Deep-fried chicken wings are a popular dish at gatherings, parties, and restaurants. To achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness, it is essential to choose the right oil for frying.
Frying oils are edible oils used in cooking methods that involve submerging food in hot oil. The ideal frying oil should have a high smoke point, which is the temperature at which the oil begins to break down and produce smoke.
A higher smoke point ensures that the oil remains stable at high temperatures, preventing the formation of harmful substances and preserving the flavor of the food. Additionally, the oil should have a neutral flavor to avoid altering the taste of the fried wings.
When choosing an oil for frying chicken wings, there are several factors to consider:
- Smoke point: Choose an oil with a high smoke point to ensure the oil remains stable at high temperatures.
- Flavor: Opt for a neutral-flavored oil to prevent altering the taste of the fried wings.
- Price: Since deep-frying requires a significant amount of oil, it’s wise to consider the cost of the oil you’ll be using.
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Peanut Oil
Smoke Point: 450 Degrees
Benefits: Peanut oil is an affordable option and has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying chicken wings. It also prevents flavor transfer, ensuring that your wings maintain their delicious taste. Moreover, peanut oil contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can be beneficial for heart health.
Canola Oil
Smoke Point: 400 Degrees
Benefits: With a high smoke point and neutral flavor, canola oil is excellent for frying chicken wings. Canola oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making it a healthier option compared to other oils.
Avocado Oil
Smoke Point: 520 Degrees
Benefits: Avocado oil has the highest smoke point among the oils listed here, making it suitable for frying at high temperatures. Although it imparts a mild avocado flavor, it works well for fried desserts and can still be used for frying chicken wings if you don’t mind the subtle taste. However, note that avocado oil is more expensive than other options.
Sunflower Oil
Smoke Point: 440 Degrees
Benefits: Sunflower oil is another neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, making it a good option for frying chicken wings. It is also rich in vitamin E and monounsaturated fats, which can benefit heart health. However, it is worth noting that sunflower oil is not as widely available as other options.
Corn Oil
Smoke Point: 450 Degrees
Benefits: Corn oil is an affordable and readily available option for frying chicken wings. With a high smoke point and neutral flavor, it’s suitable for achieving crispy wings without altering their taste. However, corn oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which may contribute to inflammation if consumed in large amounts.
Coconut Oil
Smoke Point: 450 Degrees
Benefits: Coconut oil contains lauric acid and healthy fats, making it a healthier option for deep-frying compared to other oils. It is also odorless and flavorless, ensuring that your chicken wings maintain their delicious taste. Keep in mind that coconut oil solidifies at room temperature, so you’ll need to melt it before use.
Olive Oil
Smoke Point: 410 Degrees (Extra Light)
Benefits: Extra light olive oil has a high smoke point and mild flavor, making it suitable for frying chicken wings. It is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, contributing to its reputation as a heart-healthy oil. However, extra light olive oil can be more expensive than other options.
Preparation and Coating Tips for Making Irresistibly Crispy Wings
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect oil for frying your chicken wings, here are some tips to help you achieve optimal crispiness:
Selecting and Seasoning the Wings
Choose fresh, high-quality chicken wings and pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning. Season your wings generously with your preferred spices or marinade, ensuring even coverage. Allow the wings to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
Coating the Wings
For extra crispy wings, coat them in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings before frying. The cornstarch helps create a light, crispy texture while the flour adds structure. You can also use breadcrumbs or panko for a different type of crunch.
Baking or Air Frying to Achieve Optimal Crispiness
If you prefer to avoid deep-frying, you can still achieve crispy wings by baking or air frying. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) and bake the wings for 45-50 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, use an air fryer to cook your wings at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Which oil is best for frying chicken wings?
The best oils for frying chicken wings are those with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil, canola oil, avocado oil, and sunflower oil.
Can you fry wings in vegetable oil?
Yes, you can fry wings in vegetable oil, as it has a high smoke point and works well for frying at temperatures between 350-375°F.
What oil does KFC use?
KFC switched to low-linolenic soybean oil in 2006. They formerly used vegetable oil for frying, including soybean oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil, and still use some other oils for different tasks (it’s Chik-Fil-A that is a stickler to only peanut oil).
What is the best oil to fry with?
The best oil to fry with is one that has a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, as these oils can handle the high temperatures required for frying.
Final Thoughts
The best frying oil for chicken wings should have a high smoke point, neutral flavor, and be affordable. Some of the top oils for frying wings include peanut oil, canola oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, coconut oil, and extra light olive oil.
When choosing a frying oil, consider its smoke point, flavor, and price. A high smoke point ensures that the oil remains stable at high temperatures, while a neutral flavor prevents altering the taste of the fried wings. Additionally, since deep-frying requires a significant amount of oil, it’s wise to consider the cost of the oil you’ll be using.
To achieve irresistibly crispy wings, select fresh, high-quality chicken wings, season them generously, and allow them to marinate before frying. For extra crispiness, coat the wings in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. Alternatively, try baking or air frying your wings for a healthier option.