Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

These Crispy Baked Chicken Wings are my go-to when I want something delicious, crunchy, and a little indulgent without the mess and oil of frying. They come out golden brown and super crispy thanks to a simple seasoning mix and a clever oven-baking method.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried wings without sacrificing texture or flavor. The wings are tossed with baking powder and spices, then baked on a rack for even crisping all around. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun weeknight dinner. Plus, they hold up great to any sauce I want to toss them in.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken Wings:
2 pounds chicken wings, split at joints and tips removed

Seasoning:
1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:
Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Optional sauces for tossing (buffalo, BBQ, honey garlic, etc.)

directions

I begin by preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C). Then I line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top, lightly greasing it with cooking spray.

Next, I pat the chicken wings very dry with paper towels—this is a key step for getting them crispy. In a large bowl, I toss the wings with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper until they’re evenly coated.

I arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared rack. I bake them for 20 minutes, then flip each wing and continue baking for another 25 to 30 minutes, until they’re golden and crisp.

For extra crunch, I sometimes broil them for 2 to 3 minutes at the end.

Once they’re out of the oven, I toss the wings in my favorite sauce or serve them plain with dipping sauces on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes 10 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to bake, for a total time of 55 minutes.

Variations

I often switch up the seasoning by adding cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Sometimes I toss the baked wings in sauces like buffalo, honey garlic, or lemon pepper for variety. I also love serving them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

storage/reheating

I store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them back on a baking rack in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore the crispiness. I avoid microwaving since it makes them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but I make sure they are fully thawed and dried before seasoning and baking.

Why use baking powder?

Baking powder helps draw moisture from the skin, resulting in extra crispiness. Just make sure it’s aluminum-free to avoid any bitter taste.

Can I use baking soda instead?

No, baking soda won’t work the same and may give the wings an odd flavor.

Do I need a wire rack?

I prefer using one to let air circulate around the wings for even crisping, but if I don’t have one, I flip the wings more often while baking.

How do I get even crispier wings?

I broil them for 2 to 3 minutes at the end or let them rest on the rack for a few minutes after baking.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes, I cook them in the air fryer at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

What sauces go well with these wings?

I love buffalo, BBQ, garlic parmesan, honey mustard, or sweet chili sauce.

Can I marinate the wings first?

Yes, but I make sure to dry them very well before baking to keep the crisp texture.

Are these wings spicy?

Not as written, but I add chili powder or cayenne for heat when I want it.

Can I freeze baked wings?

Yes, I freeze them after baking and reheat in the oven until hot and crispy.

Conclusion

These Crispy Baked Chicken Wings are a must-try if I want maximum crunch with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and a simple technique, I get crowd-pleasing wings every time. Whether I’m feeding a party or just craving something crispy, these always hit the spot.

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