How to Make Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings: A Simple Guide
Buffalo chicken wings are one of the most popular snacks ever. They’re the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and savory goodness. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or simply craving a tasty treat, buffalo wings are always a great choice. But did you know you don’t need to fry your wings to get them crispy? You can bake them in your oven and still enjoy that satisfying crunch!
In this blog post, I’ll show you step-by-step how to make crispy baked buffalo chicken wings. The best part? You only need simple ingredients and basic cooking tools. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Before jumping into the recipe, here’s everything you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Chicken wings – About 2 pounds, fresh or thawed. Separate them into flats and drumettes if needed.
- Baking powder – 1 tablespoon. This is the secret to crispy wings!
- Salt and pepper – For seasoning the wings.
- Buffalo sauce – About ½ cup. You can use store-bought or make your own with hot sauce and melted butter.
- Unsalted butter – 2 tablespoons, melted (if making homemade buffalo sauce).
- Garlic powder – Optional, for added flavor.
Tools:
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack (optional, but highly recommended)
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or a spatula
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If your oven has a convection setting, you can use it to make the wings extra crispy. During this time, line your baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier.
If you have a wire rack, place it on the baking sheet. Elevating the wings on a rack helps the air circulate around them, making them crispier. If you don’t have a rack, don’t worry—you can bake the wings directly on the foil, and they’ll still turn out delicious.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Take your chicken wings and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Dry wings crisp up better in the oven, so don’t skip this step!
Next, place the wings in a mixing bowl and sprinkle them with baking powder, salt, and pepper. Baking powder is the magic ingredient here—it helps draw moisture away from the skin, making it crispier when baked. Toss the wings until they’re evenly coated.
Don’t worry—you won’t taste the baking powder in the final dish.
Step 3: Arrange the Wings on the Baking Sheet
Place the wings on the wire rack or directly on the lined baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out and not touching each other. This helps them cook evenly and ensures maximum crispiness.
Step 4: Bake the Wings
Put the wings in the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, flipping them halfway through (around the 20–25 minute mark). Flipping ensures the wings cook evenly on both sides.
While baking, keep an eye on the wings to make sure they don’t burn. You’ll know they’re done when the skin is golden brown and feels crispy to the touch.
Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the wings are baking, it’s time to make the buffalo sauce! If you’re using store-bought sauce, skip this step.
To make homemade buffalo sauce:
1. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small bowl or saucepan.
2. Mix the melted butter with ½ cup of hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot). Adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if you like it spicier.
3. Add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor (optional).
4. Stir until smooth, and your sauce is ready!
Step 6: Coat the Wings
Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven. Let them cool slightly (for about 2–3 minutes), and then transfer them to a clean mixing bowl.
Pour the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss them gently until they’re fully coated. Use tongs or a spatula to make sure every wing gets some sauce.
If you prefer extra saucy wings, add more buffalo sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your crispy baked buffalo chicken wings are ready to serve! Transfer the wings to a plate and add some fun side options for dipping: blue cheese dressing, ranch, or even celery sticks.
Tips for Success
- Don’t forget the baking powder: This is the secret to making your wings crispy without frying.
- Pat the wings dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so make sure to remove as much water as possible.
- Use a wire rack: It helps the heat surround the wings evenly, leading to a crispier result.
- Be patient: Baking your wings takes a little longer than frying, but the result is worth the wait.
Why Bake Instead of Fry?
Baking wings is healthier than frying because it doesn’t require a lot of oil. Plus, it’s less messy and easier to clean up. And when done right, you get the same crispy texture you love without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo chicken wings don’t need to be fried to be crispy and delicious. With simple techniques like using baking powder, patting the wings dry, and baking at the right temperature, you can achieve restaurant-quality wings right at home.
Now that you know how to make crispy baked buffalo chicken wings, it’s time to show off your cooking skills! Whether it’s game day or a casual dinner, these wings are sure to be a hit.
Happy cooking!
