Have you ever heard of the 0-400 chicken wings method? I had no idea how easy it was to grill chicken wings until I tried this recipe!
I like to try different ways to cook chicken wings. I mean, who isn’t? I’ve made air fryer wings, sous vide wings, and even Gochujang wings. Each method has its own unique flavor, and honestly, you can’t really mess them up.
Recently, I found a most straightforward method on Reddit that promises to deliver incredibly crispy wings with minimal effort: the Traeger “0-400 chicken wings” method.
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What is the 0-400 Chicken Wings Method?
These 0-400 chicken wings have been a craze in the grilling subreddits. People can’t seem to get enough of them. But, what exactly does 0-400 mean?
The 0 to 400 wings method is a simple but clever way to cook wings on a Traeger pellet grill. Just start with the wings on a cold grill. Set your cooker to 400°F and let it heat up with the wings already on the grate. After 30 minutes, flip the wings over, then cook them for another 30 minutes.
You should always use a meat thermometer, and ensure the internal temperature of the chicken wings reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Instant Read Meat Thermometer
The gradual temperature rise helps the skin get nice and crispy while keeping the meat juicy inside. Simple and tasty!
Is 0 to 400 Wings Work?
I’ll be honest, I was skeptical at first. I mean, how could this possibly be better than the traditional grilling way?
But after trying it, I get why it’s become a craze. Wings are high in connective tissue, the gradual increase to 400°F allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in crispier skin without drying out the meat. The wings stay juicy inside, and you don’t have to flip constantly like you would with traditional grilling.
While it doesn’t have the intense smoky flavor you get from slow smoking, it’s definitely a quicker, easier way to achieve crispy wings. So, yes—it’s not just hype; it really works!
Pro tip: toss some baking powder in your rub, and the chemistry goes to work and makes the skin extra crispy. Combination of less fat and hitting Maillard temps (browning only takes off in temps over 300°F), you’ll be very happy with the results.
How to Make 0-400 Wings on Traeger Pellet Grill?
- Prepping the Wings
Pat the wings dry first, then toss them with baking powder in a large bowl until they’re evenly coated. Place them uncovered in the fridge for 12–24 hours to allow the skin to dry out and achieve the best results. If you’re short on time, you can still apply the baking powder just before cooking—it’ll still help.
- Seasoning the Wings
After the wings have been prepped, add your favorite dry rub or seasoning directly to the wings. Toss them thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Setting Up the Traeger
Arrange the wings directly on the grill grate, leaving space for even cooking. Set the grill to 400°F and let the wings cook as the grill heats up.
- Cooking the Wings
After 30 minutes, flip the wings to ensure even crisping. Cook for another 25-30 minutes. I recommend pulling them off the grill when the internal temperature reaches 175°F (79°C). Wings have a lot of connective tissue, which breaks down better at this higher temperature, making them more tender and flavorful.
- Checking Doneness
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the wing. It should read at least 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Serving
Once the wings are done, you can toss them in your favorite sauce or serve them plain for classic, crispy wings.
Tips for Cooking 0-400 Chicken Wings Perfectly
- Start with dry wings: Moisture on the surface of the wings can prevent them from getting that desirable crispy texture. Pat them down with paper towels.
- Leave space between the wings: If the wings are crowded together, they will steam rather than crisp up, leading to a soggy texture. Allowing airflow around each wing ensures they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
- Place wings on a cooler part: Place the wings on the cooler part of the grill to avoid direct, intense heat, which can cause the wings to char too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked on the inside.
- Use the instant-read thermometer: The best way to ensure your 0 to 400 chicken wings are cooked to perfection is by using an instant-read thermometer. Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, the wings are safe to eat and have reached the ideal level of doneness.
What to Serve with 400 Chicken Wings
Classic Pairings: Celery and carrots are popular choices, offering a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the tender, juicy wings. Don’t forget the dips! Ranch, blue cheese, and BBQ sauce are the go-to dips, adding an extra layer of flavor to each bite.
Meal Style Wings: If you’re serving 0-400 wings as part of a meal, consider adding some hearty sides to complete the plate. Side dishes like French fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and roasted vegetables pair wonderfully with wings.
Q&A
Baking powder was a game-changer. Try adding about 1 tsp of baking powder per pound of wings before you season them. Make sure to pat the wings dry with paper towels first, as moisture can prevent the skin from getting crispy. After drying, toss the wings in baking powder, then add your preferred seasoning.
Usually, it takes about 50-60 minutes, depending on the size of the wings and the efficiency of your oven or grill. It is recommended to use a wireless meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the wings. Always pull them out when reaches 175°F (79°C).
Yes, frozen wings work with the 0–400 chicken wings method, with one adjustment. Just be sure to extend the cooking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure they cook all the way through.
The 0-400 wings method is best for chicken wings, but you can apply similar principles to other cuts like drumsticks, thighs, and bone-in breasts. Adjust cooking times based on thickness.
At 400°F, chicken wings typically take about 25-30 minutes to cook, depending on their size and how many 0-400 wings you’re preparing.
Final Thoughts
The 0-400 Chicken Wings Method is certainly worth trying if you’re looking for a simple, hands-off way to make crispy chicken wings. Its gradual heating approach delivers on the promise of evenly cooked wings with satisfying crispiness, all without the hassle of flipping or preheating. While it may not suit those looking for charred or smoky flavors, it’s an efficient technique for deliciously crispy wings at home.
Overall, the 0-400 wings method lives up to much of the hype, particularly for its convenience and consistent results. If you’re a fan of crispy wings with minimal effort, give it a shot—you might just find a new favorite way to cook wings.
