Frying crispy chicken wings without flour might seem odd, but there are many ways to fry chicken wings without flour. If you have gluten allergies or simply don’t have flour available in your pantry, no problem at all! You can choose so many different ingredients that fulfill your “flour” needs! Keep reading to learn how to fry chicken wings without flour.
Why do we use flour to fry chicken wings?
When frying chicken wings, almost every recipe calls for all-purpose flour. It is usually an essential ingredient when making fried chicken wings. But the question is, why do we add flour when frying chicken wings? Does it add flavor to the wings as well?
Well, here are a few simple reasons why almost every fried chicken recipe has flour in it:
- The main reason for adding flour to any fried chicken wing recipe is that it allows the wings to achieve a beautiful and appetizing golden-brown color when fried. This color is a signature for fried chicken wings, and the credit goes to the use of all-purpose flour.
- Adding all-purpose flour ensures the chicken wings get a uniform brown color. Plus, it enables the wings to cook slowly, making them taste perfect.
- Although all-purpose flour doesn’t have much of a flavor of its own, it works really well as a base, and you can add flavor to this base by using spices and herbs.
Can you fry chicken wings without flour?
Because almost every recipe uses all-purpose flour to fry chicken wings, people often think it is impossible to get crispy, delicious, golden brown chicken wings without all-purpose flour. If you think the same, let me tell you it is totally possible to fry chicken wings without using flour.
In fact, you can achieve the same crisp and tempting brown color, just as you get when you use flour. You can use many ingredients as a substitute, and they will all give you great results. All you have to do is think outside the “flour” box!
Flour substitutes for frying chicken wings
Stop there if you are racking your brains to find the best all-purpose flour substitute. We have a few fantastic substitutes that are readily available in most households and are pretty easy to buy. These are:
- Cornstarch: The most widely used ingredient in place of all-purpose flour is cornstarch. It is not just a gluten-free choice but is also a great way to add an extra crispy coating to your chicken wings. Most people combine all-purpose flour and cornstarch to get the perfect crispiness, but if you don’t want to use all-purpose flour, just use cornstarch. You can make a slurry of it as well.
- Potato starch: Potato starch also works just like corn starch. It doesn’t have a flavor of its own, but it gives you the perfect crispy coating you crave. It is a gluten-free and a great vegan choice.
- Rice flour: Rice flour is yet another ingredient you can use to coat your chicken wings to get the right crisp and color. Rice flour is readily available at grocery stores, and you can also make it by finely grinding dry rice.
More Flour Substitutes
- Breadcrumbs: if you don’t want to use flour and still want crispiness, you can use breadcrumbs. Although breadcrumbs are in an entirely different league, they work well, especially when you don’t have flour on hand. It will give the crispiness you desire.
- Pancake mix: If you think pancake mix is for making pancakes only, think again! You can use it to fry chicken wings as well. Of course, the flavor will change a bit, but this ingredient is a contender and works well when you don’t have or want to use all-purpose flour.
- Chickpea flour: Chickpea flour, also known as gram flour, is a gluten-free ingredient. It is widely used in making savory dishes; therefore, you can also use it to make chicken wings. It works well when you use it as a batter. It has an earthy flavor and also has protein in it. Plus, it also has fewer calories than all-purpose flour.
How to fry chicken wings without flour
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 22 minutes
- Serving: 4
Ingredients
- 12 medium Chicken wings
- ½ cup Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Onion powder
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Paprika powder
- ½. Place them in a bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil on top and toss the wings so the olive oil coats them completely.
- Add brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika powder, cayenne pepper, white pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Sprinkle this spice mix over the chicken wings and mix them using your hands so that every wing is coated with the spice mix.
- In a shallow plate or bowl, add cornstarch. Season it with salt and black pepper.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Dip each marinated chicken wing in corn starch to get a cloud of dust on it. Now carefully add these wings to the hot oil. Repeat the process with all the wings.
- Fry the wings for 5 to 8 minutes or until they get golden.
- Serve with buffalo sauce, hot sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
How to fry chicken wings without flour
Ingredients
- 12 medium Chicken wings
- ½ cup Corn starch
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Onion powder
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Paprika powder
- ½ tsp Cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp White pepper
- Salt to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
Instructions
- Pat the chicken wings dry using a chicken towel. Place them in a bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil on top and toss the wings, so the olive oil coats them completely.
- Add brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika powder, cayenne pepper, white pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Sprinkle this spice mix over the chicken wings and mix them using your hands so that every wing is coated with the spice mix.
- In a shallow plate or bowl, add corn starch. Season it with salt and black pepper.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Dip each marinated chicken wing in corn starch to get a cloud of dust on it. Now carefully add these wings into the hot oil. Repeat the process with all the wings.
- Fry the wings for 5 to 8 minutes or until they get golden.
- Serve with buffalo sauce, hot sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Make Flourless Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
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Ready to get those chicken wings irresistibly crispy without a speck of flour? Your air fryer is about to become your best friend for whipping up a healthier yet deliciously crunchy batch of wings. Follow these expert tips to achieve golden brown perfection.
Choosing Quality Wings
First things first, snag yourself some fresh chicken wings. The better the quality, the tastier your wings will be. Look for plump, well-trimmed wings that don’t have any odd smells. Remember, fresh wings equal fresh flavor!
Marinating for Flavor
Let’s infuse those wings with taste! Create a marinade that’s bursting with flavors – think garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a bit of black pepper. You might even mix in some buttermilk or yogurt to tenderize the meat. Give your wings a good marinate for at least an hour or, better yet, overnight.
- Quick Marinade Recipe:
- 1 cup yogurt or buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tbsp honey
No-Flour Coating Alternatives
No flour? No problem! Toss those marinated wings in a mix of breadcrumbs, pancake mix, chickpea flour, or cornstarch. These ingredients give you a nice, crispy coating. Alternatively, a light dusting of baking powder (not baking soda!) can help you achieve that crispy texture you’re craving.
- Coating Mix Options:
- Breadcrumbs: For a classic crunch.
- Pancake Mix: Adds a slight sweetness.
- Chickpea Flour: A protein-packed swap.
- Cornstarch: For that crispy, blistered skin.
Ensuring Crispness
To turn those wings golden brown and crispy, you’ll need to do more than just heat ’em up. Spray them lightly with a coat of olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. This helps to brown the wings and crisp them up nicely. Set your air fryer to around 360°F and cook for about 20-25 minutes, giving them a shake halfway through. If you prefer an extra-crunchy exterior, go for a double fry method—cook once, rest for a few minutes, then fry again for ultimate crispiness.
Remember, whether you’re after a healthier alternative or just out of all-purpose flour, these tips will make sure your wings come out of the air fryer crispy and mouth-wateringly good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get ready to elevate your chicken wing game with these insider tips on nailing that crave-worthy crunch without a spec of flour in sight!
What’s the secret to getting extra crispy chicken wings without using flour?
Baking powder is your golden ticket! Toss your wings in a mix of baking powder and spices before baking. The baking powder reacts during cooking, creating a delectably crisp layer on your wings as they roast to perfection in the oven.
Can I achieve crunchy chicken wings using cornstarch instead of flour?
Absolutely! Swap out the flour for cornstarch in your coating. Cornstarch is a fine alternative that promises a shatteringly crispy crust when fried. Just coat your chicken wings lightly in cornstarch, and you’re on your way to a satisfying crunch.
What’s the best oil to use when frying chicken wings?
High-smoke point oils are your best friends for frying wings. Options like peanut, canola, or vegetable oil fit the bill perfectly. They can handle the heat without burning, ensuring your wings get evenly fried to crispy excellence.
