Never Use Buttermilk To Fry Chicken!

Never Use Buttermilk To Fry Chicken! is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by BigEats on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 37 min

Cost: $12.68 total, $3.17 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Chicken Wings (fresh, skin on, tips removed if desired)
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt (for initial seasoning)
  • 2 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 cup Cornstarch (adds extra crispness)
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground preferred)
  • 1 cup Water (adjust to achieve a thick but pourable batter)
  • 2 qt Vegetable Oil (for deep frying; use a neutral oil with high smoke point)
  • 0.5 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce (or any preferred wing sauce)

Instructions

  1. Season the Wings

    Place the chicken wings in a large bowl, sprinkle 1 tsp kosher salt over them, and toss to coat. Let them sit for 2–3 minutes to draw out moisture.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Prepare Dry Coating

    In a separate bowl combine 2 cups all‑purpose flour, 1 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Make the Batter

    Transfer half of the dry mixture to a clean bowl. Gradually whisk in water until the mixture forms a thick, pancake‑like batter that can coat the wings without dripping excessively.

    Time: PT4M

  4. Coat the Wings

    Pat the seasoned wings dry again. Dip each wing into the batter, letting excess drip off, then roll it in the remaining dry coating mixture, ensuring an even layer.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Heat the Oil

    Fill the deep fryer or pot with vegetable oil to a depth of about 2‑3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  6. Fry the Wings

    Carefully lower a handful of coated wings into the hot oil using tongs. Fry for 5‑6 minutes, turning once, until the coating is deep golden‑brown and the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165°F (74°C).

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Drain and Sauce

    Remove the wings with tongs and place them on a wire rack or paper‑towel‑lined plate to drain excess oil. While still hot, toss the wings in ½ cup of Buffalo sauce (or your preferred sauce) until fully coated.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains soy (if soy‑based sauce is used), Not vegan, Not vegetarian

Allergens: Wheat (flour), Corn (cornstarch)

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Never Use Buttermilk To Fry Chicken!

Recipe by BigEats

A step‑by‑step guide to making ultra‑crunchy fried chicken wings without using buttermilk or eggs. The secret is a flour‑cornstarch batter mixed with water, seasoned with onion and garlic powder, then fried to golden perfection and tossed in your favorite wing sauce.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
17m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
42m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.68
Total cost
$3.17
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Pat the wings completely dry before battering.
  • Achieve the correct batter consistency (thick but pourable).
  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F throughout frying.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; keep children away from the stove.
  • Never leave the fryer unattended.
  • Use a thermometer to avoid overheating oil past its smoke point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of crispy fried chicken wings in American cuisine?

A

Fried chicken wings became a staple of American bar and sports‑night food after the 1964 invention of Buffalo sauce in Buffalo, New York. They are now synonymous with casual gatherings, game days, and pub menus across the United States.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fried chicken wings in American cuisine?

A

Besides the classic Buffalo style, the South offers honey‑glazed or Cajun‑spiced wings, while the West Coast favors soy‑ginger or Korean‑style sauces. Each region adds its own spice blend or glaze to the crispy base.

cultural
Q

How are crispy fried chicken wings traditionally served in the United States?

A

They are typically served hot, tossed in a sauce, and accompanied by celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of blue‑cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are chicken wings traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Wings are a go‑to snack for sports events, especially football games, as well as for casual parties, barbecues, and Super Bowl gatherings.

cultural
Q

How does this crispy fried chicken wing recipe fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?

A

The recipe emphasizes a crunchy exterior and bold seasoning, hallmarks of American comfort food that values texture, flavor, and ease of sharing among friends.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for crispy fried chicken wings versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditionally the coating uses all‑purpose flour and sometimes a buttermilk dip; this recipe swaps buttermilk for a water‑based batter and adds cornstarch for extra crunch. Substitutes like milk, beer batter, or tempura mix can be used, but the flour‑cornstarch combo is key to the unique texture.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with crispy fried chicken wings?

A

Serve them alongside loaded nachos, coleslaw, mac & cheese, or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness of the wings.

cultural
Q

What makes this crispy fried chicken wing recipe special or unique in American cuisine?

A

It eliminates the need for buttermilk or eggs, using a simple water‑based batter combined with cornstarch, which creates an ultra‑light, crunchy crust while keeping the process quick and affordable.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy fried chicken wings at home?

A

Common errors include not drying the wings, using a batter that’s too thin, and frying at the wrong oil temperature. Each of these leads to soggy or unevenly cooked wings.

technical
Q

How do I know when the crispy fried chicken wings are done cooking?

A

The coating should be deep golden‑brown and the internal temperature of the meat must reach 165°F (74°C). A quick dip of a wing into a thermometer will confirm doneness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel BigEats specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel BigEats focuses on bold, crowd‑pleasing recipes that emphasize flavor, texture, and practical home‑cooking techniques, often featuring American comfort foods and quick‑prep meals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel BigEats' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

BigEats prioritizes shortcuts that don’t sacrifice taste—like using a water‑based batter instead of traditional buttermilk—while still teaching the fundamentals of seasoning and proper frying technique, setting it apart from channels that rely on more time‑intensive methods.

channel

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