Get ready to turn up the heat with these Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings—bold, zesty, and unbelievably crunchy without ever touching a deep fryer. These wings are oven-baked to golden perfection, then tossed in a fiery, buttery buffalo sauce that delivers that irresistible kick. Whether you’re prepping for game day or craving a flavorful snack, this easy recipe brings restaurant-quality wings straight to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Crispy Without Frying: Oven-baked with a satisfying crunch and less mess.
Classic Buffalo Flavor: Spicy, tangy, and perfectly balanced with buttery richness.
Healthier Twist: All the flavor you love, with a lighter cooking method.
Perfect for Sharing: A crowd-pleaser for parties, gatherings, or casual nights in.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice to suit your perfect wing experience!
Ingredients
An aromatic dream, it fills your kitchen with the kind of scent that stops people in their tracks. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken Wings: The star of the show! Look for fresh or frozen wings, split and tips removed for the best texture.
Baking Powder: This secret ingredient helps achieve that coveted crispiness. It’s a game-changer!
Salt: A must for enhancing flavor. It brings out the best in every bite.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick. Freshly ground is always a great choice.
Garlic Powder: For that savory depth. It’s like a flavor hug for your wings.
Onion Powder: Complements the garlic and adds a sweet, aromatic touch.
Buffalo Sauce: The fiery finish! Choose your favorite brand or make your own for a personal touch.
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the sauce, balancing the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Celery Sticks: A classic side for crunch and freshness. They’re perfect for dipping!
Blue Cheese Dressing: A must-have for dipping. It cools down the spice and adds creaminess.
For those looking to mix things up, consider trying different sauces like teriyaki or garlic parmesan. You can find the exact measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Making crispy baked buffalo wings is a straightforward process that will have your kitchen smelling amazing. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to wing perfection.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture we all crave. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, ensuring they cook evenly and get that perfect crunch.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure every wing is coated evenly. The baking powder is your secret weapon here; it helps draw moisture away from the skin, leading to that delightful crispiness. Don’t rush this step; a good coating is key!
Step 3: Arrange the Wings
Now it’s time to arrange the wings on the wire rack. Lay them out in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. This spacing is vital for even cooking. If the wings are too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisp up. Give each wing some room to breathe, and you’ll be rewarded with a golden-brown finish.
Step 4: Bake the Wings
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Halfway through, flip the wings to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. You want them to be crispy and golden brown, so keep an eye on them as they bake. If you like them extra crispy, consider broiling them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Mix the Sauce
While the wings are baking, it’s time to prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter. This mixture adds richness and balances the heat of the buffalo sauce. Stir well until it’s fully blended. The aroma will have your mouth watering in anticipation!
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and toss them in the buffalo sauce mixture until they’re well coated. Serve them immediately with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side. The crunch of the celery and the creaminess of the dressing perfectly complement the spicy wings. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
Use a wire rack for baking; it promotes even airflow and crispiness.
Don’t overcrowd the wings on the rack; give them space to breathe.
For extra crunch, broil the wings for a few minutes after baking.
Experiment with different sauces for unique flavors.
Let the wings rest for a few minutes before tossing in sauce for better coating.
Equipment Needed
Baking Sheet: A standard sheet works, but a rimmed one prevents spills.
Wire Rack: Essential for crispiness; a cooling rack can substitute.
Large Bowl: For mixing the wings and seasonings.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
Aluminum Foil: Makes cleanup a breeze.
Variations
Spicy Garlic Wings: Add minced garlic and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
Honey BBQ Wings: Substitute buffalo sauce with a sweet honey BBQ sauce for a milder flavor.
Lemon Pepper Wings: Toss the baked wings in a mixture of lemon zest, black pepper, and melted butter for a zesty twist.
Herb-Infused Wings: Mix dried herbs like oregano and thyme into the seasoning for a fragrant touch.
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your buffalo sauce and baking powder are certified gluten-free for a safe treat.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Sides: Serve with crispy celery sticks and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch.
Dipping Sauces: Offer blue cheese and ranch dressing for a creamy contrast to the heat.
Drink Pairings: Enjoy with cold beer or a refreshing lemonade to balance the spice.
Presentation: Arrange wings on a platter with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
FAQs about Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings
Can I make these wings ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the wings in advance and toss them in the sauce just before serving. This way, they stay crispy and flavorful.
What’s the best way to store leftover wings? Store any leftover crispy baked buffalo wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
Can I use frozen chicken wings? Yes, frozen wings work just fine! Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and baking for the best results.
How can I make these wings spicier? If you love heat, add more buffalo sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the wings before baking.
Are these wings gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free buffalo sauce and baking powder. Always check the labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
Creating crispy baked buffalo wings is more than just cooking; it’s about bringing people together. The joy of sharing these flavorful bites with friends and family is unmatched. Each wing is a crunchy, spicy delight that sparks laughter and conversation. Whether it’s game day or a casual gathering, these wings are sure to impress. Plus, knowing you made them from scratch adds a personal touch that store-bought just can’t match. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and enjoy the delicious rewards of your culinary adventure. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
A delicious and crispy recipe for baked buffalo wings that are perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup buffalo sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Celery sticks for serving
Blue cheese dressing for serving
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss until the wings are evenly coated.
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
While the wings are baking, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a small bowl.
Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and toss them in the buffalo sauce mixture until well coated.
Serve immediately with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing on the side.
Notes
For extra crispiness, you can broil the wings for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
Try different sauces like teriyaki or garlic parmesan for a flavor twist.
