Get your smoker ready for this piping-hot Smoked Wings Recipe! I avoided smoking food for a long time because of terrible past experiences where my dishes always ended up tasting like an ashtray—not appetizing at all! I got better with a little practice and successfully smoked various foods over the past year, which completely changed my attitude!
With the right wood chips and a careful approach to smoking, you can make the best smoked chicken wings. Smoking adds layers of flavor that are hard to achieve otherwise, leaving food juicy and tender thanks to the low temperatures. For these smoked wings, I've used applewood chips for a delicate smoky flavor.
This recipe is:
Table of Contents
5 Reasons to love this recipe
Here are 5 reasons why you'll absolutely love this smoked chicken wing recipe:
- Perfect for keto and low carb diets.
- Easy preparation with minimal ingredients.
- Delicate applewood smoke flavor.
- Juicy meat with tender results every time.
- Crispy chicken skin without deep frying.
Are Smoked Wings Low Carb?
Yes, smoked wings are low-carb. Chicken is a zero-carb food and the dry rub for the wings adds negligible amounts of carbs to the recipe. Each wing has less than 1g net carbs per serving. The mustard sauce is optional but is also low in carbohydrates.
You can also check my article on Carbs in Chicken Wings for in-depth information—it's always good to make informed choices when it comes to our food, right?
Smoked Wings Ingredients List
To make a delicious and easy chicken wings recipe, you will need the following simple ingredients:
For the Wings:
- 30 chicken wings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- 12-15 cranks of freshly cracked black pepper
For the Spicy Mustard Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons grass-fed or organic butter
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- ¼ cup ballpark mustard (brown mustard)
- ¼ cup Frank's Red Hot
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
For the Smoker:
- Applewood chips
Note: To prepare the chips, add about a cup of chips and HOT water to a large bowl. Try to put the chips in the water at least an hour before you are going to start smoking so they get a good soak.
Ingredient Substitutions
Looking for some ingredients swap? There are plenty of keto-friendly swaps you can try like:
- Olive oil: Substitute with coconut oil (MCT) or avocado oil for a similar flavor and keto-friendly fat boost.
- Cayenne pepper: If you prefer less heat, swap cayenne with paprika or smoked paprika for a milder kick.
- Frank's Red Hot: Any vinegar-based hot sauce can replace Frank's Red Hot. Just check the label for added sugars and adjust to your preferred heat level!
Additional Ingredients
Take your smoked wings to the next level with these simple additions that complement the main ingredients perfectly:
- To make the wings more crunchy: Add 1 tablespoon of baking powder to the wing spice mix before coating the wings.
- To sweeten the sauce: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of monk fruit sweetener or erythritol into the spicy mustard sauce for a touch of sweetness without the carbs.
Note: These additional ingredients are optional and are not part of the original recipe. You can use them to enhance flavors to your liking.
Cooking Tools Required
You'll need the following cooking tools to make this smoked wings recipe:
- Tongs
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Whisk
- Smoker
How to Make Smoked Wings Recipe: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
- Smoking
- Baking
Preparation Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the spices for the wings. Add in the olive oil and mix well.
- Add the wings to the spice mixture and stir for about 2 minutes or until the wings are completely coated.
- Crank the smoker to 275 degrees. Open the air damper completely. Set the timer for 2.5 hours.
- When it comes to temperature, add ½ cup soaked Applewood chips.
Cooking Instructions
- Using tongs, place the wings into the smoker box.
- After 1 hour, reduce the temperature on the box to 195 degrees. Don't add more wood chips. Cook at 195 for an additional hour.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter for the sauce. Add in all remaining sauce ingredients and cook for 5-7 minutes until incorporated. Whisk again if the sauce starts to break.
- Preheat your oven to 500 degrees.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray or spray it with olive oil. Place the smoked wings in a single layer on the sheet.
- Bake for about 5-7 minutes until the wings start to crisp up to your desired level of doneness.
- Optionally coat the wings with the spicy mustard sauce by placing some sauce in a mixing bowl, adding some wings, and mixing with a rubber spatula.
Step 1: In a small bowl, mix spices for seasoning the chicken wings.
Step 2: Pour the spice mixture over the wings and toss well to ensure each wing is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 3: Arrange the smoked wings on a serving platter. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
💡 My Pro Tip
Smoking food depends on using the right wood for smoke, controlling smoke intensity, and maintaining temperature. Mastering this balance takes practice, making chicken wings an ideal starting point. Wings are forgiving and can handle bold flavors like hot sauce. I have also used a wet rub to prevent sticking and control smoke absorption.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Use a bag to coat the wings with the wet rub for easy cleanup.
