If you have a craving for crispy, flavorful, and downright irresistible chicken, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Southern Fried Chicken Wings Recipe. Picture perfectly crispy wings with a golden crust that gives way to juicy, tender meat inside, all thanks to a satisfying brine and a blend of thoughtfully combined seasonings. This dish offers that classic southern charm with every bite, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether for game day, parties, or a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal mixing bowl filled with a thick layer of pale beige seasoned flour. On top of the flour lie two raw, uncooked chicken wings with light yellowish skin and a slightly shiny texture. The flour surrounds the chicken wings evenly, with some powder sticking lightly to the surface of the wings. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect Southern Fried Chicken Wings Recipe starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a key role in building robust flavor, crisp texture, and vibrant color.

Party wings (3-4 pounds): Use a mix of flats and drumettes for the ideal wing-to-meat ratio and texture variety.
Neutral oil for frying: Peanut, vegetable, or canola oil work great for a high smoke point and clean taste.
Kosher salt (1/4 cup): Essential for the brine to season the wings deeply and retain juiciness.
Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the saltiness in the brine and promotes browning.
Ice (4 cups): Helps cool the brine quickly to keep the wings safe and ready for soaking.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Creates the crispy, golden coating that is a hallmark of southern fried chicken.
Corn starch (1/4 cup): Adds extra crunch and lightness to the breading.
Granulated garlic and onion (1 tablespoon each): Infuse the coating with deep savory notes; use less if substituting powders.
Ground black pepper (1/2 tablespoon): Provides a subtle heat that complements the savory crust.
Seasoned salt (1/2 tablespoon): Elevates the overall seasoning complexity and depth.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a smoky aroma and beautiful color to the coating.
Eggs (3) and water (3 tablespoons): Form the perfect egg wash to help the flour mixture adhere firmly to the wings.

How to Make Southern Fried Chicken Wings Recipe

Step 1: Brining the Wings

Brining is the secret weapon in this Southern Fried Chicken Wings Recipe, ensuring the wings stay juicy and flavorful. Start by boiling water, then dissolving kosher salt and sugar to create a savory-sweet brine. Once cooled down with ice, submerge your wings completely and chill them in the refrigerator for at least four hours, or overnight if you have the time. This soaking step might seem simple, but it’s what transforms your wings from average to extraordinary by locking in moisture and seasoning those flavors right inside the meat.

Step 2: Preparing the Dredge

While the wings are brining, make the seasoned flour coating that will give your wings that irresistible crunch and seasoned kick. Mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, granulated garlic and onion, black pepper, seasoned salt, and smoked paprika thoroughly in a large bowl or brown paper bag. This combination builds a textured crust bursting with savory and smoky flavor notes, giving a perfect balance to every bite.

Step 3: Egg Wash and Coating

After brining and drying your wings well with paper towels, whisk together the eggs and water for a smooth egg wash. Dip each wing into this wash, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour blend, pressing lightly to create a thick, even coat. Lett the wings rest on a parchment-lined sheet pan for a few minutes so the coating sets—this little pause is crucial for a crunchier finish after frying.

Step 4: Deep Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your neutral oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to a steady temperature of around 360°F to 365°F. Carefully place the wings in batches, avoiding overcrowding, so the oil temperature stays consistent and the wings cook evenly. Fry them until golden brown and crisp, with an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re perfectly safe and juicy inside. Drain on a wire rack to keep that crust crisp and avoid sogginess caused by resting on paper towels.

How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken Wings Recipe

The image shows multiple pieces of golden brown fried chicken with a crunchy and uneven texture, all placed on a black wire cooling rack. Each piece varies in shape and size, with craggy, crispy breading covering every piece, creating a rough and textured look. The wire rack contrasts with the crispy chicken, emphasizing the detailed crispiness. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate this Southern Fried Chicken Wings Recipe instantly. Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of extra smoked paprika for a pop of color and aroma. Offering lemon wedges is another fantastic option to brighten up the richness with a little zing, balanced perfectly against the savory wings.

Side Dishes

These fried wings pair wonderfully with traditional southern sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or baked mac and cheese. Fresh cucumber salad or even a crisp garden salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness, making the meal delightfully balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on serving, you could arrange your wings on a platter lined with parchment paper, accompanied by small dipping bowls of hot sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing. You can even stack the wings in a cone-shaped basket for a casual, inviting presentation that’s perfect for parties or game day gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which might be rare because these wings disappear fast), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they have cooled down to room temperature before sealing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked wings on a parchment-lined sheet pan until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen wings stay best for up to 2 months and can be reheated without losing much of their crispness.

Reheating

Reheat leftover wings in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the crust soggy and disappointing.

FAQs

Can I skip the brining step?

While it’s possible, brining is highly recommended for the Southern Fried Chicken Wings Recipe because it helps the wings stay juicy and deeply flavorful. Skipping it might result in drier, less seasoned wings.

What oil is best for frying chicken wings?

Neutral oils with high smoke points like peanut, vegetable, or canola oil work best. They ensure a clean, crispy fry without imparting unwanted flavors and can handle the heat needed for perfect frying.

How long should I fry the wings?

Typically, wings fry in batches for about 8 to 12 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to keep oil temperature steady.

Can I use baking powder to make the wings crispier?

While some recipes include baking powder to boost crispiness, this Southern Fried Chicken Wings Recipe achieves excellent crunch with the cornstarch and proper frying technique alone, maintaining a clean, traditional southern flavor.

What dipping sauces go well with these wings?

Classic dips like ranch, blue cheese, or spicy hot sauce complement these wings beautifully. You can also try honey mustard or barbecue sauce for additional flavor variations that keep things exciting.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and joyful about biting into crispy, well-seasoned fried chicken wings, and this Southern Fried Chicken Wings Recipe is a celebration of that very feeling. With a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create wings that are packed with flavor and crunch, perfect for sharing with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try making these yourself and experience that satisfying, mouthwatering goodness that only southern fried wings can deliver.