The Best Crispy Baked Chicken Wings (No Frying Required)

If you’ve ever craved crispy, juicy chicken wings without the guilt of deep-frying, then this recipe is your new go-to! These baked chicken wings come out perfectly golden, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. The best part? No deep frying required! Whether you’re preparing for game day, hosting a casual family dinner, or simply treating yourself to a snack, these wings are a game-changer. They’re easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor. Ready to elevate your wing game? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be real: wings are one of the best comfort foods out there, but they don’t always come without the extra fat and calories when deep-fried. That’s where this baked version comes in—giving you that perfect crispy texture without all the oil. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love this recipe:

• Healthier than fried wings: You get the same crispy texture as deep-fried wings, but without the excess oil. A perfect option for healthy comfort food lovers!
• Super crispy: Achieving that crispy skin without frying is easier than you think. Thanks to a secret ingredient (baking powder), you’ll get wings so crispy, they’ll make you wonder why you didn’t try baking them sooner.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer tangy buffalo sauce, smoky BBQ, or a garlic butter glaze, you can easily adjust the seasonings or sauces to your taste.
• Easy to make: Minimal prep work, no special equipment—just a baking sheet and a few pantry staples. This is the kind of easy weeknight dinner recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
• Perfect for any occasion: These wings aren’t just for game days; they make a fantastic snack, appetizer, or main dish for quick family meals and weeknight dinner ideas.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

What sets these baked chicken wings apart from the typical oven-baked wing recipes? It’s all about the technique and seasoning. First off, the wings get crispy without deep frying—thanks to a combination of baking powder (not baking soda), which works magic on the skin. The result? A perfect crunch that holds up to any sauce you want to slather on. The wings are seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a touch of salt and pepper, giving them a savory flavor profile that’s versatile and satisfying. Plus, you can always toss them in your favorite sauce for an extra flavor kick.

These wings are also great for those looking to eat high protein meals without all the calories of fried versions. They fit into your keto meal plan and can be customized to fit whatever dietary goals you have. Whether you need a low calorie chicken meal prep idea or a high protein pre-made meal solution for the week, this recipe has you covered.

Ingredients

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Here’s the rundown of what you’ll need to get started. The full list with measurements can be found in the recipe card at the bottom, but here’s a quick glance:

• Chicken Wings (drumettes and flats, patted dry)
• Baking Powder (NOT baking soda—this helps get that crispy skin)
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Paprika
• Salt and Black Pepper
• Optional Sauces:
  • Buffalo Sauce
  • BBQ Sauce
  • Honey Garlic Sauce
  • Teriyaki Sauce
  • Garlic Butter and Parmesan (for a rich and savory touch)

How to Make It Step-by-Step

It’s super simple to make these crispy baked chicken wings. Follow these easy steps to get perfectly cooked wings every time.

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is essential for getting that crispy, golden texture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or, for even better results, place a wire rack over the baking sheet (this allows air to circulate, which makes the wings even crispier).
2. Prepare the Chicken Wings: Pat your chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This is one of the most important steps—moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Make sure the wings are as dry as possible before you coat them.
3. Season the Wings: In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. If you’re going for a spicy kick, feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
4. Arrange the Wings: Place the seasoned wings on your prepared baking sheet or wire rack in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd them to ensure they get crispy all around.
5. Bake: Bake the wings for 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6. Toss in Sauce (Optional): If you’re using a sauce, this is when you’ll toss the wings in your choice of buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, honey garlic sauce, or teriyaki sauce. For extra flavor, you can bake them for an additional 5 minutes after tossing them in the sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your wings hot, garnished with extra sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Don’t forget to pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or blue cheese dressing, and enjoy!

Tips for Best Results

• Pat them dry: Dry wings are the secret to crispy wings. Don’t skip this step!
• Use baking powder: Baking powder is key to getting the perfect crispy texture, so don’t swap it out for baking soda. It’s also what makes this recipe so special.
• Wire rack for extra crispiness: For the crispiest wings, use a wire rack. It allows air to circulate all around the wings as they bake.
• Don’t overcrowd: Make sure the wings have space to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Season generously: Don’t be afraid to coat the wings evenly with your seasoning mixture. The flavors need to shine through.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

The beauty of this baked chicken wing recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily make it your own based on what you have in your pantry or your dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy: Toss the wings in buffalo sauce or Sriracha for an extra spicy punch.
• Sweet and Savory: Mix together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic for a delicious honey garlic glaze.
• Lemon Pepper: Add some zest by sprinkling lemon zest and freshly cracked black pepper over the wings before baking.
• BBQ: Coat the wings with BBQ sauce and bake as directed for that smoky-sweet flavor.
• Asian Style: Try tossing the wings in teriyaki sauce and top with sesame seeds for a delicious Asian-inspired twist.

Serving Suggestions

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These crispy baked chicken wings are a perfect appetizer, but they also make a great main dish. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a game day snack, here are a few great ways to serve them:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve the wings with classic dipping sauces like ranch dressing, blue cheese, or honey mustard. For a bit of heat, spicy mayo or Sriracha aioli is a fun choice.
• Veggies: Pair the wings with fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks to balance out the richness.
• Fries or Wedges: Serve the wings with a side of crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or potato wedges for a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Salad: For a lighter side, a fresh salad or coleslaw pairs perfectly with the wings.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

Looking to pair your wings with something delicious? Here are a few ideas for drinks and sides that complement the flavors:

• Beer: A crisp lager or IPA is a classic pairing for wings, especially with spicy buffalo sauce.
• Cocktails: For something refreshing, a whiskey sour or margarita can complement the rich flavors of the wings.
• Soft Drinks: Keep it simple with a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a soda to balance out the heat from spicy wings.
• Side Dishes: Serve alongside a hearty macaroni and cheese, a fresh green salad, or even corn on the cob.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Got leftovers? No problem—these wings taste just as good the next day!

• Refrigeration: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are fully cooled before freezing.
• Reheating: To reheat, pop them back into the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, air-fry at 350°F for 5 minutes to get them crispy again.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

• Make Ahead: You can bake the wings ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat and toss in your favorite sauce for a quick, satisfying meal.
• Freezer Tips: If you have a lot of wings to prep, you can freeze them (uncooked or cooked) for future use. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready for a quick family meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your wings turn out crispy and flavorful every time, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not drying the wings properly: Moisture on the wings will prevent them from crisping up properly, so be sure to pat them dry.
• Using baking soda: Baking soda can leave a weird aftertaste and won’t give you that perfect crispiness like baking powder will.
• Overcrowding the pan: Overcrowding the wings prevents them from cooking evenly and getting crispy. Use a wire rack if possible for the best results.
• Not flipping halfway through: Flipping the wings ensures they cook evenly on both sides.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I make wings extra crispy?

Pat them dry, toss them in baking powder, and bake at a high temperature like 425°F for the perfect crispy texture.

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry before seasoning.

Can I air-fry these wings?

Absolutely! Air-fry at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What dipping sauces go well with wings?

Some favorites include ranch dressing, blue cheese, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.

Can I marinate the wings before baking?

Yes! Marinate the wings in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite spices for added flavor.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• Baking Sheet: To bake the wings on.
• Wire Rack: For maximum crispiness.
• Mixing Bowl: For tossing the wings with seasoning.
• Tongs: For flipping the wings halfway through cooking.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!