Ingredients:

– 2 pounds chicken wings, trimmed and separated into drumettes and flats

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1 tablespoon paprika

– 1 tablespoon garlic powder

– 1 tablespoon onion powder

– 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

– 1 tablespoon salt

– 1 teaspoon black pepper

– Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken wings: Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.

2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to blend all the spices.

3. Dredge the chicken wings: Place each chicken wing into the flour mixture and toss until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour and set aside on a wire rack or plate. Allow the coated chicken wings to rest for about 10 minutes so that the flour sticks well to the wings.

4. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, pour in enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of about two inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of about 350°F (175°C).

5. Fry the chicken wings: Carefully lower each coated chicken wing into the hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Avoid crowding the pan as this will lower the temperature of the oil and may cause sticking. Cook in batches if necessary.

6. Fry until golden brown and crispy – this should take about 8 to 12 minutes per batch, depending on the size of your wings. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to turn occasionally for even cooking.

7. Drain and serve: Once cooked, use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the fried chicken wings from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain any excess oil.

8. Let the wings rest for a few minutes before serving with your choice of dipping sauce, such as blue cheese or ranch dressing, and enjoy!

Pro tip: To ensure even crispiness, you can use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken wings, which should reach 165°F (74°C) when they are fully cooked.