Buttermilk wing heaven: your step-by-step guide to crispy delight

Buttermilk wings are a popular and delicious appetizer or main course. They are made by marinating chicken wings in buttermilk, then coating them in a seasoned flour mixture and frying them until golden brown. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken and gives it a slightly tangy flavor, while the seasoned flour coating creates a crispy exterior.

Ingredients

For the marinade:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For frying:

• Vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Make the marinade: In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade. Whisk until well combined.
2. Add the chicken wings: Add the chicken wings to the marinade and stir to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
3. Make the coating: In a separate bowl, combine all the ingredients for the coating. Mix well.
4. Remove the chicken wings from the marinade: Remove the chicken wings from the marinade and discard the marinade.
5. Coat the chicken wings: Dredge the chicken wings in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
6. Fry the chicken wings: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven filled with vegetable oil to 375 degrees F. Carefully add the chicken wings to the hot oil and fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain the chicken wings: Remove the chicken wings from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
8. Serve: Serve the chicken wings hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips

• For extra crispy wings, double-fry them. After the first fry, let the wings cool slightly, then fry them again for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• To make the wings ahead of time, marinate them overnight, then coat them in the flour mixture and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, bring them to room temperature before frying.
• Buttermilk wings can be cooked in the oven instead of fried. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake the wings for 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and crispy.

Sauces for Dipping

• Buffalo sauce: Combine 1 cup of hot sauce, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
• Ranch dressing: Combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
• Honey mustard: Combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Variations

• Spicy buttermilk wings: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Garlic buttermilk wings: Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the marinade.
• Lemon-herb buttermilk wings: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the marinade.
• BBQ buttermilk wings: Brush the wings with your favorite BBQ sauce after they are fried.

Wrapping Up

Buttermilk wings are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main course. They are perfect for parties, game days, or any other occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a crispy, tangy dish that everyone will love.

FAQ

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken wings?

A: You should marinate the chicken wings for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This will give the marinade time to penetrate the chicken and tenderize it.

Q: Can I use other liquids besides buttermilk for the marinade?

A: Yes, you can use other liquids such as milk, yogurt, or even beer. However, buttermilk is the best choice because it contains lactic acid, which helps to tenderize the chicken.

Q: How do I know when the chicken wings are cooked through?

A: The chicken wings are cooked through when they are golden brown and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.