These perfect crispy smoked chicken wings are a game-day favorite! They are juicy inside and have a nice crunchy skin on the outside, making them super tasty for everyone to enjoy.
Trust me, once you try these wings, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! I love serving them with some classic dipping sauces on the side to take things up a notch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh or frozen wings work well. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use chicken thighs instead. Just be aware they may take longer to cook.
Olive Oil: This is great for coating the wings and helps the seasoning to stick. If you’re out, any vegetable oil or avocado oil will do fine too. They all work well with high heat.
Kosher Salt: It’s perfect for seasoning because of its larger grain size. If you don’t have kosher salt, use regular table salt but reduce the amount slightly since it’s more concentrated.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a lovely, smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika can work as a substitute—just know it won’t have that smoky taste. You can also use chili powder for a different flavor profile.
Wood Chips: Hickory and applewood are popular choices for smoking. If these aren’t available, try cherry or mesquite wood chips. Each adds a distinct flavor to your wings!
How Do I Achieve Extra Crispy Wings?
To get those wings crispy, the drying step is key. Moisture on the wings prevents them from crisping up. Make sure you pat them dry thoroughly. Another trick is smoking the wings at a steady, low temperature first, then finishing them on a hot grill.
- Preheat smoker to 250°F (120°C) and keep it steady.
- Pat the wings dry meticulously before seasoning.
- After smoking, toss them on a hot grill for 5-10 minutes. This really brings out the crunch!
Perfect Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Wood chips for smoking (e.g., hickory or applewood)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of cooking time. Plus, you’ll need a few minutes at the end for resting. In total, you can expect around 2 to 2.5 hours for delicious, crispy smoked chicken wings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Smoker:
First, preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C). If you’re using a grill for smoking, set it up for indirect cooking and place the wood chips inside to create smoke. This will give your wings a lovely smoky flavor.
2. Drying the Wings:
Using paper towels, pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly. This step is important because it helps make the wings crispy when smoked. Moisture on the skin can cause them to steam instead of crisp up, so take your time with this!
3. Seasoning the Wings:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Toss the chicken wings in this mixture until they are fully coated with the flavorful seasoning.
4. Smoking the Wings:
Now, arrange the seasoned wings on the smoker grates in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t touching each other; you want them to have room to breathe so they crisp up nicely. Close the lid and let them smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin looks crispy.
5. Crisping the Skin:
If you want extra crunchiness, transfer the smoked wings to a hot grill set at medium-high heat. Grill them for about 5-10 minutes, turning them frequently until the skin is beautifully crispy and golden brown.
6. Resting and Serving:
Remove the wings from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve your wings hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy every crispy bite!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Fresh Chicken Wings Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh chicken wings are preferred for this recipe as they will yield better texture and flavor. If you have frozen wings, make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to season.
Can I Substitute the Olive Oil?
Yes! If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use melted butter or vegetable oil as a substitute. Keep in mind that melted butter will add a rich flavor, while vegetable oil has a more neutral taste. Just ensure it’s enough to coat the wings well for seasoning.
How Should I Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help retain their crispiness compared to using a microwave.
What Wood Chips Work Best for Smoking Chicken Wings?
Hickory and applewood are popular choices for smoking chicken wings due to their balanced flavor profiles. Hickory provides a strong, smoky flavor, while applewood gives a milder, slightly sweet taste. Feel free to experiment with other options like cherry or mesquite depending on your flavor preference!
