Are you ready to take your game day snacking to the next level? Forget soggy, underwhelming wings – this pellet grill wings recipe delivers juicy, crispy, smoky perfection every single time. It's easier than you think to achieve restaurant-quality wings right in your backyard, and this recipe will guide you through every delicious step. Get ready for the most flavorful, tender, and addictive wings you've ever tasted! This is a quick dinner idea perfect for a crowd, and the homemade cooking method elevates the whole experience.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a deeper smoky flavor)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve extra crispy skin. Then, in a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil until evenly coated.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a separate bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and smoked paprika (if using). Add the seasoned wings to the spice mixture, ensuring each wing is thoroughly coated.
Step 3: Preheating your Pellet Grill
Preheat your pellet grill to 350°F (175°C). Set it to indirect heat. This means the heat source will be on one side of the grill, allowing for even cooking and preventing burning.
Step 4: Smoke those Wings!
Place the wings on the grill grates, making sure they're not overcrowded. Smoke the wings for 1 hour and 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The internal temperature of the wings should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Crisp it Up (Optional)
For extra crispy skin, increase the grill temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the wings from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful wings. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for Perfect Pellet Grill Wings:
- Don't overcrowd the grill: Overcrowding will prevent proper air circulation, resulting in uneven cooking and soggy wings. Work in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the wings reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer less heat, omit the cayenne pepper.
- Experiment with different flavors: Get creative with your seasonings! Try adding other spices like chili powder, cumin, or coriander.
Variations:
- Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder to the seasoning mix.
- Sweet and Smoky Wings: Increase the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and add a tablespoon of liquid smoke to the seasoning mix.
- Lemon Pepper Wings: Replace the paprika with 2 tablespoons of lemon pepper seasoning.
Nutritional Information (per wing, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-150 Fat: 7-10g Protein: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 2-5g
These delicious and easy pellet grill wings are perfect for any occasion. They're a crowd-pleasing healthy meal, great for casual get-togethers or a satisfying weeknight dinner. Enjoy!