Chicken wings are one of the most beloved finger foods, whether for a casual family dinner, game day, or a special celebration. While many people opt to fry their wings to achieve that perfect crispiness, baking them is a healthier alternative that still yields crispy results. These crispy baked chicken wings are seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, then coated with a tangy and slightly sweet Buffalo sauce. Best of all, you won’t have to deal with the greasy mess of deep frying, making this recipe perfect for anyone craving crispy wings without the hassle.
Ingredients
For the chicken wings, you’ll need 4 pounds of chicken wings (halved at the joints, with the wingtips discarded), 2 tablespoons of baking powder (aluminum-free), ¾ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of cracked black pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. For the Buffalo sauce, gather ⅓ cup of Frank’s Wings Hot Sauce, 1 ½ cups of light brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of water. You can also try other sauces like honey BBQ sauce, ranch, honey garlic sauce, or BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.
Instructions
Start by adjusting your oven rack to the upper-middle position and preheating the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with non-stick spray to prevent the wings from sticking.Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure they are as dry as possible. This step is crucial to achieving that perfect crispiness! Once dry, place the wings in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the wings and toss them until they are evenly coated.Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack, ensuring the skin side is facing up. The wire rack will help air circulate around the wings, ensuring they cook evenly and get crispy. Bake the wings in the preheated oven on the upper-middle rack. Turn the wings every 20 minutes to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides. Depending on the size of the wings, the total cooking time may take up to 1 hour. Keep an eye on them as they bake, and once they are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven.Let the wings stand for 5 minutes to rest. Then, transfer them to a large bowl. While the wings are resting, prepare the Buffalo sauce.In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the Frank’s Wings Hot Sauce, light brown sugar, and water. Stir the mixture well until the sugar dissolves. Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Once the sauce has cooled, toss the wings in the Buffalo sauce until they are evenly coated. Serve the wings hot with your choice of dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing, if desired.
Tips
For the best results, make sure to use aluminum-free baking powder. Baking powder helps the wings become extra crispy, so don’t skip this ingredient. If you don’t have Frank’s Wings Hot Sauce on hand, you can substitute it with another hot sauce, but Frank’s provides a distinct flavor that works best in this recipe. Also, be sure to dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning them—this will help them crisp up in the oven.
If you prefer an even quicker cooking time, you can use an air fryer to make these crispy wings. Air frying cooks the wings in less time while still delivering a crispy texture, making it a great alternative for those short on time.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy baked chicken wings are perfect as a snack or appetizer, but they can also be part of a main meal. Serve them with sides like crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even some coleslaw for a complete meal. For a fun twist, offer a variety of dipping sauces, including ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, and BBQ sauce, to give your guests a variety of flavors to enjoy with their wings.
Storage
Leftover chicken wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the wings in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for an extra crispy texture.
FAQ
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings, but make sure to thaw them thoroughly before preparing the recipe. Pat them dry once thawed to ensure they get crispy in the oven.
Can I make these wings in advance?
While the wings are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can prepare them in advance by seasoning the wings and storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. You can also make the Buffalo sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until needed.
Can I make these wings with a different sauce?
Absolutely! While the Buffalo sauce is a classic choice, you can easily swap it out for other sauces such as honey BBQ, garlic Parmesan, or a tangy lemon pepper sauce. The wings are versatile and can pair with a variety of flavors.
Conclusion
These crispy baked chicken wings are a healthier alternative to fried wings, offering the same great taste and crunch without the grease. Whether you prefer them tossed in a spicy Buffalo sauce or a sweet honey BBQ glaze, these wings are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a delicious and crispy wing recipe that everyone will love. Try them today, and you’ll never want to go back to fried wings!
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Crispy Baked Chicken Wings 🍗
Description
Perfectly crispy and flavorful baked chicken wings tossed in a tangy Buffalo sauce, ideal for any gathering or casual meal.
Ingredients
• 4 pounds chicken wings, halved at joints, wingtips discarded
• 2 tablespoons baking powder (aluminum-free)
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅓ cup Frank’s Wings Hot Sauce
• 1 ½ cups light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set a wire rack on top, spraying it with non-stick spray.
2️⃣ Pat the wings dry and toss them with a mixture of baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
3️⃣ Arrange the wings on the wire rack and bake, turning them every 20 minutes, for 40-60 minutes until crispy and browned.
4️⃣ Prepare the Buffalo sauce by heating the hot sauce, brown sugar, and water in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves.
5️⃣ Toss the baked wings in the Buffalo sauce and serve immediately.