a sprinkle of salt right after I pull them out of the fryer. It adds more flavor and the salt will adhere better when while the food is hot.
Tip #4: KEEP THEM WARM AND CRISPY. Since you are frying the wings in batches, you’ll want to make sure that they stay warm and crispy. To do that, set your oven to the lowest setting (my oven has a “warm” setting). Place a cooling rack on top of a baking sheet and place cooked wings on top of the cooling rack and keep in the oven in between batches. By putting them on the cooling rack, it allows the air to circulate around the wing keeping them crispy.
If you loved this Deep Fried Chicken Wing Recipe, you’ve got to check out some of my other easy chicken recipes:
How to make Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
Looking for more recipes to serve at your next game day? Check out my game day appetizers!
Note: This post was originally written in 2010. It was updated with a modified recipe, step by step photos and nutrition information in 2020. Video added in 2021.
Deep Fried Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds chicken wings separated
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- 2 tablespoon corn starch
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Place chicken wings in a bowl and sprinkle blackening seasoning over the top. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In a bowl whisk together eggs, milk and hot sauce.
- In a shallow bowl combine corn starch, flour and seasoning salt.
- Dip chicken wings into the egg/milk wash and then dredge in the seasoned flour.
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy duty pan over medium-high heat. Once oil reaches 350 degrees begin frying chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, 5 - 7 minutes.
- Transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Allow to cool slightly. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Hey! I'm Des!
Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.
neds
November 14, 2024 at 7:52 pmAmazing recipe .. honestly i just made this and it was a hit in my fam!! eating alone was amazing and i did dry rub of lemon pepper and it was even better
Deseree
November 15, 2024 at 9:16 pmYay! I am so happy to hear that, Neds! Thank you!
Lynnie
October 13, 2024 at 3:40 pmI’m making these as I’m commenting. I’m using the low sodium Lawrys season salt. Dusted with Redhot Buffalo ranch dry rub. Sooo yummy
Mya
October 9, 2024 at 7:41 amI am trying this recipe on Sunday for the football game. I have made wings only once before and they didn’t turn out good at all so I’m trying this recipe instead. If I want to make bbq wings do I do it the same way then just toss it in the bbq sauce after frying?
Joyceb
August 30, 2024 at 2:44 pmI just fried these wings. I used the whole wing (lazy me); and instead of hot sauce l used freshly ground black pepper. Oh my!!! We are well pleased. Thank you for sharing this great recipe. Took my chicken wings frying all the way up 🔝.
Dianne
April 17, 2024 at 3:48 pmVery good
Carla Murphy
March 23, 2024 at 1:31 pmThese are superb recipes
Deseree
March 23, 2024 at 2:48 pmThank you!
austin
March 7, 2024 at 10:45 amLooks very easy and very delicious
Deseree
March 7, 2024 at 1:47 pmThank you, Austin!
Dave
January 6, 2024 at 3:52 pmBest wings I ever made, and I even forgot the blackening seasoning that I made earlier today. This is a seriously good recipe! I tossed mine in a very light coating of Sweet Baby Ray’s garlic parm wing sauce, and I ate way too much! In feeling stuffed and happy. I also served these to my super picky 4 year old without the sauce, and she decided to play restaurant and talk about how great the food was at this restaurant. I’ll definitely use this simple and delicious recipe again.
Glo
December 18, 2023 at 7:51 pmOmg I can’t spell ! Actually I can but obviously I can’t! Please excuse my mistakes! My mind goes faster than my fingers!!
Deseree
December 19, 2023 at 4:13 pmThank you for your comments, Glo! I really hope that you enjoy these wings, I know my family does!
Glo
December 18, 2023 at 7:49 pmThank you! I’m 65 years old! 2 of my 5 brothers were amazing chefs! Top of the lie state of he art! In food!! Ha this will be the first time I ever fried wings! I’m doing this because I have this yearning for one of my brothers Hot and spicy chicken wings! The best in the whole world ! You can’t buy it in restaurant s or anywhere ! You ave t know to make them,! I know how just never have!! It nit tst I dit have the same gene as then! Because I can! I just don’t like the kitchen! I hate to cook! My kids were lucky if they got a meal!! Ha ha that’s just a joke but how I really felt!! Haha! Joking!!
Anyway thank you I will follow directions to a ? A + or to the T. Thanks again 👍
Karen
November 21, 2023 at 11:37 amWhat is blackening seasoning. I have never heard of it.
