How do you make crispy salt and pepper chicken wings at home?

To make crispy salt and pepper chicken wings, start by marinating the wings with Shaoxing wine, garlic, and ginger for 15 to 20 minutes or longer for extra flavor. Then coat each wing evenly with potato starch or cornstarch, which helps create a crunchy crust. Shallow fry the wings in about 2 inches of hot neutral oil (like vegetable or peanut oil) until golden brown and cooked through. Finally, toss the fried wings with stir-fried garlic, chiles, and Szechuan pepper-salt seasoning just before serving.

Can I make salt and pepper chicken wings using an air fryer?

Yes, salt and pepper chicken wings can be prepared in an air fryer. After marinating and coating the wings with starch, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. This method reduces oil use and mess while still delivering a flavorful, crispy finish. Toss the cooked wings with stir-fried garlic, chiles, and seasoning as usual for authentic taste.

What ingredients are essential for authentic Chinese salt and pepper chicken wings?

Key ingredients for authentic Chinese salt and pepper chicken wings include chicken wings, Shaoxing wine (or substitutes like dry sherry or sake) for marinating, fresh ginger and garlic, potato starch or cornstarch to create the crispy coating, neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying, fresh red or green chiles (or bell peppers for milder flavor), ground white pepper, and Szechuan pepper-salt for seasoning. Optional garnishes like scallions add brightness to the dish.

Are there any tips for making salt and pepper chicken wings better?

For best results, marinate the chicken wings longer—up to overnight—to boost flavor. Use dark meat wings for juiciness and more tenderness. Potato or cornstarch coatings create a crispier crust than flour. Adjust chile types and amounts according to your heat preference; bell peppers work well for a milder option. Make sure your oil temperature stays consistent around 350°F to 375°F for even frying without sogginess or burning.

What are good side dishes or drinks to serve with salt and pepper chicken wings?

Salt and pepper chicken wings pair nicely with refreshing drinks like cold beer or iced green tea to balance the spiciness. For sides, consider steamed jasmine rice or fried rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. For finger food occasions, add other snack items like spring rolls or cucumber salad. Soups such as egg drop or hot and sour soup complement the wings well and help round out the dining experience.

Salt And Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe With Crispy Spices

Name: Salt And Pepper Chicken Wings
Prep time: PT-494391H27M39S
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: – ¾ cup Shaoxing wine or substitute with sake, dry sherry, dry white wine, or beer; – 1 tablespoon minced ginger; – 3 garlic cloves minced; – 1 teaspoon kosher salt; – 2 ½ pounds chicken wings (or boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks); – 1 cup potato starch or cornstarch as a substitute; – 2 to 3 cups neutral-flavored oil for frying (such as avocado, safflower, sunflower, peanut, corn, canola, or vegetable oil); – 4 to 6 chiles (serrano, red or green, or a combination) thinly sliced, or bell peppers for less heat; – 3 to 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced; – 1 tablespoon butter; – 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper or ground black pepper substitute; – ¼ to ½ teaspoon Szechuan pepper-salt or substitute with kosher salt and ground pepper; – Optional garnish: thinly sliced green onions or scallions

Ingredients

– ¾ cup Shaoxing wine or substitute with sake, dry sherry, dry white wine, or beer

– 1 tablespoon minced ginger

– 3 garlic cloves minced

– 1 teaspoon kosher salt

– 2 ½ pounds chicken wings (or boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks)

– 1 cup potato starch or cornstarch as a substitute

– 2 to 3 cups neutral-flavored oil for frying (such as avocado, safflower, sunflower, peanut, corn, canola, or vegetable oil)

– 4 to 6 chiles (serrano, red or green, or a combination) thinly sliced, or bell peppers for less heat

– 3 to 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced

– 1 tablespoon butter

– 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper or ground black pepper substitute

– ¼ to ½ teaspoon Szechuan pepper-salt or substitute with kosher salt and ground pepper

– Optional garnish: thinly sliced green onions or scallions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-First, mix ¾ cup Shaoxing wine (or a substitute), 1 tablespoon minced ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt in a large bowl. Add 2 ½ pounds of chicken wings and toss them to coat evenly. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.

2-Next, heat 2 to 3 cups of neutral-flavored oil in a large skillet or wok to about 350°F. After marinating, remove the chicken from the mix and coat each piece thoroughly with 1 cup potato starch or cornstarch. This step is crucial for that crispy finish everyone loves.

3-Then, fry the wings in batches about 5 to 7 pieces at a time to avoid crowding the pan. Cook for 5 minutes on one side until golden, flip, and cook another 5 minutes. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

4-Start with patting the wings dry after marinating for extra crispiness.

5-Heat your oil carefully and keep an eye on the temperature to prevent burning.

6-Fry in small batches for even cooking, as mentioned in the steps above.

7-In a separate pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and stir-fry 4 to 6 thinly sliced chiles and 3 to 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves for 1 to 2 minutes.

8-Finish by topping the fried wings with this mixture and sprinkling 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper and ¼ to ½ teaspoon Szechuan pepper-salt.

9-Serve right away for the best taste and texture.

Notes

⏰ Marinate chicken at least 15-20 minutes; overnight for best flavor.
💥 Use potato starch or cornstarch for crispier coating.
🔥 Keep oil hot and don’t overcrowd pan for optimal frying.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 20 minutes or longer
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Frying, Stir-frying
Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 641 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 930 mg
Fat: 39 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 39 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 29 g