Frying chicken wings to crispy, golden brown perfection requires knowing the right frying time. The exact number of minutes will depend on factors like the size of the wings, temperature of the oil, and whether the wings are fresh or frozen. With some simple guidelines, you can learn to perfectly time frying chicken wings.
The Basic Frying Time for Chicken Wings
In general, fresh chicken wings need about 15-20 minutes of frying time. Smaller wings may take closer to 15 minutes, while larger wings may need up to 20 minutes. Here are some more specifics on frying times:
- Small, fresh chicken wing sections: 12-15 minutes
- Medium, fresh chicken wings: 15-18 minutes
- Large, fresh chicken drumsticks: 18-20 minutes
Frozen chicken wings typically need a few minutes longer since they have to thaw. Add 3-5 minutes of cook time for frozen wings.
Factors That Affect Chicken Wing Fry Times
While the basic frying time for wings is 15-20 minutes, you may need to adjust the timing based on:
Oil Temperature
The temperature of the frying oil makes a big difference in cook times. Hotter oil will fry the wings faster. The ideal temperature for frying chicken wings is 350-375°F. If the oil is at the lower end of this range, extend cook times by 2-3 minutes. However, don’t let the oil get above 400°F as this can burn the outside before the inside cooks.
Wing Size
Larger wings naturally need more time to cook through than smaller wings. Drumsticks and whole wings require the longest fry time, while wing sections need less time. You may need to fry different sizes in separate batches to avoid undercooking the larger pieces.
Batter or Breadcrumbs
Chicken wings coated in a wet batter or dry breading will take a few minutes longer to fry compared to plain wings. The extra layer adds moisture and thickness that requires more time to crisp and cook. Add 2-3 minutes of fry time for battered or breaded wings.
Frozen vs. Fresh
Frozen chicken wings must go from frozen to fully cooked, so they need extra frying time. Add 3-5 minutes over the time required for fresh wings. Make sure frozen wings are fully thawed before frying for food safety.
Crowded vs. Uncrowded Oil
Frying too many wings at once cools down the oil and leads to uneven cooking. Give wings plenty of room to fry in a single layer without touching. Overcrowding the oil can add 5+ minutes to the frying time. Fry in smaller batches for the best results.
How to Tell When Chicken Wings are Done Frying
The best way to test chicken wings for doneness is to use a thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. However, you can also use these visual cues:
- Wings are golden brown and crispy on the outside
- Coating is set and not sticky or wet
- Juices run clear when pierced with a fork
- Meat is no longer pink when cut into
The wings should be removed promptly when they are fully cooked or they can overcook. Have a baking sheet ready lined with paper towels to drain the fried wings.
Frying Tips for Juicy, Crispy Chicken Wings
Follow these tips for the best results when frying chicken wings:
- Pat wings dry before frying so they get crispy
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350-375°F
- Fry similar sized wings together in batches to ensure even cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the oil or wings will steam instead of fry
- Flip wings halfway through frying
- Check for doneness a few minutes before the minimum cook time
- Let cooked wings drain on a wire rack or paper towels
- Let oil fully reheat between batches
Frying Chicken Wings in an Air Fryer
Air fryers provide a lower fat alternative for making crispy fried chicken wings right at home. Here are air fryer cook times for chicken wings:
| Chicken Wing Type | Air Fryer Time |
|---|---|
| Fresh, plain wings sections | 18-22 minutes at 380°F |
| Fresh, breaded wings | 20-25 minutes at 380°F |
| Frozen, plain wings | 23-27 minutes at 380°F |
| Frozen, breaded wings | 25-30 minutes at 380°F |
Check wings for doneness and adjust time as needed. Smaller wings may cook faster. Make sure wings are in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Flip halfway through cooking.
Conclusion
Perfectly fried chicken wings take some finesse with oil temperature, wing size, and technique. In general, allow 15-20 minutes to fry fresh wings and 18-25 minutes for frozen. The ideal oil temperature is 350-375°F to crispy up the skin while cooking the meat. Watch wings closely as they near the minimum cook time and check for doneness. With the right timing, you will be rewarded with juicy, crunchy wings.