This Smoked Buffalo Wings recipe is a culinary adventure that’ll leave your taste buds craving more! It’s perfect for all levels of expertise, whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out in the world of BBQ.
With simple instructions and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this mouthwatering dish. So don’t be shy—grab your apron and join in!
To create these scrumptious wings, you’ll need a few basic tools, such as a smoker or grill, an instant-read thermometer, and a food processor for whipping up that tangy blue cheese sauce. Of course, don’t forget your trusty mixing bowls and tongs for tossing the wings in that spicy buffalo sauce.
So come along on this exciting journey as we explore the secrets of fantastic BBQ dishes and products, one smoky bite at a time!
How To Make Smoked Buffalo Wings
Prepare Chicken Wings
Start by getting your chicken wings ready. Dry them well using paper towels or let them air-dry uncovered in the fridge for a few hours. The drier they are, the crispier the skin will be.
Mix Seasoning
In a big bowl, mix together cornstarch, garlic powder, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the wings to the bowl and toss them until they’re coated with the seasoning.
Preheat Smoker
Fire up your smoker and let it heat up to around 400°F. This high temperature will make the wings nice and crispy.
Cook the Wings
Place the seasoned wings on the grates of your smoker. Close the lid and let them cook for about 45 minutes. Don’t peek too often! You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature is at least 165°F and the skin is crispy s
Make Buffalo Sauce
While the wings cook, make the buffalo sauce. Melt unsalted butter in the microwave and mix it with Franks Red Hot Sauce. Give it a good stir so it’s well combined.
Whip Up Blue Cheese Sauce
Make the blue cheese sauce by blending blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, crushed garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor. Keep blending until it’s smooth and creamy.
Coat Wings in Buffalo Sauce
After the wings are cooked, put them in a big bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over them and gently mix so all the wings get coated in the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Now you’re ready to serve! Put the saucy wings on a plate with some carrot and celery sticks. Don’t forget a side of blue cheese sauce for dipping. Enjoy your tasty smoked buffalo wings!
Tips For Making Smoked Buffalo Wings
Smoked buffalo wings can be a hit at any gathering, but beginners might feel a bit overwhelmed with the process. No worries! Here are some simple tips to help you create delicious, crispy wings that’ll impress your friends and family.
- Drying Wings: To get crispy skin, make sure your wings are dry. Use paper towels or air-dry them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.
- High Temperature: Cook your wings at a high heat of around 400°F. This helps the skin become crispy and delicious.
- Wood Pellets: For a smoky flavor, try using fruitwood pellets like apple or cherry, which pair well with chicken.
- Seasoning Choices: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste. You can add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
- Check Internal Temp: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your wings are cooked safely. They should reach at least 165°F before you serve them.
Other Ways to Cook These Smoked Buffalo Wings
If you want to try a different cooking method for these Smoked Buffalo Chicken Wings, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few alternative cooking techniques, including smoking, air frying, deep frying, and baking in the oven. Each method offers its own unique twist on these delicious wings, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite way to cook them!
On The Grill
To make grilled wings, first you’ll need to preheat it to 425°F. Pat the wings dry, drizzle with cooking oil, and season with salt and pepper. Grill the wings for 15-20 minutes on a single layer on the grill grates, flipping every 3-5 minutes until they hit 165°F. Remove the grill and toss in your buffalo sauce.
In The Air Fryer
For wings in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Prepare the wings as previously instructed. Once the air fryer is heated, place chicken wings in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Air fry the wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Toss the wings with buffalo hot sauce and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce is nice and caramelized.
In The Deep Fryer
For deep-fried wings, heat oil in a deep fryer to 375°F. Pat the wings dry and season them with salt and pepper. Fry the wings in batches for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Toss the cooked wings in honey BBQ sauce before serving.
In The Oven
For baked wings, preheat your oven to 425°F. Prepare the wings as instructed for smoking. Place the wings on a wire baking rack set on a baking sheet and bake them for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baste the wings with buffalo sauce and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Enjoy your delicious wings with your favorite dipping sauce!
Best Beer To Serve With Honey BBQ Wings
Picking the perfect beer to pair with this mouth watering smoked chicken wings recipe can take your BBQ experience to the next level! Choosing the right brew will enhance the flavors and create a fun, memorable meal. Here are our top 3 beer styles that go great with these crispy, saucy, smoked hot wings.
American Pale Ale
An American pale ale is hoppy and zesty, which makes it an excellent choice for cutting through the richness of the buffalo sauce. The crisp, citrus notes in the ale also complement the tanginess of the blue cheese sauce. Your taste buds will thank you!
Hefeweizen
A German-style hefeweizen, with its refreshing, light-bodied profile, is perfect for balancing the heat and tang of buffalo wings. The fruity, banana-like flavors and subtle clove spice notes in the beer will harmonize with the spiciness of the wings, creating a delightful taste sensation.
Amber Lager
When you’re enjoying saucy, spicy buffalo wings, an amber lager can be your best friend. The maltiness of this beer helps to soothe your palate, while its slight hop bitterness works in tandem with the spicy kick from the wings. The result? A beer and wing combo that’s hard to resist!
Related Smoked Chicken Wings Recipes
- Honey BBQ Wings
- Smoked Hot Wings Recipe
- Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings
- Smoked Lemon Pepper Wings
- Smoked Chicken Wings Recipe
Smoked Buffalo Wings Recipe
Equipment
- Smoker (or grill)
- Food processor
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken wings
Seasoning
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp Kosher salt
- 1 tbsp finely ground black pepper
Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup Franks Red Hot Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter
Blue Cheese Sauce:
- 5 oz blue cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Dry wings with paper towels or let 'em air-dry in the fridge.
- Mix seasoning ingredients, toss with wings to coat.
- Heat smoker to around 400°F.
- Cook wings for 45 minutes or until they reach 165°F and have crispy skin.
- While the wings are smoking, prepare the buffalo sauce and the blue cheese dressing sauce
- For buffalo sauce, melt butter and mix with hot sauce.
- For blue cheese sauce, blend ingredients in a food processor until smooth
- Toss smoked wings in buffalo sauce.
- Serve with carrot and celery sticks, and enjoy!
Smoked Buffalo Wings FAQs
How long does it take to smoke buffalo wings?
It typically takes around 45 minutes long to smoke chicken wings at a temperature of 400°F. However, if you’re using a pellet grill that requires lower temperatures to generate smoke, it might take an extra 30 minutes.
What temperature should smoked buffalo wings be cooked at?
Smoked buffalo wings should be cooked at a high temperature, around 350-400°F, to achieve crispy skin and ensure the fat renders out properly.
What internal temperature should smoked buffalo wings reach?
Smoked buffalo wings should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure they are cooked safely and thoroughly.
How do I make smoked buffalo wings crispy?
To make smoked buffalo wings crispy, dry the wings well before cooking, use cornstarch in the seasoning mix, and cook them at a high temperature of around 350-400°F.
What type of wood is best for smoking buffalo wings?
Fruitwood pellets like apple or cherry are great choices for smoking buffalo wings and chicken hot wings, as they complement the chicken’s flavor and provide a mild smokiness.