General Stuff
Cooked Temp: 165°F
Variations:
- Dry Rubs (BBQ, NC Rub & Sauce)
- Sauces (Buffalo, BBQ, Honey Mustard)
Prep work: If wings are purchased whole separate them into sections (flats, drums, tips) by running a knife between the joints. If recipe involves a dry rub you will want to pat wings dry and fully coat wings in dry rub. If using a wet sauce you can cook wings then toss in sauce to finish.
Secret: Crispy wings can be achieved by adding 1 Tbsp baking powder to your dry rub or toss plain wings to lightly coat. *Check recipe to make sure this is not already included.
Smoker
There are two distinct methods that people use when smoking wings. Both will result in good flavor but the lower temp and longer cook will result in a stronger smoke flavor. Smoking can be done using direct or indirect heat* keep an eye on cook times as this will greatly change the time. For crispy skin transfer to a baking sheet with a wire rack and place under the stoves broiler for 3-5 mins per side.
High Temp
Preheat smoker to 300°F and get the smoke going. Prepare wings. Place the wings on the rack spaced apart to encourage airflow to fully develop the smoky flavor. Cook until temp is achieved (roughly 1 hour) *This method is good for your stronger woods (mesquite, hickory, etc).
Lower Temp
Preheat smoker to 225-250°F and get the smoke going. Prepare wings. Place the wings on the rack spaced apart to encourage airflow to fully develop the smoky flavor. Cook until temp is achieved (roughly 2 hour) *This method is good for your milder/fruit woods (Sugar Maple, Peach, etc).
Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 360°F. Prepare wings according to recipe. Cook wings for 24 mins (flipping halfway) or until internal temp of 165°F is reached.
Grill
Preheat grill to 300°F. Prepare wings according to recipe. Cook wings for 1 hour (rotating and flipping occasionally) or until internal temp of 165°F is reached using indirect heat*. For crispy skin transfer to a baking sheet with a wire rack and place under the stoves broiler for 3-5 mins per side.
Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare wings according to recipe. Cook wings for 1 hour (rotating and flipping every 20 mins) or until internal temp of 165°F is reached. For crispy skin transfer to a baking sheet with a wire rack and place under the stoves broiler for 3-5 mins per side.
*Indirect heat is achieved by lighting half the burners on a grill or pushing the charcoal to one side and using the grates on the other side. You will need to rotate wings to allow equal exposure to the heat and prevent undercooked areas.