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Homemade Classic Buffalo Wings photo
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Classic Buffalo Wings

Crispy fried chicken wings tossed in a tangy, buttery hot sauce for an irresistible appetizer.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time22 minutes
Total Time37 minutes
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

  • vegetable oil for frying, enough to maintain about 1-inch depth
  • 2 lb chicken wings drumettes and wing flats
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt for rub
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup hot sauce e.g., Frank's
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt for sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for sauce
  • blue cheese dressing for dipping
  • celery cut into strips

Instructions

  • Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to about a 1-inch depth; heat to 350–360°F (175–182°C) and maintain temperature.
  • In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to make the rub.
  • Place the 2 lb chicken wings in a large bowl and sprinkle the rub over them; toss with a large spoon until wings are evenly coated.
  • Carefully add a batch of seasoned wings to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd; fry 10–11 minutes per batch until crispy and golden and cooked through.
  • Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer cooked wings to a plate lined with paper towels to drain; repeat frying remaining wings as needed.
  • While wings fry, make the sauce: in a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1/3 cup unsalted butter, 1/3 cup hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; stir until butter melts and sauce is blended.
  • Place the drained, cooked wings in a large bowl, pour the warm wing sauce over them, and gently toss until all wings are evenly coated.
  • Arrange wings on a serving platter with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for dipping, then serve immediately.

Equipment

  • deep fryer or heavy pot with candy thermometer
  • large skillet or deep-frying pot
  • large mixing bowls
  • Small Saucepan
  • Tongs or slotted spoon
  • Paper Towels
  • serving platter

Notes

  • See the recipe video for visual guidance.
  • Look for wing drumettes and flats labeled as party wings at the market.
  • Wings can be baked at 350°F for 50–60 minutes if you prefer not to deep-fry.
  • An air fryer works at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
  • Make the blue cheese dressing up to 2 days ahead.
  • Fry in batches and avoid overcrowding the oil.