Smoked Then Fried Wings: Perfectly seasoned, smoked low and slow, then crisped to perfection, these are the best wings that deliver the ultimate taste adventure. Discover simple tips and essential tools for BBQ success.
Smoked and Fried Chicken Wings
Today, we’re diving into the realm of irresistible BBQ greatness with our signature dish: Smoked Then Fried Wings. These wings bring together the best of both worlds, with a slow and smoky embrace followed by a sizzling hot dance in the frying pan. The result? Pure magic for your taste buds!
As a seasoned BBQ enthusiast with years of grilling and smoking experience, I’m excited to share this fantastic recipe with you. Get ready to embark on a flavor adventure that will leave you craving for more!
While these wings are a show-stopping centerpiece at any BBQ feast, they’re surprisingly approachable for all skill levels. With easy-to-follow steps and simple tips, even beginners can achieve mouthwatering success.
To make this culinary masterpiece, all you need are a few essential tools to help you conquer the grill and fryer alike. A trusty smoker, preheated to 225F, is your wing’s smoky sanctuary. For that rich, smoky flavor, opt for oak or hickory wood pellets to infuse the wings with a taste that will have your guests asking for seconds.
When it’s time to fry these wings to crispy perfection, a large cast-iron skillet and a cooking thermometer are your secret weapons. And of course, a sense of culinary adventure and a passion for mouthwatering BBQ are the key ingredients that make this recipe truly shine.
My passion for grilling, smoking, and creating delicious meals has inspired me to share simple tips, tasty recipes, and credible product reviews with fellow BBQ fans like you. Join me on this flavorful journey, and together, we’ll explore the secrets of fantastic BBQ dishes and products.
So fire up that grill, get ready to savor the smoky goodness, and let’s dive into the world of Smoked Then Fried Wings – the ultimate BBQ delight!
How To Make Smoked then Fried Chicken Wings
Preheat Your Smoker
Season the Chicken Wings
Smoke the Chicken Wings
Preheat the Oil
Fry the Chicken Wings
Choose Your Serving Style
Enjoy Your Delicious Smoked Fried Chicken Wings
Tips For Making Smoked then Fried Wings
If you’re new to the world of BBQ and want to try making these delicious smoked fried chicken wings, here are some simple and easy-to-understand tips to help you get the best results:
Go Low and Slow with Smoke
When smoking the chicken wings, keep the smoker temperature at 225F. Use oak or hickory wood pellets for a strong smoky flavor. Smoking them low and slow helps infuse the wings with that rich smokiness before frying.
Seasoning Flexibility
Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasoning. Before smoking, toss the wings in a little olive oil, then sprinkle your favorite seasoning blend all over them. You can try different flavors like lemon pepper, sweet rub, or even a custom blend with garlic powder and onion powder to suit your taste preferences.
Temperature Matters
Use a cooking thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the wings. Smoke them until they reach 145F, and then fry until they reach 175F. This ensures they’re fully cooked and safe to eat while maintaining the desired tenderness and crispiness.
Oil Temperature for Perfect Crisp
When frying the wings, make sure your canola or vegetable oil is heated to 375F. This high temperature ensures the wings come out crispy and not greasy. If the oil is too cool, the wings might turn out soggy. If you have a proper deep fryer, we recommend taking the deep fry step to this appliance!
Try Air Frying Option
If you have an air fryer and want a healthier alternative to deep frying, you can air fry the smoked wings at 400F until they achieve the desired crispiness. The cooking time will be similar to deep frying, and you’ll still get that satisfying crunch.
What to Serve With Smoked and Fried Wings
Now that you have your smoky, crispy, and oh-so-delicious smoked then fried wings ready to go, it’s time to complete the flavor fiesta with some delectable sides and accompaniments. These dishes will complement your wings, elevate the meal, and make your BBQ feast an unforgettable experience. So, let’s dive into the world of mouthwatering side dishes that will have your guests begging for seconds!
Cool and Creamy Coleslaw: A Refreshing Crunch
A classic coleslaw is the perfect partner for your wings. Its creamy texture and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the smoky and spicy flavors. The crisp cabbage and carrots add a satisfying crunch that balances the tender wings. Plus, coleslaw’s cool nature offers a delightful respite for your taste buds between bites of the hot and flavorful wings.
