It’s no secret that chicken wings are one of the most popular foods in America. And while they can be cooked in a variety of ways, smoked chicken wings are definitely a favorite.
If you’re looking to make your own smoked chicken wings at home, you’re in luck. With an electric smoker. It’s easy to get that perfect smoked flavor.
In this article on how to make smoked chicken wings electric smoker, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. So whether you’re a smoked chicken wing fan or just looking to try something new, read on!
You can also check our articles on How to Smoke Baby Back Ribs in Electric Smoker, How to Make Electric Smoker Pulled Pork, How to Smoke a Turkey Breast in Electric Smoker, How to Use an Electric Smoker, Best Electric Smoker Recipes, and How to Smoke a Pork Butt in an Electric Smoker.
The Keys to Smoking Chicken Wings
In order to get the best results, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when smoking chicken wings.
1. First, it’s important to choose the right type of wood. For chicken, we recommend using hickory or apple wood.
2. Temperate is also key. You’ll want to smoke chicken wings at a temperature between 250-275 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Time is another factor. Chicken wings should be smoked for about 2 hours or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you don’t over-smoke the wings, as this can make them tough.
Now that you know the basics, let’s get started!
Step by Step Guide to Make Smoked Chicken Wings
Now that you know the keys to smoking chicken wings, let’s get started.
Choosing the Best Chicken Wings
When it comes to choosing the best chicken wings, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, consider the size of the chicken wing. Smaller wings will be more tender, while larger wings will have more meat.
Second, think about the skin. Chicken wings with skin that is crispy and well-rendered will be more flavorful and enjoyable to eat.
Finally, choose chicken wings that have been frozen. Frozen chicken wings will have a moister and a more tender texture.
It is recommended to buy whole chicken wings and then cut them into sections yourself. This way, you can control the size and quality of the chicken wings.
Thawing the Chicken Wings
Once you’ve selected the perfect chicken wings, it’s time to thaw them. Chicken wings should be thawed in the refrigerator, and they will take about 24 hours to thaw completely.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw chicken wings using the cold water method. To do this, simply place the chicken wings in a resealable bag and submerge them in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes, and the chicken wings will be thawed in about two hours.
Preparing the Chicken
For this recipe, we recommend using fresh chicken wings that are about 2-3 pounds.
The next step is to prepare the chicken wings. Start by trimming off any excess fat. Then, give the chicken wings a good rinse under cold water.
Once the chicken wings are trimmed and rinsed, it’s time to season them.
Apply Rub
For this recipe, we will be using a simple rub. In a small bowl, mix together the following ingredients:
-1 tablespoon paprika
-1 tablespoon garlic powder
-1 tablespoon onion powder
-1 teaspoon black pepper
-1 teaspoon cumin
-1/2 teaspoon salt
Once the rub is mixed together, generously apply it to the chicken wings. Make sure that the rub is evenly distributed on all of the chicken wings.
Set the chicken wings aside for now, and let’s move on to preparing the smoker. You can keep it for atleast 30 mins so that the flavors can seep in.
Preparing the Smoker
Now it’s time to get the smoker ready. Start by soaking your wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes. While the wood chips are soaking, Preheat your smoker to 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the smoker is preheated, it’s time to add the wood chips. We recommend using about 1 cup of wood chips for this recipe.
There will be a tray for the wood chips in the electrical smoker. You can place the wood chips directly on this tray.
Adding the Chicken Wings to the Smoker
Now it’s time to add the chicken wings to the smoker. We recommend using a wire rack to help the chicken wings cook evenly.
Place the chicken wings on the wire rack, and make sure that they are not touching each other. Once all of the chicken wings are in the smoker, close the lid and let them cook.
Checking the Chicken Wings
After the chicken wings have been cooking for about one hour, it’s time to check on them.
Open the smoker, and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken wings. They should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the chicken wings are not yet cooked through, close the smoker and let them cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Resting the Chicken Wings
Once the chicken wings are cooked through, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making them even more tender and delicious.