Deseree
November 21, 2023 at 1:42 pmHi Karen! Blackening (or blackened) seasoning is similar to Cajun seasoning without as much spice. You should be able to find it in the spice section of your grocery store or you can make your own! I have a recipe :) https://www.lifesambrosia.com/homemade-blackening-seasoning/
Kay
August 12, 2023 at 7:06 amDeep fried wings! Our favorite… this looks so crispy and delicious. Yum!!
Deseree
August 12, 2023 at 4:00 pmThank you!
Lois
August 10, 2023 at 6:04 amI tried this and was very happy with the final results! (the cleanup, not so much lol). I had no milk, so I mixed two eggs and a yolk with some water and as another reviewer suggested put in the fridge to thicken up. Crispy. crunchy and delicious.
Deseree
August 12, 2023 at 4:02 pmThank you, Lois! So happy you enjoyed it and glad to know that that substitution works when you don’t have milk! And haha yes, the cleanup from fried chicken is never my favorite but it’s sooooo good it might be worth it ;)
Ashley Fay
July 17, 2023 at 10:11 amI used Lawrys and these turned out amazing.
My dad loved them!
Rihanna Will
May 25, 2023 at 10:09 amDeep-fried chicken wings are a classic indulgence that never fails to satisfy. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they are a must-have for any gathering or game night. Best partner with Crispy fried chili. Its a game changer!
Priscilla Acquah
May 5, 2023 at 2:46 amWow, absolutely amazing.I tried it myself and it was awesome.Thanks for this recipe.
Deseree
May 5, 2023 at 4:09 pmYou’re welcome, Priscilla! So glad you enjoyed it!
Lisanne
February 20, 2023 at 10:13 amGreat Recipe!
We don’t do hot sauce so I used Hickory smoked BBQ sauce instead an it was amazing !
Tony
January 12, 2023 at 2:06 pmWe absolutely loved this wing recipe. I followed the recipe to the T the first time I made them but cut the recipe in half and we loved them! I like to experiment so I tried something a little different. I marinated my 12 wing flats and drums in the egg mix for two hours in the refrigerator before I flowered them and the egg mix seemed thicker and held on to the chicken much better. I also tried double dipping the a few wings to see if the batter would be a little thicker and crispier when frying them and all turned out great! So GOOD!
Thank you bunches!
Deseree
January 13, 2023 at 2:21 pmI am so happy to hear that, Tony! And I love the idea of a thicker crust on the chicken so I’ll need to try that next time. Thank you for the tip!
Krista
January 6, 2023 at 2:20 pmUhhhhh WOW. These wings turned out amazing!! Thank you!! This will be my go-to recipe from now on. Seriously, so good. My husband is a wing fanatic and he said these were the best classic wings he’s ever had! Corn starch in the flour is brilliant. BRILLIANT.
Deseree
January 6, 2023 at 4:13 pmWow! Such a great compliment, Krista! So happy to hear you and your husband enjoyed these wings so much. Corn starch in the flour was a game changer for me too! :)
Theresa Lenares
November 24, 2022 at 7:52 amI’ve made dry mix for deep fry chick wings but when I mixed flour in hardly taste salt will I taste it after fried?
Deseree
November 24, 2022 at 9:48 amHi Theresa! The key with these wings is that every single step they are seasoned. The wings, the flour and even the egg wash. Then once you fry them you sprinkle them with salt again. These are perfectly seasoned!
doll
November 16, 2022 at 9:19 pmWOW!! i’m 51yrs old and have been frying foods occasionally during my 35yrs of cooking. whether fish or chicken, it’s hit or miss if the flour will come off the minute it’s dropped in the deep fryer.
this recipe is MAGIC!! my husband and i LOVED it. the flavor was delightful but the CRUNCH?!? the crispy coating was amazing!! i’ll never fry anything without adding corn starch to the flour. thank you, thank you for the tip and the fantastic chicken!!
Deseree
November 17, 2022 at 10:43 amOh wow! Thank you for such a wonderful comment, Doll! I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed this so much. It is one of our favorites too! :)
fnf mods
October 17, 2022 at 6:49 pmI tried it, and I must say I was not disappointed. I like to eat it hot and I added some chili and it was excellent. I will definitely use this powder in the future. I love these foods
Mia
October 12, 2022 at 7:33 pmI’ve tried making fried chicken several times and they never turned out good. I came across your recipe today and the fried chicken I made turned out perfect. It was flavorful, crispy and delicious!!! My family loved it!! Thank you sooool much for teaching me how to make fried chicken the right way!!!
