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Homemade Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Homemade Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings
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Crispy, flavorful, and absolutely addictive — these Homemade Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings rival any takeout version! Simple techniques and pantry staples yield golden, crunchy wings packed with garlic, chili, and peppery goodness. Perfect for game days, parties, or an unforgettable weeknight dinner treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs Chicken Wings, separated into drumettes and flats
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp Baking Powder (aluminum-free, optional)
  • 1 tbsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 tbsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp White Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • Vegetable Oil (for frying) or 2-3 tbsp for baking/air frying
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for stir-frying aromatics)
  • 6–8 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced or minced
  • 1–2 inch piece Ginger, sliced or minced (optional)
  • 1–3 Red or Green Chilies, sliced
  • 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 Green Bell Pepper, sliced (optional)
  • 3–4 Green Onions, sliced (whites and greens separated)
  • 1–2 tsp Kosher Salt (for final seasoning)
  • 1–2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper (for final seasoning)
  • Pinch of Sugar (optional)
  • Pinch of MSG (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Wings: Separate wings, pat very dry, and optionally air-dry in fridge for 15-30 minutes.
  2. Mix the Coating: Whisk cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder together.
  3. Coat the Wings: Toss dried wings in the coating mixture, shaking off excess.
  4. Cook the Wings:
    • Deep Fry: Heat oil to 350-360°F. Fry wings in batches for 8-12 minutes until golden and cooked through (165°F). Drain on a wire rack. (Optional double fry: rest 10-15 minutes, fry again at 375°F for 2-3 minutes.)
    • Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place coated wings on wire rack, spray lightly with oil. Bake 40-50 minutes, flipping halfway, broil last 1-2 minutes if needed.
    • Air Fry: Preheat to 390°F. Arrange wings in a single layer, lightly spray. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, increasing to 400°F for last few minutes.
  5. Stir-Fry Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp oil, sauté garlic, ginger, chilies until fragrant. Add bell peppers and white parts of green onions, cook 1-2 minutes.
  6. Combine and Season: Turn off heat. Add wings to skillet, sprinkle salt, pepper, optional sugar, and MSG. Toss gently but thoroughly. Add green onion tops.
  7. Serve: Transfer wings to a platter, garnish with extra green onions and chilies. Serve immediately!

Notes

For extra umami without MSG, add 1/4 tsp mushroom powder to the final seasoning. Rest wings on a wire rack after frying to maintain crispiness longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: salt and pepper chicken wings, crispy chicken wings, homemade wings, easy chicken wings recipe

Find it online: https://kierasrecipes.com/homemade-salt-and-pepper-chicken-wings/