I didn’t think I liked wings for a loooong time, but these Whole30 Crispy Chicken Wings just might win you over! They were created them kind of on accident. I was shocked when my son took a bite from across the room and I could HEAR how crispy it was! Like, what?!
Why We Love These Whole30 Crispy Chicken Wings
First, these wings are Whole30, Paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, egg-free, and grain-free. An awesome dinner or appetizer option for the entire crowd!
Second, they only use 5 ingredients! A great simple recipe with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Third, they can be made in the air fryer or on the stove. The stove in shallow oil will provide the crispiest results. But, there are air fryer instructions as well.
Fourth, did I mention they are CRISPY?! I love that they have such a fantastic crispy outside. And, you can get it without a lot of laborious breading steps.
Also, they are budget-friendly! These use ingredients that can all be found at my local Walmart and wings are often a more affordable cut of meat.
Finally, they are delicious with a variety of sauces. Dip or toss your Whole30 Crispy Chicken Wings with buffalo sauce or bbq sauce. My boys loved them dipped in my Copycat Raising Canes Sauce.
Ingredients
- Chicken wings – I use a party mix of drummettes and flats. “Party” wings means that the wings are already split into drummettes and flats, with the tip discarded. If you can’t find that, you can always buy whole wings and cut them with sharp kitchen shears. This blog post shares how to do that.
- Potato or Arrowroot Starch or Flour – Either of these white, finely powdered flours will help give the potatoes crispiness. I get my potato or arrowroot starch in the bulk bins at Winco, but you can also find them on Amazon (potato starch or arrowroot starch). Cassava flour will work as well! Don’t need Whole30/Paleo? Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour. Don’t need gluten-free? Yes, you can use traditional white flour here.
- Salt + Pepper – Just basic table salt and ground black pepper here.
- Garlic power or granulated garlic – I get most of my spices in bulk from Sam’s Club or the Winco bulk bins to get the best deal.
- Oil (if cooking on the stove) – You will need to use a high-heat oil to cook these on the stove. I prefer coconut oil, which I buy in bulk from Sam’s Club. But, avocado oil will work as well.
How to Make Whole30 Crispy Chicken Wings
- First, blot the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. This will help the breading stick better.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the spices, starch/flour, and water to create a slurry.
- STOVE: Heat 1/4″ of oil to medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, dip both sides of each chicken wing in the slurry and add to pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan – you will need to cook these in more than one batch. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until both sides are golden brown. Remove from pan to a plate or dish lined with a paper towel or parchment paper.
- AIR FRYER – Generously spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Dip both sides of each chicken wing in the slurry and add to basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket – you will probably need to cook these in more than one batch. Air fry at 375 for about 6 minutes on each side, or until both sides are golden brown.
- Serve hot. If desired, toss with a buffalo or bbq sauce of choice. Or, my boys love them dipped in my Copycat Raising Canes Sauce.
What to Serve These With
- You can make it Wing Stop style and serve it with a side of fries such as (all of these are Whole30/Paleo):
- Toss or dip them in a fun sauce such as (all of these are Whole30/Paleo):
- But, don’t forget your greens! Here are my favorite veggie sides (all of these are Whole30/Paleo):
Crispy Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings can use up to 3 pounds
- 3/4 cup arrowroot or potato starch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 cup coconut oil or avocado oil, optional if cooking on the stove
Instructions
- First, blot the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. This will help the breading stick better.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the spices, starch/flour, and water to create a slurry.
- STOVE: Heat 1/4" of oil to medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, dip both sides of each chicken wing in the slurry and add to pan. Don't overcrowd the pan - you will need to cook these in more than one batch. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until both sides are golden brown. Remove from pan to a plate or dish lined with a paper towel or parchment paper.
- AIR FRYER - Generously spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Dip both sides of each chicken wing in the slurry and add to basket in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the basket - you will probably need to cook these in more than one batch. Air fry at 375 for about 6 minutes on each side, or until both sides are golden brown. If wings stick to your basket, next time line basket with parchment paper. BUT, keep in mind parchment paper is flammable, must be trimmed to fit to not be against heating elements, and not intended for over 450 degrees.
- Serve hot. If desired, toss with a buffalo or bbq sauce of choice. Or, my boys love them dipped in my Copycat Raising Canes Sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
I’m not a fan of arrowroot or potato starch in cooking. Will tapioca starch work?
Tapioca isn’t great in sauces, as it results in a “tacky” texture. I haven’t specifically tried tapioca in this one, but since it’s a breading, it should work! If the result is gummy at all, that’s why. LMK if you try it!
Can these be baked in the oven?
Good question. Because they are battered, I don’t know if they would work in the oven, as they are quite drippy before cooking. I recommend you try my Salt and Pepper wings that can be made in the oven and are delicious!
This is such an easy recipe to follow, you really can’t mess it up – you get perfect wings every time! I sometimes add a paleo seasoning in as well (bbq, buffalo, citrus herb are top faves). They truly always hit the spot!!
Ooo, I love the seasoning add-in ideas, thanks for sharing! So happy these are such a hit in your home!
This recipe I amazing! We make these so much because they come out crispy and not greasy! And it’s whole30! Love this recipe.
YAY! I’m so happy you found them crispy as promised and delicious. So great these fit into so many dietary needs, including Whole30. Thank you for the review!