The Crispiest Baked Buffalo Wings

Are you ready to take your game day snack to the next level? Look no further than The Crispiest Baked Buffalo Wings. These wings are perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just craving some delicious comfort food, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive in!

Why It’s My Go-To

There’s something about buffalo wings that makes them irresistible. The heat, the crunch, and the flavor combine to create a snack that’s hard to beat. What makes this recipe my go-to is the baking method combined with aluminum-free baking powder, which results in wings that are just as crispy as fried. Plus, the sauce is fully customizable, allowing you to adjust the sweetness and heat to perfectly suit your palate. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!

Shopping List

• 4 lbs chicken wings, cut into drumettes and flats
• 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder (not baking soda)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or white/brown sugar, adjust to taste
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup ranch dressing for serving
• ½ cup blue cheese dressing for serving
• 2-3 celery stalks for serving

Tools of the Trade

• Baking sheet: A large, rimmed baking sheet is ideal for catching drips.
• Wire rack: This elevates the wings, allowing hot air to circulate for even crispiness.
• Mixing bowls: For tossing the wings and mixing the sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to great flavor.
• Cooking brush: For applying butter and sauce evenly.

The Crispiest Baked Buffalo Wings: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. The drier the wings, the crispier they will get.

Step 2: Season the Wings

In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and cracked pepper. Add the dried chicken wings to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 3: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This step is crucial for getting that perfect crisp! Lay the seasoned wings in a single layer on the rack, making sure they are not touching.

Step 4: Bake the Wings

Bake your wings in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You want them to be golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

While the wings are baking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, and your choice of honey or sugar. Taste and adjust the sweetness as desired.

Step 6: Toss the Wings

Once the wings are out of the oven and crispy, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss until they are fully coated.

Step 7: Serve with Dips

Plate the wings and serve them with crumbled blue cheese, ranch dressing, and celery sticks for that classic buffalo wing experience.

Smart Substitutions

• For a vegan option, use cauliflower florets instead of chicken wings.
• Swap out the blue cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Use sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free twist.

Cook’s Notes

• Make sure to dry the wings thoroughly; this is key to achieving that crispiness.
• If you want even more flavor, marinate the wings in the spice mixture for a few hours before baking.
• Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less hot sauce.
• Always check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C).

Storage Pro Tips

Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain some of that crispiness. For longer storage, freeze the cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

Reader Q&A

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and dry them well before seasoning.

What can I serve with these wings?

These buffalo wings pair perfectly with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a variety of dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the wings and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if they are chilled.

How can I make them spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Quick Weeknight Wins

• Easy Chicken Tacos – A quick and flavorful meal that comes together in minutes.
• Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta – This dish is rich and satisfying, perfect for a cozy dinner.
• Easy Vegetable Stir Fry – A colorful and healthy option that’s super quick to whip up.

Final Bite

There you have it, folks! A complete guide to making The Crispiest Baked Buffalo Wings that are sure to impress your family and friends. With the perfect balance of heat and flavor, these wings will become a staple in your home. Whether it’s for game day or a casual weeknight dinner, they are a delicious way to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy every bite!

The Crispiest Baked Buffalo Wings

Get ready for game day with these crispy, juicy Buffalo wings tossed in a tangy sauce!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Wings:

• 4 lbs chicken wings cut into drumettes and flats
• 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder (not baking soda)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper
• ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
• ½ cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or white/brown sugar adjust to taste

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese softened
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt to taste
• ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper to taste
• ¼ cup ranch dressing for serving
• ½ cup blue cheese dressing for serving
• 2-3 stalks celery for serving

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Wire Rack
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking brush

Method

 

Instructions:

1. Step 1: Prepare the Wings - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
2. Step 2: Season the Wings - In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and cracked pepper. Add the dried chicken wings and toss until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Arrange on the Baking Sheet - Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. Lay the seasoned wings in a single layer on the rack.
4. Step 4: Bake the Wings - Bake for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.
5. Step 5: Make the Sauce - In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, and honey or sugar. Adjust sweetness as desired.
6. Step 6: Toss the Wings - Once crispy, transfer wings to a bowl, pour the sauce over them, and toss until fully coated.
7. Step 7: Serve with Dips - Plate the wings and serve with crumbled blue cheese, ranch dressing, and celery sticks.

Notes

• Dry the wings thoroughly for maximum crispiness.
• Marinate the wings in the spice mixture for more flavor.
• Adjust spice level with more or less hot sauce.