Best Ultra Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings (American Style)
The easy way to get crispy wings without deep frying! The secret to that ultra-crispy texture is carefully pairing baking powder with salt, which dries and crisps the skin and keeps the interior moist.
Ingredients:
2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
1 tablespoon baking powder (not baking soda)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder, optional
½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For homemade buffalo sauce (if desired):
½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cayenne (optional for extra heat)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven:
Preparation: Preheat oven to 425F (220C) The key to really crispy wings is a high temperature.
Prep the wings:
Dry the wings — with paper towels — to get rid of excess moisture. This step is key to crispiness; moisture will steam the wings, preventing them from crisping.
If the wings are whole, cut the drumettes from the flats (and remove the tips, if you like).
Dredge in baking powder and seasonings:
In a bowl, mix together baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
When the wings are on the two pans, place them into a bowl, dump the seasonings into the bowl, and toss the wings to coat. Ensure each piece is well-coated.
Arrange the wings:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a cooling rack. A cooling rack resting on a baking sheet works best, so air circulates freely around both sides of the wings as they crisp.
Arrange the wings in a single layer, and do not let them touch each other.
Bake the wings:
Place the wings in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, turn the wings over and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. If you like them extra crispy, you can try broiling for another 1-2 minutes at the end (watch closely so as not to burn).
Make the buffalo sauce (if making homemade):
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Melt and then stir in the hot sauce, white vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, if using.
Stir and heat until the sauce is hot and lightly simmering.
Toss wings in buffalo sauce:
Once your crispy wings are up and done, take them out of the oven.
Transfer wings to a large bowl and immediately pour buffalo sauce over them.
Toss the wings to coat with the sauce.
Serve:
Serve straight away with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side. And there you have it, your Baked Buffalo Wings with ultra-crisp, juicy flavor!