Deseree
October 12, 2022 at 10:16 pmOh Mia, that makes me so happy to hear!! I am glad you and your family enjoyed it!! :)
Steph
August 17, 2022 at 2:36 pmOmg these are perfect! They are so easy and quick once tge seasoning sets. They are crispy and flaky with a good kick. Loveee!
Deseree
August 25, 2022 at 1:44 pmThank you Steph! I am so happy to hear that!
Ida
July 17, 2022 at 6:14 pmOmg. I did this is my deep fryer an…. Mmmmmmmmm….. So yummmmmmyyyyy! 10 outta 10. Thankyou for this recipe. I will def be tryin some more of your recipes.
Marisol
June 26, 2022 at 5:57 pmI love wings, but i have not been able to find a good batter so I’ve tried several of them. I came across this one because I was looking for something good. So I gave it a shot and OMG I was not disappointed . Although I like my wings a bit spicy I added some cayenne to the flower mix and also a bit more on the egg mix. I know it makes no sense but oh well I tried. And it was really good. Thank you. I would definitely be using this batter from now on. No need to search anymore
Deseree
June 29, 2022 at 9:43 pmI am so happy to hear that, Marisol! And I am all about spicy too so I love the addition of cayenne :)
Darcy
June 20, 2022 at 4:51 pmI haven’t cooked fried chicken in a long time. Found your recipe and made it tonight. It was delicious and so easy to prep. Thank you, this will be my go to recipe for fried chicken!
Deseree
June 20, 2022 at 8:46 pmYou are welcome, Darcy! So happy you enjoyed it!
Curtis
May 22, 2022 at 10:47 pmThank you so much for the picture in your recipe. I finally have found how to make the chicken crispy, cor starch!. Thank you, thank you, thank you. My family loved it, I can finally make fried chicken like it’s supposed to be.
Deseree
May 23, 2022 at 9:34 amCurtis, you are so welcome! Cornstarch was a game changer for me too! :)
Tiffany
May 9, 2022 at 8:03 pmThis is my new pregnancy craving lol
Becky
March 27, 2022 at 7:53 pmMy chicken turned out so delicious. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Deseree
March 28, 2022 at 9:05 pmYou’re welcome, Becky! I am so happy to hear that!
Diane
March 20, 2022 at 9:54 amDecided to give this recipe a try and loved it! I had to look up what blackened seasoning was and fortunately I had all the spices to make it. Wondering if this is something you can just buy in a bottle? The chicken wings turned out so tasty and very crunchy. This is going to be my go to chicken wing recipe from now on! Thank you for sharing it! I want to try your bang bang shrimp now 🙂
Deseree
March 20, 2022 at 9:05 pmOh I love to hear it! Thank you for taking the time to comment! Blackened seasoning is similar to Cajun seasoning except it’s not quite as spicy. I’ve used this brand before but if you can’t find it, just use a cajun seasoning. If you’re worried about the heat you can cut the amount slightly :) https://www.acadiankitchens.com/store/Cajuns-Choice-Blackened-Seasoning-2-75-oz-p225027104
George Guyas
February 4, 2022 at 9:13 amExcellent coating. Stuck really well. Tasty too.
Deseree
February 4, 2022 at 9:30 amThank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
RobertS
February 2, 2022 at 4:15 pmIncredible — just – Incredible. My family loved this recipe.
Thank You for Sharing!!
Deseree
February 4, 2022 at 9:29 amWow! Thank you for such a glowing review! I am so so happy your family loved it, Robert!
Kadejah
September 4, 2021 at 12:00 amCan I use a different seasoning other than blackening seasoning?
Deseree
September 4, 2021 at 2:04 pmKadejah, you totally could! You could use your favorite seasoning blend or a simple combo of salt, pepper and garlic powder would be fabulous too :)
Lea
August 24, 2021 at 11:25 amThese were absolutely outstanding! I made my own spice combination to season the wings using similar spices but adjusted to our tastes. I let the wings sit on a wire rack while I breaded them all and then fried in batches to allow the flour dredge to adhere better. Fried in batches for 6 minutes and kept them in a warm oven until all were done. They were hot, juicy and absolutely delicious! Best ever!