After the chicken wings have rested, it’s time to serve them!
How Long to Smoke Chicken Wings in Electric Smoker?
The amount of time you need to smoke chicken wings in an electric smoker will depend on a few different factors, such as the size of the wings, the temperature of the smoker, and the type of wood chips you are using.
The bigger the wings, the longer they will need to be smoked. You can smoke chicken wings at a temperature of between 250-275 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will generally be between 1-2 hours.
If you are using hickory wood chips, you will need to smoke the chicken wings for a longer period of time in order to get the full flavor. But make sure not to smoke them for too long, or the meat will become dry and tough.
What to Serve with Smoked Chicken Wings?
Smoked chicken wings are a delicious and easy-to-prepare appetizer or main course. However, knowing what to serve with them can be a challenge.
A simple green salad is always a good option, but for something heartier, you could try serving them with roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries.
Another great option is to pair them with a flavorful dipping sauce such as BBQ sauce, blue cheese dressing, or honey mustard.
For a truly indulgent meal, serve them with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and crispy coleslaw.
When to Add the Barbecue Sauce to your Smoked Chicken Wings?
You can add barbecue sauce to your chicken wings before or after smoking them. If you choose to sauce them before smoking, make sure to use a light coat of sauce. You don’t want to overload the chicken wings with sauce, or else the flavor will be too overwhelming.
If you prefer to sauce the chicken wings after they have been smoked, you can do that as well. Simply brush the chicken wings with your favorite barbecue sauce, and let the sauce caramelize on the smoker for a few minutes. This will give the chicken wings a nice, crispy coating.
Brush NOT Toss
When adding barbecue sauce to your chicken wings, be sure to brush the sauce on rather than tossing the wings in the sauce. This will help prevent the chicken wings from sticking together, and it will also help ensure that the sauce evenly coats each wing.
Add as much or as little sauce as you like. Some people prefer their chicken wings to be lightly coated in sauce, while others like them to be dripping in it. It’s all up to you!
What Type of Wood Chips to Use when Smoking Chicken Wings?
The type of wood chips you use when smoking chicken wings will have a big impact on the flavor of the final product.
There are a variety of wood chips available on the market, so it is important to choose the right kind for your specific needs.
Some of the most popular types of wood chips for smoking chicken wings include hickory, maple, and mesquite. Each type of wood chip imparts a different flavor to the meat, so it is important to experiment to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
In general, hickory wood chips are the most popular for smoking chicken wings. They impart a strong, smoky flavor that is perfect for this type of meat.
Maple wood chips are a good choice if you want a sweeter flavor. They will also add a slight maple flavor to the meat.
Mesquite wood chips are perfect for those who want a more intense smoky flavor. They can also add a bit of a spicy kick to the final product.
To Soak or Not to Soak?
Another important consideration when smoking chicken wings is whether or not to soak the wood chips before using them.
Soaking the wood chips will help to prevent them from burning up too quickly, which can cause a bitter flavor. It is important to soak the wood chips for at least 30 minutes before using them.
If you do not have time to soak the wood chips, you can also wrap them in foil before adding them to the smoker. This will help to protect them from the direct heat and prevent them from burning up too quickly.
What to Use to Soak the Wood Chips?
The best way to soak wood chips is in water. This will help to keep them from floating to the top and also help to prevent them from drying out.
You can also soak the wood chips in a variety of other liquids, such as beer, wine, or apple juice. This can help to add additional flavor to the final product.
Once you have soaked the wood chips, it is important to drain them before adding them to the smoker. This will help to prevent the fire from being extinguished by the wet wood chips.
How to Soak the Wood Chips?
Fill a large bowl or bucket with water and add the wood chips. Allow the wood chips to soak for at least 30 minutes. Once the wood chips have finished soaking, drain them and add them to the smoker.
