These crispy Traeger wings are a game-changer! Smoked to golden perfection, they’re packed with delicious flavor and have the perfect crunch. Who could resist?
Trust me, once you try these wings, they’ll become your favorite snack for any game night or gathering. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy every bite! 🍗🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: I recommend using fresh chicken wings for the best flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can also use chicken drumsticks or thighs.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a nice richness. For a different flavor, you could substitute with avocado oil or even melted butter.
Smoked Paprika: This gives the wings a smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika plus a dash of cumin can work in a pinch.
Cayenne Pepper: This adds some heat. Feel free to adjust it based on your heat preference or replace it with chili powder for a milder flavor.
Barbecue Sauce: If you’re not a fan of barbecue flavor, you could toss the wings in a buffalo sauce or leave them plain with a sprinkle of lime juice afterward.
How Do I Ensure My Wings Are Crispy?
Getting crispy wings involves two key steps. First, it’s essential to properly season and apply the spice mixture. Then, a quick high-heat finish locks in the crispiness.
- Coat the wings with olive oil before seasoning. This helps the spices stick and promotes even browning.
- After smoking at 225°F, crank the grill up to 400°F. This hot blast will crisp up the skin.
- Turn your wings occasionally during this last stage for even crispness.
How to Make Crispy Traeger Wings – The Best Smoked Chicken Wings!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Wings:
- 3 lbs chicken wings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (optional for tossing before serving)
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 1.5 to 2 hours of cooking time. If you want extra crispy wings, add another 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Total time is around 2-2.5 hours from start to finish. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your Traeger grill to 225°F (107°C). This low and slow method helps the wings get that nice smoky flavor.
2. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
In a large bowl, add the chicken wings and drizzle the olive oil over them. Toss the wings with your hands or a spoon until they are well coated with the oil. This helps the spices stick and keeps the wings juicy.
3. Mix the Spices:
In a separate bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give the wings their delicious flavor—feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper for your preferred heat level!
4. Season the Wings:
Now it’s time to rub the spice mixture over the chicken wings. Sprinkle the spices all over them and make sure each wing is evenly coated. This will create a tasty crust as they cook!
5. Smoke the Wings:
Place the seasoned wings on the grill grates in a single layer. You don’t want them overlapping too much, or they won’t cook evenly. Smoke the wings for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Make Them Crispy (Optional):
If you like your wings extra crispy, increase the grill temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Remember to turn the wings occasionally to make sure they crisp up evenly!
7. Toss with Sauce (Optional):
If you want to add some barbecue flavor, toss the wings in barbecue sauce just before serving. This step is optional, but it adds an extra layer of yum!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate your crispy smoked wings and serve them with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the wings adds a delightful tang. Enjoy your tasty creation with friends and family!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw frozen wings overnight in the fridge or use the quick method by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging in cold water for about 1-2 hours. Pat them dry before seasoning to get that crispy texture!
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, feel free to use melted butter, canola oil, or avocado oil instead. Each of these options will help the spice blend adhere to the wings while adding a delicious flavor!
How to Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain their crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes! To control the heat, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your taste. You can totally leave it out for mild wings, or add more for an extra kick. Feel free to experiment with other spices, like chili powder or even a bit of hot sauce in the marinade!
