Introduction
Who says you need a deep fryer for the crispiest chicken wings ever? 🤔
These Crispy Baked Chicken Wings are oven-baked to perfection — crunchy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated with your favorite sauce (or none at all!).
With the right technique, baking can give you that classic pub-style crispiness — minus the oil and mess. According to food trend data, oven-baked wings have become the #1 game-day snack thanks to their easy prep and healthier twist on a beloved comfort food.
Ingredients List
For 4 servings (about 2 lbs / 1 kg wings)
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split at the joint and tips removed
- 1 tbsp baking powder (not baking soda!)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Optional: ½ tsp cayenne pepper for heat
For the Sauce (optional)
- ÂĽ cup butter, melted
- ⅓ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
Tip: Baking powder is the secret weapon — it raises the skin’s pH, helping it crisp beautifully in the oven!
Timing ⏰
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
➡️ A little patience, and you’ll get wings that are crunchy, golden, and restaurant-level delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Wings
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Pat the chicken wings very dry using paper towels — moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
Step 2: Coat with Seasoning Mix
In a large bowl, toss wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
Pro Tip: Use a wire rack set over a baking sheet — this allows air to circulate for maximum crispness.
Step 3: Bake the Wings
Arrange wings in a single layer on the rack (not touching each other).
Bake for 25 minutes, flip them over, then bake for another 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy.
Baking Data Insight: Cooking at 425°F renders fat while drying out the skin — mimicking deep-frying results.
Step 4: Make the Sauce (Optional)
While wings bake, whisk together melted butter, hot sauce, and honey in a small saucepan.
Toss baked wings in the sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve wings immediately with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Perfect for parties, movie nights, or any time that crispy craving hits!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Sodium | 590 mg |
Health Insight: Oven-baked wings have up to 50% less fat than fried wings, without losing any crunch or flavor.
Healthier & Flavor Variations 🥗
- Low-Sodium: Reduce salt and use salt-free spices.
- Spicy Buffalo: Toss with hot sauce + butter.
- Garlic Parmesan: Mix melted butter, grated Parmesan, garlic, and parsley.
- Honey BBQ: Combine BBQ sauce with a spoon of honey for sticky sweetness.
- Asian-Inspired: Glaze with soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
- Serve with crispy fries, coleslaw, or cornbread for a classic combo.
- Pair with beer or lemonade for game-day perfection.
- Garnish with green onions or chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Hosting Tip: Keep batches warm in the oven at 200°F while serving — they stay crispy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌
- Using baking soda: It gives a bitter taste — only use baking powder.
- Skipping the drying step: Moist wings = soggy wings.
- Crowding the pan: Wings need airflow to crisp.
- Saucing too early: Toss after baking, not before — or you’ll lose the crunch.
Storage & Reheating 🧊
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months (reheat directly from frozen at 400°F).
- Reheat: In the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness — skip the microwave!
Conclusion
Crispy, juicy, and oven-baked to perfection — these Crispy Baked Chicken Wings deliver all the flavor of fried wings with none of the guilt. 🍗🔥
Whether you like them spicy, sweet, or savory, this recipe guarantees wings that disappear faster than you can make them!
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