First, gather all your ingredients and equipment. You will need a large mixing bowl for the spices and another for the egg mixture. This preparation will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
In a small bowl, combine all the spice ingredients: paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, lemon pepper, and poultry seasoning. Mix well until evenly combined. The aroma will be irresistible!
Take your cleaned and cut chicken wings and place them in a large baking dish. Sprinkle the spice rub all over the wings, ensuring every piece is coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for letting the flavors meld.
While the wings marinate, prepare your frying station. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and hot sauce until well combined. This mixture will create a flavorful binding for the wings.
Next, take another shallow dish and place the flour and salt. Stir to combine. This is where your wings will get their crispy coating.
Now it’s time to heat the oil. Pour about 1 and 1/2 inches of vegetable oil into a Dutch oven. Heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a deep-frying thermometer to ensure accuracy; this is key to achieving that perfect crisp.
Once the oil is hot, dip each wing first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then, coat each wing thoroughly in the flour mixture, making sure they're fully covered. Tap them gently to remove any excess flour.
Carefully lower half of the wings into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the wings for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs. Look for a golden-brown color that indicates they are done.
When they are perfectly crispy, use tongs to remove the wings and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Repeat the frying process with the remaining wings. Once all are done, serve them hot with Ranch or Blue Cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your homemade Spicy Fried Chicken Wings!