Cook wings like a pro.
Cooking wings at home is fun and, if done right, can taste better than your favorite wing shack. These tried and true methods have been perfected over the years and will give you delicious wings from your own kitchen table. Grab some Blonde Beard's, grab some wings and let's do this.
Sauce vs. Rub
We like wings saucy and dusty. Whether it's swimming in Black Magic or grilled crunchy with The Rooster, both deliver award winning wings. All of these cooking methods can use our buffalo sauce, our dry rub, or a combination of both.
Fry
Frying is the old school method for cooking traditional buffalo wings. Don't be afraid to fry, grease can be your friend. This tried and true method will always produce the perfect crispy wing.
EQUIPMENT- Deep fat fryer or a deep pot (we use a turkey frier)
- Peanut or corn oil
- Oil thermometer
- Grilling tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Paper towels
INGREDIENTS- Sectioned wings: wing and drum are separated, sometimes called 'party wings.'
- Blonde Beard's Buffalo Sauce and/or The Rooster Dry Rub
HOW TO1. If time allows, soak wings in brine for 24 hours before cooking.
1. Thaw wings (if frozen) and pat dry with a paper towel. Never fry frozen wings.
2. For dry rub wings, coat in dry rub until almost no skin is showing.
3. Preheat oil to 375°- 390°. Don't let oil get above 400°.
4. Place wings carefully and slowly into oil. The oil will cool off to around 350°. Do not let it get below 300°.
5. Fry for 12 - 15 minutes at 350° until they are thoroughly cooked (at least 165°). It's better to be overdone than underdone, nobody likes a soggy wing.
6. Remove from fryer and drain on paper towels.
7. For saucy wings, place in a deep bowl and toss in sauce for a thick, even coat.
Bake
Baking wings can be just as tasty as frying. Be sure to set them on a rack and cook in a well ventilated kitchen. Takes a little more time, this is a great option without the oil.
EQUIPMENT- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Drying Rack
- Paper Towels
- Tongs
- Deep bowl
INGREDIENTS- Sectioned wings: wing and drum are separated, sometimes called 'party wings.'
- For saucy wings: Baking powder and Blonde Beard's Buffalo Sauce
- For dry rub wings: Blonde Beard's The Rooster Dry Rub
HOW TO1. If time allows, soak wings in brine for 24 hours before cooking.
2. Pat wings dry with paper towel. They should be as dry as possible.
3. Preheat oven to 425°.
4. For saucy wings, cover with thin layer of baking powder. For dry rub wings, cover in dry rub until almost no skin is showing.
5. Put a drying rack on a baking sheet. Place wings in a single layer on the drying rack.
6. Bake 45 - 60 minutes, flipping after 25 minutes. The wings are finished when they are thoroughly cooked (at least 165°) and the skin is crispy. They're better overdone than overdone, nobody likes a soggy wing.
7. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
8. For saucy wings, place in a deep bowl and toss in sauce for a thick, even coat.
Grill
Wings are perfect for those who are looking for something easy to throw on the grill. Sauce while grilling to give you a caramelized, saucy bark or use The Rooster Dry Rub to give you a barbecue style crunchy bark. Or you can do a combo, either way, you win.
EQUIPMENT- Grill
- Charcoal or gas
- Grilling tongs
- Paper Towels
- Deep bowl
INGREDIENTS- Sectioned or un-sectioned wings
- Blonde Beard's Buffalo Sauce and/or The Rooster Dry Rub
HOW TO1. If time allows, soak wings in brine for 24 hours before cooking.
2. Preheat grill to a medium-high heat, around 350° - 400°.
3. Pat wings dry with a paper towel. For dry rub wings, cover in rub until almost no skin is showing.
4. Grill over direct heat flipping every 5 - 10 minutes. For a saucy, caramelized bark, add sauce every time they're flipped. For a barbecue style bark, add more rub every time they are flipped.
5. Grill until wings are cooked through are at least 165°. The skin should be crispy and bite through. They're better overdone than overdone, nobody likes a soggy wing.
6. If you want them extra saucy, toss in a bowl of sauce for thick even coat.
Smoke
If you're craving barbecue, you have to try Blonde Beard's smoked wings. The subtle wood smoke adds a nice complexity that will leave you asking for a side of pickles and Wonder Bread. Serving with sauce is a personal preference, but the Rooster Dry Rub is a must have for these smoked wings.
EQUIPMENT- Smoker
- Lump charcoal (if using a charcoal smoker)
- Wood of choice, we prefer a mild to medium smoke, such as an oak or apple wood.
- Grilling tongs
- Paper Towels
- Deep bowl
INGREDIENTS- Sectioned or un-sectioned wings- Blonde Beard's The Rooster Dry Rub- Blonde Beard's Buffalo Sauce
HOW TO1. If time allows, soak wings in brine for 24 hours before cooking.
2. Preheat smoker to 225° - 250°.
3. Pat wings dry with a paper towel and coat with Blonde Beard's The Rooster Dry Rub.
4. Smoke over indirect heat. After 45 minutes on the smoker, add more rub and turn wings.
5. After smoking for 1.5 - 2 hours, remove wings and set aside. Increase the temp of the smoker to 375° - 400°.
6. Once the smoker is hot, put wings back on for a few minutes per side. This crisps the wings and ensures the skin is bite through. Make sure the wings are cooked thoroughly and are at least 165°. They're better overdone than overdone, nobody likes a soggy wing.
7. For saucy wings, place in a deep bowl and toss in sauce for a thick, even coat.
