These Super Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings are a real treat! With their crunchy outside and spicy kick, they are perfect for game day or a cozy night in. No fryer needed!
When I make these, I can’t help but munch on a few before serving. They’re that good! Pair them with some ranch dip for a fun snack you can enjoy any time. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: The star of the show! Fresh wings are best for a crispy texture, but you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw them completely before starting the recipe.
Baking Powder: This is essential for achieving that crispy skin. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, make sure your baking powder is labeled as such.
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my go-to. If you prefer a different flavor, try Sriracha or a milder sauce for less heat. You can even mix in BBQ sauce for a sweet twist!
Cayenne Pepper: This adds heat! If you’re not a fan, simply skip it or reduce the amount. You can also substitute with a milder pepper for some flavor without too much spice.
How Do You Get Your Wings Really Crispy?
Getting crispy wings involves a few key techniques. First, drying the wings is crucial. Moisture on the skin can result in steaming, rather than crisping. Use paper towels thoroughly to pat them dry before seasoning.
- Use a Wire Rack: Placing the wings on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate around, leading to even cooking and extra crispiness.
- Flip the Wings: Remember to flip them halfway through baking. This ensures that both sides get that delicious crisp!
- Monitor the Time: Keep an eye on your wings in the last few minutes of baking to avoid burning. They should be golden brown and crispy.
How to Make Super Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh celery sticks for serving
- Fresh carrot sticks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 40-45 minutes to bake. In total, you will need about 55-60 minutes before you get to enjoy these delicious wings. It’s perfect for game day or any time you’re craving something crispy and spicy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for crispiness! Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top. The rack will help the heat circulate around the wings, giving you that perfect crispy skin.
2. Dry the Wings:
Take your chicken wings and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This step is super important for making sure your wings turn out nice and crispy. Sometimes, moisture can lead to soggy skin, and we don’t want that!
3. Season the Wings:
In a large bowl, add the baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy). Toss all the dry wings in this mixture until they are well coated. This blend of seasoning will not only enhance the flavor but also help with the crispy texture.
4. Arrange and Bake:
Now, place the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure they have some space between them so they can cook evenly. Bake them in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through to ensure they are golden brown and super crispy on both sides.
5. Make the Buffalo Sauce:
While your wings are baking, let’s whip up a quick buffalo sauce! In a small bowl, mix the hot sauce and melted butter together until well combined. This sauce will bring all the flavor to your crispy wings.
6. Toss with Sauce:
Once the wings are done baking, carefully take them out of the oven and transfer them into a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the hot wings. Toss them gently to make sure each wing is coated with that zesty sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your super crispy baked buffalo wings are ready to serve! Plate them up and garnish with fresh celery and carrot sticks on the side for a crunchy complement. Enjoy your delicious, spicy treat!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sauce for the Wings?
Absolutely! While buffalo sauce is traditional, you can use a variety of sauces such as BBQ, teriyaki, or sweet chili sauce. Just ensure the sauce is heated through before tossing it with the wings for the best flavor and coating.
How Do I Make the Wings Extra Crispy?
To enhance the crispiness, make sure to pat the chicken wings very dry before adding the seasoning mix. Additionally, using baking powder is essential as it helps to draw out moisture. If you want a double-dipped effect, you can also bake the wings twice: first bake at 425°F until they are crispy, remove, let them cool for a bit, then return to the oven for a few extra minutes to intensify the crunch!
Can I Prepare the Wings Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can season the wings and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to take them out of the fridge 30 minutes before baking to let them come to room temperature for even cooking. For an even easier prep, you can also fully cook the wings in advance, then reheat them in the oven before tossing them in the sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again. If you’re in a rush, reheating in the microwave works, but they may not stay as crispy!
