Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top. The rack allows air to circulate around the wings for maximum crispiness.
Step 2: Dry the Wings
Pat the chicken wings very dry with paper towels. Removing moisture is crucial for crispiness!
Step 3: Season for Maximum Flavor
In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with:
✔ Baking powder – Helps create that crispy, golden skin.
✔ Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika – The perfect seasoning blend!
✔ Olive oil – Helps the seasoning coat evenly and adds flavor.
Mix well to coat the wings evenly.
Step 4: Arrange & Bake
Place the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, leaving space between each one for proper airflow.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Broil for Extra Crunch
For an extra crispy finish, broil the wings for 2-3 minutes at the end. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
Step 6: Sauce & Serve
Serve the wings as is for a delicious crispy bite, or toss them in your favorite sauce:
🔥 Buffalo Sauce – Spicy, buttery perfection!
🍯 Honey Garlic – Sweet and savory.
🍗 BBQ Sauce – Smoky and tangy.
🍋 Lemon Pepper – Zesty and addicting!
Best Tips for Perfect Crispy Baked Wings
✔ Use Baking Powder (Not Baking Soda!) – This is the secret ingredient that gives wings restaurant-quality crispiness.
✔ Pat the Wings Dry – Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Use paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning.
✔ Use a Wire Rack – Elevating the wings allows hot air to circulate underneath, preventing soggy bottoms.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Give each wing some space so they bake evenly.
✔ Flip Halfway Through – This ensures both sides get perfectly crispy.
✔ Broil at the End – If you want an extra crunch, a couple of minutes under the broiler does wonders!
Serving & Storage
What to Serve with Chicken Wings
Pair these wings with classic sides like:
🥕 Carrot & Celery Sticks – The perfect crunch!
🥣 Ranch or Blue Cheese Dip – Cool and creamy contrast to crispy, spicy wings.
🍟 Crispy Fries – Because wings and fries are the ultimate duo.
🥗 Side Salad – For a fresh, balanced meal.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: To re-crisp them, bake at 375°F for 10 minutes or air fry at 380°F for 5 minutes.
Can You Freeze Chicken Wings?
Yes! Freeze cooked wings in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 400°F until crispy again.
Flavor Variations & Customizations
Want to mix things up? Try these delicious wing flavors:
🔥 Buffalo Wings – Toss in hot sauce & melted butter for a classic spicy kick.
🍯 Honey BBQ Wings – Mix BBQ sauce & honey for a sweet, smoky flavor.
🧄 Garlic Parmesan Wings – Coat with melted butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese after baking.
🌶 Spicy Cajun Wings – Add cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning to the dry mix.
🍋 Lemon Pepper Wings – Toss in melted butter & lemon zest for a zesty finish.
Final Thoughts
These crispy oven-baked chicken wings are hands-down one of the best recipes I’ve ever made. They’re so easy, incredibly flavorful, and way better than takeout.
