Go Back

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Irresistibly flavorful and perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that anyone can make effortlessly.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs Chicken Wings Fresh or thawed
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch Essential for crispy texture
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced) Can use garlic powder if pressed for time
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt Adjust based on preference; kosher salt works well
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly cracked for better flavor
  • 1 teaspoon White Pepper (optional) Adds another layer of flavor
  • 2 each Green Onions (finely sliced) For garnish; scallions work too
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil or Canola Oil Canola for neutral taste; olive oil for heartier flavor
  • to taste Red Chili Flakes (optional) For additional heat

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to ensure moisture-free wings for maximum crispiness.
  2. Toss wings with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the cornstarch until well coated.
Cooking
  1. Frying: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the wings in batches for about 8 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
  2. Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange wings on a lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  3. Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and air fry for an additional 8-10 minutes, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer.
Flavor Boost and Serving
  1. In a clean pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until golden. Add cooked wings, sprinkle with remaining salt, black pepper, and optional white pepper. Toss well and add green onions.
  2. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with extra green onions and chili flakes if desired. Serve hot and crispy.

Notes

Make sure wings are completely dry before coating to avoid sogginess. To enhance flavor, consider marinating wings in a mix of spices. Experiment with different dipping sauces.