- Start the smoker ahead of cooking time to ensure proper smoke buildup and ensure a seamless smoking process.
- Prepare the spicy mustard sauce a day ahead and refrigerate for enhanced flavor.
What to Serve With Smoked Wings?
Pair these delicious and crispy smoked chicken wings with these healthy, delicious recipes:
- BBQ Sauce: Serve the smoked wings alongside a tangy, sugar-free barbecue sauce for a classic flavor pairing that greatly increases the flavor profile! It is my favorite bbq sauce since it is low carb and gluten-free!
- Fresh Summer Broccoli Salad: Pair the crispy chicken wings with a refreshing broccoli salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, perfect for a summer meal.
- Creamy Garlic Sauce: One of my favorite wing sauce is creamy garlic sauce drizzled over the top, adding richness and depth of flavor.
- Cauliflower Potato Salad (Low Carb): Accompany the smoked wings with a low-carb cauliflower "potato" salad featuring creamy dressing and crunchy celery for texture.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: Pour blue cheese dressing over these smoked wings for a deliciously tangy and creamy finish that complements the smoky flavors perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage Tips
- Once the wings are cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing Tips
- These wings freeze well. First, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They'll remain fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost them overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating instructions below.
Reheating Tips
- For best results, reheat the wings in a 350°F (180°C) oven or hot gas grill. Avoid reheating in a skillet or microwave, as it may affect the texture.
Recipe Conclusion
These smoked wings turn out tender and infused with a delightful smoky essence. Cranking up the oven to 500 degrees to achieve that perfect crispy skin and slathering on the sauce is the secret to perfection. You won't feel the need to hit up a wing joint anytime soon. They are also fantastic if you need crowd-pleasing party wings for your guests. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, everyone will slurp hard!
Share your thoughts or experiences with this best smoked wings recipe in the comments below—can't wait to hear from you! If you've given it a try, thank you for cooking along with me!
More Chicken Recipes
If wings are your favorite thing, try these chicken wing recipes too:
FAQs
Smoke wings at 275 degrees for about 2.5 hours.
Both smoking and grilling can produce delicious chicken wings. It depends on personal preference and desired flavor.
No, it's not necessary to cover wings when smoking.
Smoked Wings Recipe
Ingredients
For the Wings
- 30 chicken wings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- 12-15 cranks of freshly cracked black pepper
For the Spicy Mustard Sauce
- 4 tablespoons grass-fed or organic butter
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- ¼ cup ballpark mustard brown mustard
- ¼ cup Frank's Red Hot
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
For the Smoker
- Applewood chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the spices for the wings. Add in the olive oil and mix well.
- Add the wings to the spice mixture and stir for about 2 minutes or until the wings are completely coated.
- Crank the smoker to 275 degrees. Open the air damper completely. Set the timer for 2.5 hours.
- When it comes to temperature, add ½ cup soaked Applewood chips.
Cooking Instructions
- Using tongs, place the wings into the smoker box.
- After 1 hour, reduce the temperature on the box to 195 degrees. Don't add more wood chips. Cook at 195 for an additional hour.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter for the sauce. Add in all remaining sauce ingredients and cook for 5-7 minutes until incorporated. Whisk again if the sauce starts to break.
- Preheat your oven to 500 degrees.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray or spray it with olive oil. Place the smoked wings in a single layer on the sheet.
- Bake for about 5-7 minutes until the wings start to crisp up to your desired level of doneness.
- Optionally coat the wings with the spicy mustard sauce by placing some sauce in a mixing bowl, adding some wings, and mixing with a rubber spatula.
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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13 Responses
How long do you keep the wings in the smoker for?
Hi Paul:
Thanks for the question! I just went back in and updated the recipe. So it is going to be 275 for 1 hour and then 195 for 1 additional hour. If you like food more smokey, add in chips for the second hour. If not, go without.
Hope you like the wings-
Thanks
Scott
I just bought my smoker yesterday and made these wings today. Perfectly smoked... not over smoked like I have had so many times. Thanks for making this recipe- it convinced me to buy my smoker and I love it!
Hi Gary:
So glad to hear you bought the smoker- it's excellent.
Thank you for stopping by and happy smoking!
Scott
Do you place the wings directly on the grate or do you place them on a baking sheet?
Hi CW:
I place them right on the grates. If you use a baking sheet (which is a great idea to contain the grease drips) make sure to use a wire rack so the smoke circulates all the way around the wing.
Hope you have a great day in the kitchen!
Scott