How Long Do You Cook Chicken Wings In Deep Fryer

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

Welcome to the delicious world of deep-fried chicken wings! There’s nothing quite like biting into a crispy, perfectly cooked chicken wing. Whether you’re hosting a game night, throwing a party, or simply craving some mouthwatering chicken wings, knowing how long to cook them in a deep fryer is essential.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of preparing and cooking chicken wings in a deep fryer to achieve that golden, crispy perfection. We’ll cover everything from prepping the wings to serving them up as a scrumptious snack or main course.

Now, let’s get started on this finger-licking journey of cooking chicken wings in a deep fryer!

Preparing the Chicken Wings

Before you dive into the deep-frying process, it’s essential to give your chicken wings a little TLC and take the time to prepare them properly. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Start by cleaning the chicken wings: Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Trim the wings: Use a sharp knife to remove any excess skin or fat from the wings.
3. Optional marination: If you prefer, you can marinate the chicken wings in your favorite flavors or seasonings to enhance their taste. Popular marinades include buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, or a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let the wings marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
4. If you want an extra crispy coating: You can also lightly dust the wings with flour, cornstarch, or a seasoned coating mix to create a crunchy exterior. Simply toss the wings in the coating mixture until evenly coated.

Once your chicken wings are cleaned, trimmed, and optionally marinated or coated, you’re ready to move on to the next step: setting up the deep fryer.

Setting up the Deep Fryer

Setting up your deep fryer correctly is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked chicken wings. Follow these steps to ensure a safe and efficient cooking process:

1. Choose the right deep fryer: Select a deep fryer that is suitable for your needs, considering factors like capacity, temperature control, and safety features.
2. Read the manual: Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific deep fryer model. Pay attention to the recommended cooking temperatures and safety guidelines.
3. Select the frying oil: Use a high smoke point oil for deep frying, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. Avoid using olive oil or butter, as they have lower smoke points and can burn easily.
4. Measure the oil: Pour enough oil into the deep fryer to submerge the chicken wings completely. Be sure to leave enough space for the oil to expand when the wings are added.
5. Attach a thermometer: Many deep fryers come with built-in thermometers. If yours doesn’t, it’s essential to attach a reliable cooking thermometer to monitor the oil’s temperature accurately.
6. Place the deep fryer in a safe location: Find a level, heat-resistant surface away from any flammable materials. Keep the deep fryer away from water sources and ensure there is sufficient ventilation.

With your deep fryer properly set up, it’s time to move on to the next step: preheating the deep fryer.

Preheating the Deep Fryer

Preheating your deep fryer is a crucial step to ensure that your chicken wings cook evenly and achieve that irresistible golden brown color. Here’s how to preheat your deep fryer:

1. Check the temperature settings: Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the appropriate temperature for frying chicken wings. Typically, a temperature between 350°F (175°C) and 375°F (190°C) is recommended.
2. Add the oil: Ensure that you have already added enough oil to the deep fryer, as mentioned in the previous step. The oil level should be sufficient to fully submerge the wings.
3. Turn on the deep fryer: Plug in the deep fryer and switch it on. Allow the fryer to heat up to the desired temperature.
4. Monitor the temperature: Keep a close eye on the temperature using the built-in thermometer or the external cooking thermometer attached to the fryer. Adjust the heat settings if needed to maintain a consistent temperature.
5. Preheating time: The preheating process usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size and power of your deep fryer. During this time, you can prepare any dipping sauces or garnishes you’d like to serve with your chicken wings.

Once your deep fryer has reached the desired temperature, it’s time to move on to the next step: frying the chicken wings.

For crispy chicken wings, deep fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Frying the Chicken Wings

Now that you’ve preheated your deep fryer and prepared the chicken wings, it’s time to start the frying process. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly crispy and delicious chicken wings:

1. Carefully lower the chicken wings into the hot oil: Use tongs or a slotted spoon to gently place the wings into the oil, one at a time. Be cautious to avoid any splattering or hot oil spills.
2. Avoid overcrowding the fryer: Fry the chicken wings in small batches to ensure even cooking and prevent them from sticking together. Overcrowding the fryer can result in unevenly cooked wings and a loss of crispiness.
3. Monitor the cooking time: The cooking time for chicken wings in a deep fryer can vary depending on the size and temperature of the fryer. In general, it takes about 8 to 10 minutes for small to medium-sized wings and 10 to 12 minutes for larger wings.
4. Stir occasionally: During the frying process, gently stir the wings occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the fryer and to ensure even browning.
5. Keep a close eye on the color: Watch for the wings to turn a delicious golden brown color. This indicates that they are cooked to perfection. Avoid letting them become overly brown, as this can result in dry and overcooked wings.

Once the chicken wings have reached the desired golden brown color, it’s time to remove them from the fryer and check for doneness.

Checking for Doneness

It’s essential to ensure that your chicken wings are cooked thoroughly and reach a safe internal temperature to avoid any risk of foodborne illnesses. Here are a few ways to check for doneness:

1. Temperature check: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken wings. The safe minimum temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing without touching the bone. If the temperature reads 165°F (74°C) or higher, your wings are cooked and safe to eat.
2. Visual inspection: Cut into one of the wings at its thickest part and ensure that the meat is opaque and no longer pink. If there are any signs of raw or pink meat, return the wings to the fryer for additional cooking.
3. Juices run clear: When you pierce a fully cooked chicken wing with a knife or fork, the juices that ooze out should be clear, not pink or cloudy. If the juices are still pink or cloudy, the wings need more time in the fryer.

By using these methods to check for doneness, you can ensure that your chicken wings are cooked to perfection and safe to eat.

Now that your chicken wings are cooked and ready to be enjoyed, let’s move on to the final step: serving and savoring the deliciousness!

Serving and Enjoying

Congratulations! You’ve successfully cooked a batch of crispy, mouthwatering chicken wings in your deep fryer. Now, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy the delightful flavors. Here are some tips for serving and enhancing your chicken wings:

1. Drain excess oil: After removing the chicken wings from the fryer, place them on a paper towel-lined plate or tray to drain any excess oil.
2. Season and toss: While the wings are still hot, you can toss them in your favorite sauce or seasoning. Options include buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, honey mustard, or a dry rub of herbs and spices. Coat the wings evenly for maximum flavor.
3. Garnish and plate: Arrange the chicken wings on a serving platter or individual plates. You can sprinkle them with some fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, to add a pop of color and freshness.
4. Dipping sauces: Serve your chicken wings with a variety of dipping sauces on the side. Some popular options include ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, barbecue sauce, or spicy aioli.
5. Accompaniments: Consider serving your chicken wings with some tasty accompaniments, such as celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of coleslaw or potato wedges.

Now comes the most satisfying part: savoring each bite of those delicious chicken wings! Enjoy them with friends and family as a finger-licking appetizer, a game day snack, or even as a main course alongside some tasty sides.

Remember, deep-fried chicken wings are best enjoyed when they are hot and fresh. If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them within a day or two.

So go ahead, dig in, and indulge in the crispy, flavorful goodness of your homemade deep-fried chicken wings!