Whether Publix Mardi Gras wings are baked or fried is a common question for customers buying these popular chicken wings. The simple answer is that standard Publix Mardi Gras wings are fried. However, there are some additional details worth covering to fully understand the preparation methods and options available for these wings.
Frying is the Default Method for Mardi Gras Wings
The traditional and default cooking method for Publix Mardi Gras wings is deep frying. The wings are seasoned with Cajun seasoning then deep fried in vegetable oil at high heat. This gives the wings a crispy, crunchy exterior with seasoning baked into the skin. Frying allows the skin to become very crispy and seals in the juices while cooking the chicken fully and quickly.
Deep frying is the quickest and most common way to prepare chicken wings. The high heat of the hot oil cooks the wings rapidly from all sides at once. The intense heat also dehydrates the skin, transforming it into a crispy outer shell. When done properly, deep frying gives chicken wings a satisfying crunch with tender, juicy meat inside.
The vast majority of chicken wings sold at grocery stores, restaurants, and bars are fried. Customers expect fried wings when they order wings, especially popular flavored wings like Mardi Gras wings. Frying maintains the traditional texture and taste people love with crispy seasoned wings.
Why Frying is the Default Method
There are a few major reasons why deep frying is the standard cooking method for Mardi Gras wings and wings in general:
- Frying is fast – Wings fry very quickly compared to other cooking methods like baking. This makes it practical for stores and restaurants to fry large batches quickly.
- Frying creates a crispy skin – The hot oil dehydrates and crisps up the skin beautifully. This provides that crunchy exterior expected with wings.
- Frying seals in flavor and juices – The hot oil helps seal in moisture and also infuses flavor from any seasoning or breading into the skin.
- Most people prefer fried wings – Crispy, crunchy, fried wings are simply the most popular preparation thanks to their taste and texture.
The combination of speed, taste, and texture makes deep frying the go-to cooking method for chicken wings, including signature flavors like Publix Mardi Gras wings.
Baked Mardi Gras Wings are Also Available
While traditional Mardi Gras wings are fried at Publix, customers also have the option to purchase baked wings. Publix offers both fried and baked options for their Mardi Gras wings.
Baked wings are coated in the same Cajun seasoning blend then baked in the oven. Baking gives the wings a lower-fat profile compared to fried wings since no oil is used in preparation. The wings come out browned and crispy from the dry oven heat rather than submerged in hot oil.
The baking process brings out the Louisiana-style seasoning on the wings. But the skin tends to be slightly less crispy than deep fried wings. Still, baked Mardi Gras wings offer a crisp and flavored alternative to the traditional fried version.
Reasons to Choose Baked Wings
There are some advantages to choosing baked Publix Mardi Gras wings:
- Lower fat – Baking eliminates the oil used for frying, reducing overall fat and calories.
- Perceived as healthier – Baked wings are often seen as the “healthier” choice over fried.
- Less messy – No frying oil means baked wings tend to be less messy to serve and eat.
- Still flavorful – Seasoning and dry heat produce flavored wings without deep frying.
- Crisp skin – The baking process crisps up the skin, although usually not as crunchy as frying.
While not exactly a low-fat health food, baked wings are a tasty way to enjoy Mardi Gras seasoned wings with a bit less oil and fat compared to their fried counterpart.
Most Prefer Fried Wings
Despite the baked version being available, most customers still opt for the traditional fried Mardi Gras wings. There are good reasons why fried wings remain the top seller:
- Frying makes the skin extra crispy and crunchy, which people love.
- Fried wings have a signature flavor and texture customers expect and enjoy.
- The fried process seals in moisture incredibly well, keeping wings juicy.
- Hot oil infuses seasoning deep into the skin as the wings fry.
- Fried wings offer indulgence, richness and satisfaction for many wing lovers.
The unmatched crunch, flavors, and juiciness perfected by deep frying still makes traditional fried wings the preferred choice. Crispy, seasoned fried chicken skin is hard for wing fans to resist.
Nutrition Info Shows Fried Wings Are Higher in Fat and Calories
Looking at the nutrition information for Publix Mardi Gras wings shows some clear differences between the fried and baked versions:
| Nutrition Facts | Fried Mardi Gras Wings | Baked Mardi Gras Wings |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per wing | Around 50-60 calories per wing | Around 30-40 calories per wing |
| Total Fat | Around 4-5g per wing | Around 1-2g per wing |
| Saturated Fat | Around 1g per wing | Around 0.5g per wing |
As expected, the table shows that fried wings contain significantly more calories and fat than the baked version. When wings are deep fried, they absorb a good amount of oil, increasing their total fat and calorie counts.
Baked wings have roughly half the calories and fat content compared to fried Mardi Gras wings. For those watching their fat and calorie intake, baked is the way to go. But for others, the extra fat and calories are worth it for the signature fried wing experience.
Both Options Are Popular for Different Reasons
In the end, both fried and baked Publix Mardi Gras wings have their merits and fans. The availability of both cooking methods allows customers to decide which version best suits their preferences and dietary needs.
Fried Mardi Gras wings remain the top seller and classic choice loved by wing enthusiasts everywhere. But baked wings have certainly gained popularity for those looking for a lower-fat alternative with a bit less guilt. Regardless of preparation method, Publix Mardi Gras wings offer a delicious taste of New Orleans.
Conclusion
Standard Publix Mardi Gras wings are fried, which gives them an ultra crispy skin and seals in flavorful juices. However, Publix also offers a baked version of their Mardi Gras wings for a lower fat alternative. While baked wings are growing in popularity, traditional fried wings still remain the preferred choice for most wing lovers thanks to their irresistible crunch, flavor and indulgent fatty richness. Both cooking methods result in delicious Cajun seasoned wings, so customers can decide whether they prefer the crispy fried experience or the lower fat profile of baked wings.