There are many ways to prepare chicken wings, but two of the most popular methods are to bake or fry them.
So what are the differences between baked chicken wings and the fried version and what is the best way to cook these juicy wings? Let’s find the answer after reading this article.
What are baked chicken wings?
Baked chicken wings are a healthier alternative to fried chicken wings.
They are baked instead of deep-fried in oil, making them less greasy and fattening than traditional fried chicken.
The recipe can call for the whole wings which consist of the drumette, wingette, and the wing tip; or only either the chicken drumette or chicken flat (wingette).
Chicken wings can be simply marinated with different kinds of spices or sauces and baked in the oven, or you can coat them in a batter before cooking.
Although there is not much meat in the chicken wings like in other cuts like breasts or thighs, chicken wing meat is juicy and relatively flavorful.
Baked chicken wings can be served with numerous side dishes, such as rice, steamed or baked vegetables, mashed potatoes, or salads.
What are fried chicken wings?
Fried chicken wings are a type of food that is popular in many parts of the world.
In America, they are usually served as an appetizer at restaurants and bars before other main dishes.
Fried chicken wings consist of bone-in skin-on chicken wings that are typically coated with or without a flour mix or breading before being fried in oil to produce their crispy exterior.
One of the most popular fried chicken wing dishes in the United States is buffalo wings, in which the fried chicken wings are coated in a vinegar-based spicy sauce served with melted butter on the side as a dipping sauce.
What are the differences between baked chicken wings vs fried chicken wings?
Baked chicken wings and fried chicken wings are two popular delicacies in any part of the world.
They might look and taste the same, but there are actually numerous differences between baked chicken wings and the fried counterpart:
| Baked chicken wings | Fried chicken wings | |
| Ingredients | Chicken wings are usually marinated with spices only | Chicken wings are usually marinated then coated in a batter before being fried |
| Cooking method | Baked in the oven | Seasoned chicken (can be coated in a batter or not) will be fried in a pressure fryer |
| Cooking time | Longer because the chicken wings are cooked by dry heat slowly until they are crispy outside and juicy inside | Usually shorter because the direct heat from hot oil will cook the chicken wings faster |
| Fat content | Less fat because there is no oil added and the fat from the chicken is rendered while baking | Fattier and greasier |
What are the similarities between baked chicken wings vs fried chicken wings?
There are also numerous similarities between the baked and fried versions of chicken wings, as listed below:
1. Baked chicken wings and fried chicken wings have a similar taste and appearance
Basically, with a glance, baked chicken wings and fried chicken wings look the same with a golden and crispy crust.
However, if you give it a closer look, baked chicken wings seem to be drier and smaller whereas fried chicken wings are more glowy and greasy.
They also share the same taste, which is crunchy, juicy, and very flavorful which varies depending on the spices and sauces you used to marinate and season the dish.
2. Baked chicken wings and fried chicken wings are served the same way
Another similarity between baked chicken wings and fried chicken wings is that they can be served the same way, as a snack, or the main dish.
You can use these dishes interchangeably because the result is expected to be the same, only the cooking method is different.
Chicken wings will be best to enjoy with some French fries, mashed potatoes, a cup of soft drinks, or a bowl of salads like coleslaw.
3. Baked chicken wings and fried chicken wings are popular worldwide
Chicken wings are inexpensive and easy to handle.
They usually don’t require any further steps to prepare like debone or skin removal.
Which one is better?
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After reading this article, you should have a clear understanding of the differences and similarities between chicken wings after being baked or fried.
Both types of cooking methods result in crispy and juicy chicken wings that will satisfy any taste bud.
It will be best to coat or dip the cooked chicken wings in some kind of your favorite sauce, creamy or spicy so that the dish will be even tastier and look appealing.
Keep in mind that baking is always considered a healthier option than deep-fried food.
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