How Much Wood Chips to Smoke Chicken Wings?
The amount of wood chips you use when smoking chicken wings will depend on the size of the smoker and the amount of time you plan on smoking the meat.
In general, you will want to use about 1-2 cups of wood chips for every hour of smoking. This will ensure that the wood chips have time to flavor the meat without burning up too quickly.
If you are using a small smoker, you may need to add more wood chips every hour or so to maintain a consistent flavor.
It is also important to remember that the type of wood chips you use will have an impact on the flavor of the final product. If you are using a strong-flavored wood chip, such as mesquite, you may want to use less of it to prevent the flavor from becoming overwhelming.
Expert Tips for Smoking Chicken Wings
1. Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to smoke the chicken wings. It’s best to start smoking them early in the day, so they have plenty of time to cook slowly and develop flavor.
2. Season the chicken wings generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices or rubs if desired. Marinating the wings overnight in a flavorful brine is also an option.
3. Wood chips or pellets are necessary for smoking chicken wings. Choose a wood that compliments the flavor of the meat and desired final result. Hickory, mesquite, and apple are all good choices.
4. Place the chicken wings in the smoker and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most chicken wings will take 1-2 hours to cook through.
5. Baste the chicken wings periodically with your favorite barbecue sauce or other liquid during the smoking process. This will help to keep them moist and add flavor. You can use a spray bottle for easy basting.
6. Remove the chicken wings from the smoker when they are cooked through. You can test this by inserting a skewer or toothpick into the thickest part of the meat; if it comes out easily, they’re done.
7. Let the chicken wings rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making them even more flavorful and juicy.
Smoked Chicken Wings Electric Smoker Recipe
Sweet and Spicy Smoked Chicken Wings with Yogurt Dipping Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken wings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
For the yogurt dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your electric smoker to 225 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken wings.
4. Drizzle the wings with oil and place them on the smoker racks.
5. Smoke the chicken wings for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until cooked through.
6. While the chicken wings are smoking, make the yogurt dipping sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
7. Serve the chicken wings with the yogurt dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Smoked Chicken Wings Electric Smoker FAQs
How to make the skin crispy?
The secret to crispy skin is all in the preparation. Make sure the chicken wings are completely dry before Rubbing them with the spice mixture. This will help the spices to stick and also create a barrier between the skin and the smoker racks.
Cook the chicken wings at a high temperature. A good rule of thumb is to cook them at least 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to render out the fat and create crisp, delicious skin.
You can brush the chicken wings with oil before cooking. This will also help to create a crispy skin.
Do you flip wings when smoking?
There’s no right or wrong answer to this question; it’s simply a matter of personal preference. Some people like to flip their chicken wings when smoking them, while others find that this step isn’t necessary.
If you do choose to flip your wings, there are a couple of different methods you can use. One way is to simply turn them over halfway through the smoking process. This ensures that both sides of the wings get an equal amount of smoke flavor.
Another method is to place the wings on a rotisserie so that they self-baste as they cook. This also helps to evenly distribute the smoke flavor. Experiment until you find the method that works best for you.
How long does it take to smoke wings at 220?
At 220 degrees Fahrenheit, it will take approximately 2 hours to smoke chicken wings. This slow cooking process allows the smoke to penetrate the meat and infuse it with flavor.
How long does it take to smoke chicken wings at 225?
It will take one hour to smoke the chicken wings at 225 degrees and an extra 30 mins for a crispy skin.
How long does it take to smoke chicken wings at 250?
It will take approximately 45 minutes to smoke chicken wings at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This high cooking temperature will render out the fat and create crisp, delicious skin.
Conclusion
Smoked chicken wings are the perfect appetizer or main course. They’re easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you like them sweet or spicy, smoky or savory, there’s a recipe out there for you.
Just make sure to follow the tips in this article on how to make smoked chicken wings electric smoker to ensure that your wings turn out perfectly every time. So grab your electric smoker and get cooking!