Chicken wings are a favorite dish, whether it’s for a casual dinner, party, or game day. If you’re craving crispy, flavorful wings without the hassle of deep frying, this baked version is the answer. Coated in a delicious dry rub, these wings are baked to golden perfection, then tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce for a satisfying and healthier alternative to fried wings. With minimal prep time and no greasy mess, these crispy baked chicken wings are sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the perfect way to enjoy crispy, juicy chicken wings without the unhealthy excess oil from frying. The simple dry spice rub ensures great flavor, and the baking method keeps the wings tender on the inside while creating that perfect crispy texture on the outside. Plus, they’re customizable with your favorite sauces, making them ideal for gatherings and game-day parties. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare and much healthier than deep-fried wings, so you can indulge without the guilt!

Ingredients

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

• 4 pounds chicken wings, halved at joints, wingtips discarded

• 2 tablespoons baking powder (aluminum-free)

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/3 cup Frank’s Wings Hot Sauce

• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon water

Other Sauce Ideas:

• Honey BBQ sauce

• Ranch

• Honey garlic sauce

• BBQ sauce

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and adjust the oven rack to the upper-middle position.

2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the wire rack with non-stick spray.

3. Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.

4. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the wings and toss to evenly coat.

5. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, skin side up.

6. Bake for about 40-60 minutes, turning the wings every 20 minutes to ensure even crisping. The total cooking time will vary depending on the size of the wings.

7. In the meantime, prepare the buffalo sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine Frank’s Hot Sauce, brown sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then remove from heat and allow to cool.

8. After baking, let the wings rest for 5 minutes before tossing them in the buffalo sauce or your sauce of choice.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 40 minutes

• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Sauce Variations: Feel free to swap the buffalo sauce for other favorites like honey BBQ sauce, ranch, or a honey garlic sauce.

• Air Fryer Option: If you have an air fryer, you can make these wings even crispier by following the same seasoning and baking method at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the wings in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for extra crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.

2. Can I skip the baking powder?

The baking powder is essential for achieving the crispy texture, so it’s recommended to use it for best results.

3. How do I get my wings crispy without frying?

Patting the wings dry, using baking powder, and baking at a high temperature (425°F) are key to achieving a crispy texture without frying.

4. What other sauces can I use for the wings?

You can use honey BBQ, ranch dressing, honey garlic sauce, or even classic BBQ sauce for a different flavor.

5. Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the wings, bake them, and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, toss them in sauce and reheat in the oven or air fryer.

6. How do I know when the wings are done?

The wings should be crispy and golden brown on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer.

7. Can I cook the wings at a lower temperature?

While 425°F is ideal for crispy wings, you can bake them at 375°F, but they might not be as crispy.

8. How long will these wings last in the fridge?

These wings will last for up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

9. Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings?

Yes, you can substitute drumsticks for wings, but they will require a longer cooking time, about 1 hour.

10. What should I serve with these wings?

These wings pair well with fresh veggies, a variety of dips like ranch or blue cheese, and other party snacks like nachos, egg rolls, or baked popcorn chicken.

Conclusion

These crispy baked chicken wings are an easy and healthier alternative to traditional fried wings, delivering that perfect crispy texture and delicious flavor. Whether for game day or a casual meal, they are sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your cooking rotation. Enjoy experimenting with different sauces, and don’t forget to serve them with your favorite dips and sides!