How do you make perfect Buffalo wings with a crispy skin and a sauce that clings?

Question

How do you make perfect Buffalo wings? Learn the secret to a crispy skin and a sauce that properly clings to the chicken.

Answer 1

To achieve perfect Buffalo wings, ensure the skin is completely dry before cooking, use a two-stage cooking process (baking then frying or double frying), and toss the wings in a sauce made with melted butter and your favorite hot sauce.

Detailed Explanation:

Making crispy Buffalo wings involves several key steps:

1. Prepare the Wings: Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. You can even leave them uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours (or overnight) to further dry them out. Consider tossing them lightly with baking powder (about 1 teaspoon per pound of wings) to help draw out moisture and promote crisping.
2. First Cook (Baking or Frying): For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate and crisp the skin on all sides. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the wings are cooked through. Alternatively, for frying, heat oil to 325°F (160°C) and fry the wings for about 8-10 minutes until cooked through but not browned.
3. Second Cook (Frying): Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the wings again for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. If you baked them, this is your first frying step. This second fry is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.
4. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the wings are frying, make the sauce. The classic Buffalo sauce is simple: combine equal parts melted butter and your favorite hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot). You can adjust the ratio to your preference. Some people add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
5. Toss and Serve: Once the wings are fried to perfection, immediately toss them in the Buffalo sauce until they are evenly coated. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as blue cheese or ranch dressing, and celery sticks.

Pro Tip:

Don't overcrowd the pan when baking or the fryer when frying. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and steams the wings instead of crisping them. Work in batches to maintain optimal cooking temperature and ensure crispy results.