Golden Garlic Parmesan Fries: The Ultimate Indulgence
Take your wing experience to a whole new level with these golden garlic parmesan fries. These crispy wonders, sprinkled with savory garlic and grated parmesan, add a layer of richness that complements the smoky wings beautifully. Each fry becomes a delectable canvas for capturing extra sauce and seasoning from your wing plate, creating a harmonious flavor symphony in every bite.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: A Summery Delight
Embrace the summertime spirit with grilled corn on the cob, the ultimate seasonal sidekick for your BBQ wings. Grilling corn enhances its natural sweetness and imparts a delightful smokiness that resonates with your wing’s flavor profile. Brush the corn with a touch of butter and sprinkle some chili powder for a spicy kick, creating a perfect harmony between your wings and this sunny side.
Zesty Ranch Dip: A Flavor Boosting Champion
Elevate your wing experience with a zesty ranch dip that complements their flavors and adds an extra dimension of taste. The creamy and tangy dip, adorned with fresh herbs and spices, provides a luscious coating for your wings. Each dip and dunk becomes a burst of flavor that enhances the smokiness and spice, making it impossible to resist coming back for more.
Best Beer to Serve With Chicken Wings
When it comes to enjoying a plate of mouth-watering smoked fried chicken wings, the perfect beer can take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. Picture this: tender, smoky chicken wings meet a delightful dance of flavors with every sip of your chosen beer. So, let’s raise our glasses (or cans) and explore the top 3 beer styles that pair brilliantly with these fantastic wings!
IPA – Hoppy Goodness Galore!
The king of bold and hoppy beers, IPA (India Pale Ale), is a fantastic companion for your smoke fried chicken wings. Its assertive hop character, brimming with citrus, pine, and floral notes, effortlessly cuts through the richness of the fried skin, leaving your palate refreshed and ready for more.
The bitterness in the IPA cleverly contrasts with the sweet and tangy flavors of the Buffalo sauce, creating a delightful harmony that will make your taste buds sing.
Lager – Smooth and Balanced Serenade!
For those seeking a smooth and easy-drinking experience, reach for a crisp and refreshing Lager to complement your wings. Lager’s clean profile and mild maltiness provide a beautiful canvas for the smoky goodness to shine through.
With each sip, the Lager’s light body and gentle carbonation cleanse your palate, ensuring you savor every nuance of the seasoned and crunchy goodness. It’s a harmonious pairing that makes you want to kick back, relax, and enjoy the summer vibes.
Brown Ale – A Warm Embrace of Flavors!
Looking for a beer that embraces the heartiness of the smoked fried wings? Look no further than a delectable Brown Ale. This malt-forward gem boasts a nutty and toasty character that wonderfully complements the smoky wings’ earthy notes. The beer’s slight sweetness harmonizes with the seasoning’s spices, creating a warm and cozy flavor embrace that’ll have you reaching for another wing and sip in no time.
Other Chicken Recipes
- Honey BBQ Wings
- Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Legs Recipe
- Grilled Bruschetta Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Traeger Pellet Grill (or any smoker capable of holding a steady temperature)
- Large zip-top bag for marinating the chicken wings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken wings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Pikes Peak Butchers Rub
- 2 cups canola oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
Buffalo Sauce
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225F, using strong-flavored wood like oak or hickory.
- In a large zip-top bag, combine the chicken wings, olive oil, and your seasoning mixture. Mix well to coat the wings evenly.
- Place the seasoned wings directly on the grill grates of the preheated smoker, then close the lid. Smoke the wings until their internal temperature reaches 145F. This typically takes about 1.5 hours, but adjust as needed.
- While the wings are smoking, preheat the canola or vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until the oil temperature reaches 375F.
- Once the wings reach an internal temperature of 145F, carefully transfer them from the smoker to the hot oil in the cast-iron skillet. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry the wings for about 2-3 minutes per side, flipping regularly, until the internal temperature of the wings reaches 175F. This ensures they are fully cooked and crispy.
- If you prefer naked wings, remove them from the skillet and sprinkle with additional seasoning or a simple blend of salt and pepper before serving.
- For saucey wings, mix the Buffalo sauce and melted butter in a bowl, then toss the fried wings in the sauce until coated.
- Serve your smoked then fried chicken wings with lots of napkins, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!