1Remove the tops from the red fresno chilies and slice them in half lengthwise.
2Place the chilies into a half-gallon mason jar.
3In a separate bowl, mix the filtered water and fine sea salt until the salt is dissolved.
4Pour the brine into the mason jar over the chilies until they are completely covered.
5Weigh the peppers down to keep them submerged in the brine using a ramekin or a water-filled plastic bag, then cover the jar and let sit at room temperature for five days to two weeks.
6Once fermented, strain the chilies through a mesh strainer into a bowl, reserving the brine.
7In a small saucepan, fry the sliced garlic in canola oil over medium-low heat until golden brown.
8Strain the garlic, reserving both the garlic and the oil separately.
9In a blender, combine the fermented chilies, toasted garlic, white vinegar, and the reserved pepper brine.
10Blend on high speed until the sauce is smooth, streaming in half of the reserved toasted garlic oil while blending.
11Add salt to taste and blend.
12Strain the hot sauce through a fine mesh strainer for a smoother texture.
13In a bowl, toss the chicken wings with baking powder and salt.
14Arrange the wings on a wire rack set on a baking sheet lined with foil.
15Bake the wings at 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius) for 30 to 40 minutes.
16In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, the prepared hot sauce, optional Worcestershire sauce, honey, and a small pinch of salt.
17Stir often until the sauce comes to a boil, then remove from the heat.
18Toss the cooked wings with the buffalo sauce in a bowl.
A white, webby film on the brine is likely harmless 'kahm yeast', which is different from fuzzy mold; if it's fuzzy, it's mold and should be discarded.
The brine may look cloudy during fermentation, which is totally normal.
You can strain the sauce through a chinois or fine mesh strainer for a smoother texture.