Top 10 Ways to Make Chicken Wings: From Game Day Classics to Gourmet Twists
Few foods bring people together quite like chicken wings. Whether it’s game day, a backyard BBQ, or just a late-night craving, wings always deliver. But with so many cooking methods and flavor possibilities, how do you know the best ways to prepare them? We’ve ranked the Top 10 ways to make chicken wings, from traditional favorites to trendy upgrades.
10. Slow Cooker Wings
If convenience is king, the slow cooker takes the crown. Toss your wings in sauce, set on low for a few hours, and you’ll end up with tender, fall-off-the-bone wings. Not the crispiest method, but perfect for effortless entertaining.
9. Oven-Baked Wings
For a healthier option, oven-baked wings give you that crispy texture without the deep fryer. A light coat of oil and baking powder helps the skin crisp, while high heat (around 425°F) locks in flavor.
8. Honey Garlic Wings
Sticky, sweet, and savory — honey garlic wings are always a crowd-pleaser. These can be baked or fried, but the key is the glaze: a golden mix of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of ginger.
7. Buffalo-Style Wings
The OG of American wings. Tossed in a buttery hot sauce, these fiery bites pair perfectly with celery, carrots, and plenty of ranch or blue cheese. Fried is classic, but air-fried or baked versions can still deliver the punch.
6. Air Fryer Wings
The air fryer has changed the wing game. No oil bath needed — just crisp, golden skin and juicy meat in about 20 minutes. Plus, it’s one of the easiest cleanup options.
5. Korean-Style Fried Wings (Yangnyeom Chicken)
Double-fried for extra crunch, then glazed in a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce with gochujang (Korean chili paste), garlic, and soy. These wings are addictive and bring an international flair to your spread.
4. BBQ-Grilled Wings
Nothing beats smoky, char-grilled flavor. Toss wings in dry rub, grill over medium-high heat, then finish with your favorite BBQ sauce. Perfect for summer cookouts and backyard parties.
3. Garlic Parmesan Wings
No sauce needed — just buttery garlic coating, fresh Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of parsley. These wings are rich, indulgent, and always disappear fast at parties.
2. Lemon Pepper Wings
Tangy, zesty, and peppery, these wings exploded in popularity thanks to Southern wing joints (and a few hip-hop shoutouts). Best baked or fried, then tossed in a buttery lemon pepper seasoning.
1. Classic Deep-Fried Wings
The undisputed champion. Crispy skin, juicy meat, and the perfect base for any sauce or rub. Deep-fried wings are the gold standard — whether you drench them in Buffalo sauce, coat them in BBQ, or eat them plain with just a dusting of salt.
Final Thoughts
From sticky honey garlic to spicy Buffalo, each of these methods has its place. But if you’re looking for flavor, crunch, and versatility, nothing quite beats the deep fryer. That said, healthier methods like air frying and oven-baking prove you don’t need gallons of oil to enjoy incredible wings.
So next time you’re craving wings, try climbing this list — you just might find your new #1.