Ingredients
Chicken Wings:
- 2 ½ lbs. organic chicken wings, disjointed
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3-4 cups vegetable oil, for cooking
Spicy ‘Buttermilk’ Brine:
- 1 cup almond milk (or whole milk/plant-based milk of choice)
- 2 large eggs
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
Coating:
- ½ cup organic all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon On Everything All-Purpose Blend
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the spicy ‘buttermilk’ brine: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond milk, eggs, and hot sauce until fully combined. This mixture will tenderize the chicken wings and infuse them with a spicy flavor.
- Season the chicken wings: Toss the disjointed chicken wings in smoked paprika, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, and sea salt. Ensure every wing is evenly coated with the seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Brine the wings: Submerge the seasoned wings into the spicy ‘buttermilk’ brine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate and the wings to tenderize.
- Prepare the coating: In a separate bowl, combine organic all-purpose flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to create an even coating mixture.
- Coat the wings: Remove wings from the brine, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each wing in the coating mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating evenly across the surface.
- Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat 3-4 cups of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to ensure proper frying temperature.
- Fry the wings: Carefully add the coated wings in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 8-10 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until the wings are golden brown and crispy with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and serve: Using a slotted spoon, remove the wings from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot for the crispiest texture and best flavor.
Notes
- You can purchase the On Everything All-Purpose Blend or make your own blend using common spices such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt for an authentic flavor.
- If you prefer, use whole milk or other plant-based milk instead of almond milk for the brine.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity in the brine according to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure oil temperature remains steady at 350°F during frying to maintain crispiness and thorough cooking.
- For extra crunch, let wings rest on a wire rack after frying rather than paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch (approximately 20-30 minutes total)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American