Crispy Wings and Oven-Baked Fries

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken wings and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Wash and peel the potatoes (if desired), then cut them into long, thin strips. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
4. In a large bowl, mix the vegetable oil with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the potato strips in the seasoned oil until evenly coated.
5. Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
6. While the fries bake, heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Ensure there’s enough oil to fully submerge the wings.
7. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Remove the wings from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off, and dredge each wing in the flour mixture until thoroughly coated.
8. Carefully place the wings in the hot oil, a few at a time, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer wings to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining wings.
9. Serve the crispy wings and oven-baked fries hot with your favorite dipping sauces, or enjoy them as they are.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating)
• Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours (including marinating)
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and nutritious twist.
• Use smoked paprika or cayenne pepper in the seasoning for an extra depth of flavor and mild heat.
• Bake the wings instead of frying: place coated wings on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces like honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or garlic aioli for variety.

Serving Suggestions