Copycat Wingstop Fry Seasoning Recipe

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You probably can’t resist ordering them with every meal, and maybe, just maybe, you’ve even caught yourself dreaming about that iconic Wingstop Fry Seasoning before. Well, guess what? You don’t have to wait for your next Wingstop run.

How to make Wingstop Fry Seasoning

Wingstop Fry Seasoning is the special spice blend (a dry “shaker-on” rub) used by Wingstop on its fries to give them a characteristic sweet, salty, peppery, mildly spicy, and savory flavor.

Ingredients for Wingstop Fry Seasoning

• Granulated Sugar – 2 tablespoons
• Brown Sugar – 1 tablespoon
• Salt – 1 tablespoon
• Black Pepper – 1 teaspoon
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon
• Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon
• Onion Powder – 1 teaspoon
• Cayenne Pepper (optional) – ½ teaspoon
• Cornstarch (optional) – ½ teaspoon

Instructions

1. Combine the Ingredients: n a small mixing bowl, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and (if desired) cayenne pepper and cornstarch. Use a fork or whisk to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring there are no clumps.
2. Adjust the Ratios (if needed): Taste your seasoning mixture (yes, you can taste it as-is!) and adjust the ingredients to your preference. Want a little more sweetness? Add a pinch of sugar. Looking for more kick? Up the cayenne or black pepper.
3. Transfer to a Shaker Bottle: Once your seasoning is well-mixed, transfer it into a small seasoning shaker or jar with a lid for easier application. This step is especially helpful if you plan to make a big batch for future use.
4. Prep the Fries: Cook your fries as you normally would—whether that’s deep frying, air frying, or baking. Wingstop-style fries are thick-cut, but this seasoning works for shoestring, waffle fries, or even tater tots, too!
5. Season While Hot: As soon as the fries are cooked and hot, sprinkle your seasoning generously over them. Toss the fries to ensure every piece is evenly coated. The heat and oil from the fries will help the seasoning stick.

Pro Tips for Perfect Wingstop Fries

• Timing is Key: Always sprinkle the seasoning on your fries while they’re still hot and fresh out of the fryer/oven. The warmth ensures that the seasoning sticks better.
• Create the Perfect Texture: If you want extra crispy fries like Wingstop’s, soak your cut potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This removes excess starch, resulting in fries that crisp up beautifully.
• Double Fry for Extra Crunch: For deep fryers, try frying the potatoes at a lower temperature (around 300°F) until they’re soft, then remove, crank up the heat to 375°F, and fry again to create that crispy outer layer.
• Experiment with the Blend: Taste preferences can vary, so don’t hesitate to tweak the ratios. Some people prefer a touch more salt, while others enjoy heavier sweetness. Make it yours!
• Make It in Bulk: Have a handy shaker full of this seasoning on hand for easy use. It’s not only great on fries—it works wonders on popcorn, roasted veggies, or even grilled chicken.
• Go Air Fryer-Friendly: If you’re using an air fryer, lightly mist the fries with cooking oil spray before sprinkling the seasoning for even better adhesion.

Ingredients Substitutes

Cooking is all about creativity and flexibility, especially when you’re trying to recreate your favorite restaurant flavors at home. If you’re short on one or more ingredients for Wingstop Fry Seasoning, don’t worry!

1. Granulated Sugar

Substitute with: Powdered Sugar or Honey Powder

• Powdered Sugar: If you don’t have granulated sugar, powdered sugar can be used as a substitute in a pinch. It blends evenly and smoothly, though you might need to use a little less because it’s finer.
• Honey Powder: For a more complex sweetness, try honey powder. It adds a unique depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with savory elements.

2. Brown Sugar

Substitute with: Turbinado Sugar or Coconut Sugar

• Turbinado Sugar: This raw sugar retains some of the molasses found in brown sugar, offering a similar flavor profile.
• Coconut Sugar: For a natural alternative, coconut sugar provides caramel-like notes similar to brown sugar while being slightly less sweet.

3. Salt

Substitute with: Sea Salt or Kosher Salt

• Sea Salt: It’s a straightforward swap with slightly larger crystals that add a nice crunch. Just use a one-to-one ratio.
• Kosher Salt: Known for its flakiness and ease of distribution, kosher salt is a great choice, though you might need to use a bit more to match granulated salt’s intensity.

4. Black Pepper

Substitute with: White Pepper or Chili Powder

• White Pepper: While milder, white pepper can still bring the heat without altering the color of your seasoning.
• Chili Powder: Adds a bit more complexity and a different kind of heat, though use sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.

5. Paprika

Substitute with: Smoked Paprika or Ancho Chili Powder

• Smoked Paprika: For a deeper, smoky flavor, smoked paprika is an excellent switch. It will add a more robust element to your seasoning.
• Ancho Chili Powder: This provides a mild heat and fruity undertones, making it a suitable stand-in for regular paprika.

6. Garlic Powder

Substitute with: Granulated Garlic or Garlic Salt

• Granulated Garlic: Slightly coarser than garlic powder but delivers the same garlicky goodness. Use in a one-to-one ratio.
• Garlic Salt: If using garlic salt, reduce the amount of additional salt in your recipe to avoid oversalting. It combines salt with garlic powder effectively.

7. Onion Powder

Substitute with: Granulated Onion or Dried Minced Onion

• Granulated Onion: Just like granulated garlic, this can be used as a direct substitute for onion powder.
• Dried Minced Onion: For a more textured feel, dried minced onion is a great option. Just ensure it’s finely minced for even distribution.

8. Cayenne Pepper

Substitute with: Red Pepper Flakes or Hot Paprika

• Red Pepper Flakes: These provide similar heat, though the texture is different. You can grind them into a finer powder if needed.
• Hot Paprika: Adds both heat and a similar flavor profile. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.

9. Cornstarch

Substitute with: Arrowroot Powder or Rice Flour

• Arrowroot Powder: A great gluten-free thickening agent that helps seasoning adhere well, much like cornstarch.
• Rice Flour: Another gluten-free alternative that works well for texture and consistency.

Final Thoughts

Making Wingstop Fry Seasoning at home couldn’t be easier! With just a handful of everyday spices, you can replicate the iconic flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

More Wingstop Recipes:

• Copycat Wingstop Smoky Chipotle Rub Recipe

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