Buffalo Wings

Ingredients

• 3 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats (wingtips discarded or saved for stock)
• Vegetable oil for deep frying (about 4-6 cups)
• Salt and black pepper
• For the Buffalo Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank's RedHot Original is traditional)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1-2 tablespoons white vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• For Serving:
  • Blue cheese dressing or Ranch dressing
  • Celery sticks
  • Carrot sticks

Instructions

1. Prep Wings: Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels (this is crucial for crispy skin). Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired (sauce is salty).
2. Cook Wings (Choose Method):
   • Deep Fry (Traditional): Heat oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully add wings in batches (don't overcrowd). Fry for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack over paper towels.
   • Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange wings in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
   • Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Arrange wings in a single layer (work in batches). Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking basket or flipping wings halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
3. Make Buffalo Sauce: While wings are cooking, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, vinegar (if using), garlic powder (if using), and cayenne (if using) in a large bowl.
4. Toss Wings: Add the hot, cooked wings to the bowl with the Buffalo sauce. Toss gently until all wings are evenly coated.
5. Serve: Serve immediately with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery/carrot sticks on the side.

What Makes It Special

Originating in Buffalo, New York, Buffalo wings have become a quintessential American bar food and appetizer. The magic combination of crispy fried chicken wings tossed in a tangy, spicy, buttery hot sauce is incredibly addictive. Served traditionally with cooling blue cheese dressing and crunchy celery sticks, they are the perfect casual food for game days, parties, and pub nights.