Cooking the Chicken Wings:
- Heating Oil: In a large, deep skillet or a deep fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the chicken wings. The oil should be heated to about 375°F (190°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature.
- Frying the Wings: Carefully add the coated chicken wings to the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil’s temperature and result in less crispy wings.
- Cooking Time: Fry the wings for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Draining: Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the oil and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels. This will help get rid of any excess oil and keep the wings crispy.
Preparing the Sauce:
- Saucepan: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Adding Ingredients: To the melted butter, add the hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmering: Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together.
Coating the Wings with Sauce:
- Tossing the Wings: Place the fried chicken wings in a large bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over the wings and toss them gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serving: Serve the wings hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce, celery sticks, and carrot sticks for a complete appetizer or snack.
Tips:
- For extra crispy wings, you can double fry them. Fry once until they are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes, and then fry again for a few minutes to crisp up the skin.
- If you prefer baking, you can bake the seasoned wings at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-50 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
- Adjust the spice level of the sauce by adding more or less cayenne pepper or using a milder or hotter hot sauce.
- For a healthier version, you can air fry the wings or bake them instead of deep frying.
Enjoy your homemade crispy chicken wings with your favorite sides and dips!