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Craving some chicken wings? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! We’ll show you the best cooking method to get the perfect crisp and juicy wings. Whether you like them spicy or mild, grilled or fried, we’ve got the recipes and tips to ensure your wings come out delicious every time.

We also have sixteen chicken wings recipes that are better than takeout!

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So grab those tongs, and let’s get cooking!

Grilling chicken wings.

What is the best cooking method for wings?

When it comes to cooking wings, there are many methods available. There’s something for everyone, from steaming, air-frying, boiling, grilling, roasting, sous vide, smoking, and deep frying.

Each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when deciding which one to use. Consumer Reports’ Wing Madness tournament concluded with air-fried chicken wings as the best cooking method.

Other popular methods include boiling, grilling, and roasting. Parboiling and roasting can give you a crispy crust, while baking powder can be added to increase surface area.

Wet wings are also an option and can be coated or tossed in a sauce either before or after cooking.

It’s up to you whether you decide to separate the chicken wings or not. Whichever method you choose for your wings, there’s sure to be something for everyone!

Steam

Steaming is a popular method for cooking chicken wings as it helps to render some of the fat from the skin, resulting in crispier wings. To steam chicken wings, follow the step below:

  1. Boil one inch of water in a 6-quart saucepan and let the wings air dry for a few minutes before placing them in the steamer basket, covering and reducing the heat to medium.
  2. Allow the wings to steam for 10 minutes before removing them from the basket and patting them dry.
  3. Marinating the wings and then steaming them before frying helps to give the wings extra flavor while also helping them crisp up as they cook.

Additionally, Consumer Reports’ Wing Madness tournament concluded with air-fried chicken wings and boiling as two of the best methods for cooking chicken wings.

Steaming is an ideal option for those looking for an easy way to cook their chicken wings without needing to fry them deep.

Closeup of chicken wings in an air fryer.

Air-Fry

Air-frying is a great way to cook wings and can yield amazing results. This method uses little to no oil and quickly cooks the wings at high temperatures.

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for two minutes before adding the wings in a single layer to the air fryer.
  2. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the wings and cook for 12 minutes more. Increase the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 20 minutes, flipping every five minutes.
  3. For an even crispier wing, increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. Working in batches, arrange wings in a single layer in the air fryer and cook, turning every 5-7 minutes, until golden brown.
  5. Toss the wings in your favorite seasoning blend before putting them in the air fryer for extra flavor.

Air-frying is an excellent way to whip up some delicious wings with minimal effort.

Boiling

Boiling is an easy and effective way to cook chicken wings. With this method, the wings are partially cooked in a pot of boiling water before they are finished off with another cooking method.

To parboil chicken wings:

  1. Add the chicken wings to the boiling pot and cook them for 8 minutes. The wings will be only partially cooked.
  2. Heat up a big pot of boiling water, add a cup of water, and bring it to a boil. Put the chicken wings in the boiling water, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Alternatively, you can fill a large pot with water, add two tablespoons of salt and bring to a boil before adding the chicken wings.

Boiling is an ideal option for getting chicken wings quickly prepped for other cooking methods like air frying, grilling, roasting, sous vide cooking, smoking or deep frying.

Grilling

Grilling is a popular method for cooking wings, allowing you to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

  1. To grill wings, simply prepare them with a marinade or rub and place them directly on the grill grates.
  2. Close the lid and grill for 15-20 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on the wings as they cook, as they can easily burn.

Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F and is golden brown and crispy, remove from the heat and enjoy!

Roasting

Roasting is another great way to prepare wings, follow the steps below:

  1. Start by preheating the oven to 425°F (230°C).
  2. Then, using paper towels, dry the wings thoroughly before placing them in a large bowl.
  3. Add baking powder, salt and house rub and toss until all the wings are coated.
  4. Arrange them on a baking sheet, skin side up, and bake for 20 minutes.
  5. Flip the wings and continue to bake until they are crispy and browned.

This method ensures that you get the perfect crunchy texture on the outside with juicy meat on the inside.

Sous Vide

Under a vacuum is a great way to cook chicken wings. The sous vide process seals in the flavors and breaks down the collagen and connective tissue to make them tender and juicy.

The wings can be seasoned with kosher salt, and then vacuum sealed in a single layer for cooking.

The sous vide process allows you to cook the wings at a low temperature for two hours, which breaks down and melts the connective tissues while tenderizing the wings.

After cooking, you can finish them off under a broiler or on a hot grill for extra flavor.

Sous vide chicken wings are tastier than baked wings, making it one of the best cooking methods for wings.

Smoking

Smoking is one of the best cooking methods for wings, especially when you’re looking for that smoky, barbecue flavor. It takes about 2-4 hours to smoke chicken wings depending on whether you’re using party wings or whole wings.

To get the most out of your smoking session follow the tips below:

  1. Preheat your smoker to 250°F and toss a few wood chunks onto hot coals.
  2. Coat the chicken wings with the spice rub and place them in the smoker. For whole wings, it’s best to smoke them over indirect heat, 225ºF to 275ºF—this means the wings are placed over the unlit burners or the side without lit coals.
  3. Smoke the wings for 1 hour over indirect low heat, maintaining a constant smoke for at least 1 1/2 hours until they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

With this cooking method you’ll have succulent, juicy chicken wings with a delicious smoky flavor.

Deep frying breaded chicken wings.

Deep Frying

Deep frying is a popular method for cooking wings. It requires heating two inches of oil in a heavy duty pan over medium-high heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the oil is heated, the wings can be added in batches and cooked until golden and crisp, 8-10 minutes.

It is important to ensure that the temperature of the oil stays around 375 degrees Fahrenheit during the cooking process. When cooked through, drain the wings on paper towels and serve immediately.

This method of cooking wings will produce crispy, golden wings that everyone will enjoy.

When it comes to cooking chicken wings, there are a variety of techniques that can be used to create the perfect dish. From steaming to air-frying, boiling to grilling, roasting to sous vide, smoking to deep frying, each method has its own advantages and produces a unique flavor and texture.

Ultimately, the best cooking method for wings depends on your personal preferences, but with a little experimentation you can find the perfect combination of flavors and textures that suit your taste.

Below are chicken wings recipes for you to give them a try! Enjoy!

16 Wing Recipes That Are Better Than Takeout

Like your wings on the spicy side? Try our homemade Cajun seasoning on them!

Quit looking looking for places to order wings and make some delicious wings recipes at home. Here are 16 wings recipes that are better than takeout.

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