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.
Servings
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.
Wow, this deep-fried chicken wings recipe looks amazing! I love how crispy they turn out. Can’t wait to try your tips for the perfect seasoning! Thanks for sharing!
These deep-fried chicken wings look absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to try out this recipe for my next game night. The seasoning sounds perfect, and I love that you included tips for getting them extra crispy. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Bridget! I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed them!
Excellent wings! This is exactly how I like them. Not a thick coating. and still has a nice crunch to it. Perfect!!
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Oh! Thank you for tip for other people that live at higher elevations! Glad you enjoyed them :)
Very good batter only I had to cook them longer because I live at a higher elevation about 10 to 12 minutes
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Remember to adjust your seasoning based on the salt content, as Des suggests—it’s such a great tip! Adding cornstarch to achieve that crunch is genius. Can’t wait to try this out!
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Thank you!
Amazing!
Interesting input, Meka! Frying for 18 – 20 minutes, in my opinion, is far too long though.
5-7 minutes for fried wings is not enough time. The eggs give it the color quick, makes you think they’re done. Cook the wings for 18-20 minutes!!! This will cook the fat on the flats. You’re welcome.
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Yay! I am so happy to hear that, Neds! Thank you!
Amazing 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
I’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
I 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?
I 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 🔝.
Very good
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Thank you!
These are superb recipes
Thank you, Austin!
Looks very easy and very delicious
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Best 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.
Thank you for your comments, Glo! I really hope that you enjoy these wings, I know my family does!
Omg I can’t spell ! Actually I can but obviously I can’t! Please excuse my mistakes! My mind goes faster than my fingers!!
Thank 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 👍
Hi 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/
What is blackening seasoning. I have never heard of it.
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Thank 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 ;)
Thank you!
Deep fried wings! Our favorite… this looks so crispy and delicious. Yum!!
I 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.
I used Lawrys and these turned out amazing.
My dad loved them!
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Deep-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!
You’re welcome, Priscilla! So glad you enjoyed it!
Wow, absolutely amazing.I tried it myself and it was awesome.Thanks for this recipe.
Great Recipe!
We don’t do hot sauce so I used Hickory smoked BBQ sauce instead an it was amazing !
I 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!
We 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!
Wow! 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! :)
Uhhhhh 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.
Hi 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!
I’ve made dry mix for deep fry chick wings but when I mixed flour in hardly taste salt will I taste it after fried?
Oh 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! :)
WOW!! 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!!
I 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
Oh Mia, that makes me so happy to hear!! I am glad you and your family enjoyed it!! :)
I’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!!!
Thank you Steph! I am so happy to hear that!
Omg these are perfect! They are so easy and quick once tge seasoning sets. They are crispy and flaky with a good kick. Loveee!
Omg. 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.
I am so happy to hear that, Marisol! And I am all about spicy too so I love the addition of cayenne :)
I 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
You are welcome, Darcy! So happy you enjoyed it!
I 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!
Curtis, you are so welcome! Cornstarch was a game changer for me too! :)
Thank 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.
This is my new pregnancy craving lol
You’re welcome, Becky! I am so happy to hear that!
My chicken turned out so delicious. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Oh 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
Decided 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 🙂
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Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Wow! Thank you for such a glowing review! I am so so happy your family loved it, Robert!
Excellent coating. Stuck really well. Tasty too.
Incredible — just – Incredible. My family loved this recipe.
Thank You for Sharing!!
Kadejah, you totally could! You could use your favorite seasoning blend or a simple combo of salt, pepper and garlic powder would be fabulous too :)
Can I use a different seasoning other than blackening seasoning?
These 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!
[…] Cajun Fried Chicken Wings by Life’s Ambrosia. This is a classic chicken wings recipe with a crispy exterior. […]
You are welcome, Brittany! So happy to hear that!
Omg 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 .
Yay!! I am so happy to hear that!!
We 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.
Ashley- 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!
I’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!
Thank you!
Ohhh! 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!
We love spicy so I used cajun seasoning with cayenne. Deep fried wings are the best!
Seriously amazing wings!!
Sammmmmeeeee!
I love fried chicken!
I’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!
I 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.
I 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 :)
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Sydney, sure, I would just drop a little bit of flour into the hot oil and if it sizzles it should be hot enough.
I dont have a deep fryer or oil thermometer and was wondering if there is a way to test the oil without one
I 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!!!
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[…] Cajun Fried Chicken Wings (from Life’s Ambrosia) […]
I might have to try something similar using a wet batter
Tried it and they were great!
I 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!
Do you use a pre-made Cajun seasoning or do you make your own?
I LOVE FRIED CHICKEN!!!! yours looks so free of grease, I’m going to have a go at this recipe. Thanks!!
I’m the same way Jenn! There is just something about chicken wings that is so good no matter how you serve them.
Sauce 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!