Crispy Baked Chicken Wings are the perfect blend of juicy, tender chicken and an incredibly crunchy, golden exterior. These wings are baked, not fried, which makes them a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor or texture. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for a party, game day, or just as a tasty meal, these wings are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy without Frying – Enjoy the crunch of fried wings, but without the extra oil.
- Healthy Alternative – Baking instead of frying reduces calories and fat.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Customizable – You can toss these wings in any sauce or seasoning you like, from BBQ to buffalo.
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for game day, parties, or a casual family meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken wings (drummettes or wingettes)
- Olive oil
- Baking powder (not baking soda)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Optional: Your favorite wing sauce (Buffalo, BBQ, or Teriyaki)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for even cooking.
- Prepare the Wings – Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. The drier the wings, the crispier they will get!
- Season the Wings – In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Arrange the Wings – Place the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. If using a wire rack, it will allow air to circulate around the wings, helping them cook evenly.
- Bake the Wings – Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to ensure they are golden and crispy on both sides.
- Toss in Sauce (Optional) – If desired, toss the wings in your favorite sauce (Buffalo, BBQ, etc.) after baking.
- Serve – Let the wings cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Total Time: 45-55 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
- Garlic Parmesan Wings – Toss the wings in melted butter and garlic after baking, then sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
- Asian-Inspired – Toss the wings in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and garlic before baking for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Lemon Pepper Wings – Season with lemon zest and pepper for a fresh and zesty taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 5-7 minutes or in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to restore the crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just make sure to thaw them before seasoning and baking for best results.
How can I get my wings extra crispy?
Make sure the wings are thoroughly dried before seasoning, and use a wire rack to allow air circulation for even cooking. The baking powder also helps to achieve extra crispiness.
Can I use a different seasoning for the wings?
Absolutely! You can use any seasoning blend or sauce you prefer, such as Cajun, Italian seasoning, or smoked paprika.
Can I bake the wings without baking powder?
While baking powder helps with crispiness, you can still bake the wings without it. However, the texture might not be as crispy.
How do I make these wings spicy?
Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the seasoning mix, or toss the wings in your favorite hot sauce after baking.
How long does it take to bake chicken wings?
It typically takes 35-45 minutes to bake the wings at 425°F, depending on their size. Flip the wings halfway through for even cooking.
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the wings and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Can I air fry these wings instead of baking?
Yes, air fry at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for perfectly crispy wings.
Do I need to coat the wings in oil?
Yes, oil helps the seasoning stick and ensures the wings crisp up nicely. Olive oil is a great choice, but any cooking oil will work.
Can I use drumsticks instead of wings?
Yes, drumsticks can be used, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Drumsticks will take around 45-50 minutes to bake at 425°F.
Conclusion
Crispy Baked Chicken Wings are an easy, healthier alternative to fried wings, delivering that perfect crunch with tender, flavorful chicken. With customizable seasoning and the option to toss them in your favorite sauce, these wings are perfect for any occasion. Serve them at your next party, enjoy them during game day, or savor them as a weeknight meal!
Print
Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Total Time: 45-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Baked Chicken Wings offer a healthier, flavorful alternative to fried wings. With a golden, crunchy exterior and juicy chicken inside, these wings are baked to perfection, making them a great choice for game day, parties, or a tasty weeknight meal. Easily customizable with your favorite sauces or seasonings!
Ingredients
- 10–12 chicken wings (drummettes or wingettes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp baking powder (not baking soda)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Optional: Your favorite wing sauce (Buffalo, BBQ, Teriyaki)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a wire rack for even cooking.
- Prepare the Wings – Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure they are as dry as possible for extra crispiness.
- Season the Wings – In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Arrange the Wings – Place the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Using a wire rack allows air to circulate, helping them cook evenly.
- Bake the Wings – Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness on both sides.
- Toss in Sauce (Optional) – If desired, toss the wings in your favorite sauce (Buffalo, BBQ, etc.) after baking.
- Serve – Let the wings cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning mix for a kick of heat.
- Garlic Parmesan Wings: Toss the wings in melted butter and garlic after baking, then sprinkle with grated parmesan.
- Asian-Inspired: Coat the wings with soy sauce, honey, and garlic for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Lemon Pepper Wings: Season with lemon zest and pepper for a zesty, fresh flavor.
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