Crispy baked chicken wings are a great alternative to frying but still super crunchy and full of flavor! Here’s a simple recipe that guarantees crispy, tender wings with a delicious seasoning:
Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drummettes and flats)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp baking powder (this is the secret to crispy wings)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat
For the sauce (optional):
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (Buffalo sauce or your favorite)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp honey (for a bit of sweetness)
Directions:
Prep the Chicken Wings:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top of the sheet to allow air circulation for even crisping.
- Dry the wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. The drier the wings, the crispier they’ll get when baked.
- Coat with oil and seasoning:
- Place the wings in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you’re using.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the wings and toss them again to ensure they’re evenly coated.
Bake the Wings:
- Arrange the wings: Lay the wings out in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure there’s some space between them. This will help the air circulate around them and get them nice and crispy.
- Bake: Bake the wings for 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them near the end to make sure they don’t burn, especially if your wings are on the smaller side.
Make the Sauce (optional):
- Combine the sauce ingredients: If you’re making a sauce, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the sweetness or heat level as needed.
Toss in the Sauce (optional):
- Once the wings are done baking, you can toss them in the sauce for a flavorful finish, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Serve:
- Serve your crispy wings immediately with a side of celery, carrot sticks, and a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese if you like.
These wings are perfectly crispy without the need for deep frying! Plus, you can switch up the seasonings or sauces based on your preferences—sweet, spicy, or savory. Do you like your wings super crispy or more tender, with just a slight crunch?