Craving the incredible taste of authentic takeout wings right at home? Look no further! This special family recipe for crispy Chinese fried chicken wings delivers that perfect balance of crunch and juicy flavor you love. Our time-tested method ensures every bite is incredibly satisfying. Get ready to master the secret to perfectly golden, remarkably crispy Chinese fried chicken wings that will become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Chinese Fried Chicken Wings
- Achieve ultimate crispiness with a light, airy batter that’s never heavy.
- Enjoy incredibly juicy, tender chicken infused with savory Asian flavors.
- Recreate the irresistible, authentic taste of your favorite Chinese takeout.
- Impress your family and friends with a tried-and-true family recipe.
- Perfect for game day, parties, or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Making delicious Chinese fried chicken wings starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you need to prepare these flavorful bites:
- Whole chicken wings (2 1/2 pounds, about 10-12 wings)
- Black pepper (1/8 teaspoon)
- White pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon)
- Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons)
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon)
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon)
- Shaoxing wine (1 tablespoon)
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon)
- Egg (1 large)
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon)
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons)
- Oil (for frying)
Notes & Substitutions
White pepper offers a distinct, subtle heat and aroma compared to black pepper, common in Asian cooking. For soy sauce, use light soy sauce for balance; avoid dark soy sauce which adds too much color. If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or even chicken broth works in a pinch, though the flavor will differ slightly. For a deeper understanding of its role in authentic Chinese cooking, explore the importance of Shaoxing wine in various dishes. Cornstarch is key for achieving that signature crispiness, creating a light, delicate coating. You can easily use drumettes or flats instead of whole chicken wings; adjust frying times slightly for smaller pieces.
Equipment
Gathering your tools makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You will need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium pot or wok
- Instant-read thermometer
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Sheet pan
- Paper towels or cooling rack
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy Chinese fried chicken wings at home. This recipe uses a double-frying method for maximum crunch.
- Prepare Wings: Thoroughly wash and pat dry your chicken wings. Removing excess moisture is crucial for crispiness. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Marinate Chicken: Add black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, salt, sugar, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and egg to the wings in the bowl. Mix everything until the chicken is well-coated. Next, sprinkle in the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Mix again until the wings are fully coated with a thin batter. Marinate the wings for a minimum of 2 hours at room temperature, or for the best flavor, refrigerate them overnight. If refrigerated, let the wings come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before frying.
- Adjust Batter: Before frying, give the marinated wings another good stir. If the batter appears watery or has separated, mix it thoroughly again. The wings should have a thin, even coating. If it seems too thin, you can add a tiny bit more cornstarch and flour, a half teaspoon at a time, until the consistency is right.
- Heat Oil: Fill a sturdy medium pot or wok with about 2-3 inches of oil, ensuring it’s roughly two-thirds full. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 325°F (160°C) on your instant-read thermometer. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is vital for success.
- First Fry: Carefully place the marinated wings into the hot oil in small batches. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will drop the oil temperature and lead to soggy wings. Fry each batch for 5 minutes, until the wings are lightly golden and cooked through. Remove the wings with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place them on a sheet pan lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Rest: Allow all the first-fried wings to rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period allows the internal temperature to equalize and the surface to cool slightly, preparing them for the second fry.
- Second Fry: Increase the oil temperature slightly to 350°F (175°C). Return the rested wings to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for an additional 3 minutes, or until they reach a deep golden brown color and are incredibly crispy. This second fry is key to their ultimate crunch.
- Drain & Serve: Remove the Chinese fried chicken wings from the oil and drain them on a fresh sheet of paper towels or a wire cooling rack. Serve your perfectly crispy wings immediately while they are hot and at their best.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chinese Fried Chicken Wings
- Double Frying: This two-step frying process is the absolute secret to achieving superior crispiness. To understand the scientific principles behind this technique, learn why double-frying creates such an incredibly crispy texture. The first fry cooks the chicken, and the second fry creates that coveted crunchy exterior.
- Marinade Time: Maximize the flavor by letting your wings marinate overnight in the refrigerator. The longer they marinate, the more delicious the finished Chinese fried chicken wings will taste.
- Batter Consistency: Aim for a thin, even coating on each wing. A thick batter becomes heavy and less crispy.
- Oil Temperature: Always use an instant-read thermometer. Consistent oil temperature prevents soggy wings (too low) or burnt exteriors with raw insides (too high).
- Don’t Overcrowd: Frying too many wings at once drops the oil temperature significantly. Work in small batches to keep the oil hot and ensure even cooking.
- Resting Period: The rest between the first and second fry is crucial. It helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents the skin from becoming tough.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
These homemade Chinese fried chicken wings are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with other dishes.
- Serving Ideas: Serve your crispy wings alongside a comforting bowl of fried rice, plain white rice, or a refreshing cucumber salad. For an extra kick, offer them with your favorite hot sauce or a homemade chili oil.
- Storage: Store any leftover crispy wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To bring back their crispiness, reheat your wings in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, until heated through and crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy.
- Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a fiery kick.
- Sweet & Sticky: After the second fry, toss the hot wings in a warm sweet chili glaze, honey garlic sauce, or a teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Wing Cuts: Using drumettes or flats instead of whole wings can sometimes reduce cooking time slightly, making them even quicker to prepare.
Nutrition Information
Enjoying homemade Chinese fried chicken wings means you know exactly what goes into your meal. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (one whole wing):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 189 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 53mg |
| Sodium | 375mg |
| Potassium | 85mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Vitamin A | 95IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.3mg |
| Calcium | 8mg |
| Iron | 0.6mg |
Please note, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why is double-frying essential for Chinese fried chicken wings? Double-frying ensures the wings cook thoroughly on the inside during the first fry, and then achieve an incredibly crispy, golden exterior during the second fry. It’s key for that perfect crunch.
- What kind of oil is best for deep-frying chicken wings? Use oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures required for frying without burning.
- Can I make these Chinese fried chicken wings in an air fryer? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an air fryer. After marinating, arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
- How do I ensure my wings are crispy and not soggy? Patting the wings very dry before marinating, using a light batter, maintaining consistent oil temperature, and double-frying are all critical steps for maximum crispiness.
- Can I prepare the wings ahead of time? You can marinate the wings overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor. However, for the best crispiness, fry them right before you plan to serve.
Conclusion
You now have all the knowledge and steps to create truly exceptional crispy Chinese fried chicken wings right in your own kitchen. This recipe delivers that perfect combination of juicy meat and irresistible crunch, bringing the takeout experience home. We encourage you to try this simple, beginner-friendly recipe and share the delicious results with your loved ones. Let us know how your crispy, flavorful wings turn out in the comments below!