Brittany
May 23, 2021 at 11:02 amOmg i made these today! I didnt have seasoned salt so i just did salt pepper onion and garlic powder. Omg they came out so crispy and cooked perfectly! Im so excited because this is the first time i make good wings lolol. Thank you! definitely making again. We had a chili garlic sauce we dipped them in .
Deseree
May 24, 2021 at 8:15 amYou are welcome, Brittany! So happy to hear that!
Joyce D
April 12, 2021 at 6:54 pmWe bought a new deep fryer and this was the first thing we made. These wings came out so moist and juicy. I didn’t do the blackening seasoning. We opted for just seasoning salt, pepper, onion, and garlic powders. My husband is still raving about how good they were and how juicy. Looks like we have a true winner here!! He’s already planning on having these again.
Deseree
April 15, 2021 at 8:35 amYay!! I am so happy to hear that!!
Ashley Wilson
February 22, 2021 at 8:36 pmI’ve tried to make fried chicken so many times over the years. This was the first time I’ve ever nailed it. This recipe is absolute perfection, adding flavor to every step. My wings turned out perfectly crisp and juicy. My husband said they are quite possibly the best wings he’s ever had and it wasn’t to hype me up. I coated them in sauce to eat but omg I will definitely use this recipe again in the future!
Deseree
February 22, 2021 at 10:28 pmAshley- Thank you for such a nice compliment! I am happy that you were able to finally nail fried chicken with this recipe. It took me many tries to finally get one I loved too and I’m glad you and your husband enjoyed it as much as we do!
Katie Shaw
January 27, 2021 at 7:21 amWe love spicy so I used cajun seasoning with cayenne. Deep fried wings are the best!
Deseree
January 27, 2021 at 10:02 amOhhh! I love the idea of a cajun seasoning with cayenne! If it was just me (and not the kiddos or husband eating) I would totally do that! Sounds so good!
Amy L
January 27, 2021 at 7:21 amSeriously amazing wings!!
Deseree
January 27, 2021 at 10:03 amThank you!
slitherio
November 11, 2020 at 8:34 pmI love fried chicken!
Deseree
November 11, 2020 at 8:56 pmSammmmmeeeee!
Joy
September 16, 2019 at 5:52 pmI followed this recipe step by step and used Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning. Put the measured amount and they (chicken) was very salty. I only fried a small batch and after eating one, did not fry any more. I am going to find another creole seasoning that is not as salty. Plus I think I will omit the 1/2 season salt in the flour/corn starch mix.
Deseree
September 17, 2019 at 1:41 pmI’m sorry you had the issue with the wings being too salty! It does very much depend on the seasoning so if you can find one without salt that would be best. If it does have salt, omitting the salt would be a great idea!
SLeidl
July 14, 2014 at 5:12 pmI just tried them and they were good. I left them in the oven to stay warm and they were nice and dry. For those of you who prefer spicier, definitely add more cajun as these were on the bland side :)
Sydney
February 12, 2013 at 5:45 amI dont have a deep fryer or oil thermometer and was wondering if there is a way to test the oil without one
Deseree
February 12, 2013 at 8:20 pmSydney, sure, I would just drop a little bit of flour into the hot oil and if it sizzles it should be hot enough.
Gloria Masoenr
January 18, 2013 at 7:45 amI fixed these for my husband’s co-workers for his 60th birthday party. This bunch of hungry hard-working men are still asking him when he plans to have another birthday. Great Recipe!!!
Sonic98
January 13, 2012 at 3:33 pmI might have to try something similar using a wet batter
Jaymes
October 25, 2010 at 6:52 amTried it and they were great!
Deseree
May 11, 2010 at 5:55 pmI hope you enjoy it baobabs!
Melissa- I use a pre-made Cajun seasoning its called King Cajun Cajun Seasoning. I haven’t tried making my own yet, but thanks for the idea!
Melissa
May 11, 2010 at 2:28 pmDo you use a pre-made Cajun seasoning or do you make your own?
baobabs
May 10, 2010 at 3:10 amI LOVE FRIED CHICKEN!!!! yours looks so free of grease, I’m going to have a go at this recipe. Thanks!!
Jenn's Food Journey
May 6, 2010 at 5:40 pmSauce or no sauce, these look fantastic! I love chicken wings.. dry, wet, hot, mild.. I’ll eat them just about anyway you put them on the plate!
Deseree
May 7, 2010 at 6:27 amI’m the same way Jenn! There is just something about chicken wings that is so good no matter how you serve them.