Description
Crispy Baked Chicken Wings deliver a perfect balance of crunch and juiciness without frying. This healthy, easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and baking powder to achieve irresistibly crispy skin, making it ideal for game days, family dinners, or anytime cravings. Enjoy flavorful wings with minimal mess and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings
- 2 to 3 pounds fresh or thawed chicken wings, skin on
Dry Seasoning Mix
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free, not baking soda)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Spices
- Cayenne pepper, onion powder, dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano (to taste)
Sauces for Serving (Optional)
- Buffalo sauce, honey garlic, barbecue sauce, or any favorite wing sauce
Instructions
- Prep the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Separate the drumettes and wingettes if needed for even cooking.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, mix baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss the wings thoroughly in the dry seasoning until every piece is coated evenly. This step is crucial for creating the crispy, golden skin.
- Arrange on Rack: Place a wire rack on a baking sheet. Arrange the wings in a single layer with space between each wing to allow hot air circulation and prevent sogginess.
- Bake Low and Then High: Bake the wings at 250°F (120°C) for 30 minutes to render fat. Then increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and continue baking for 40-50 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to promote even browning and crispiness.
- Add Sauce or Serve Dry: After baking, toss the wings in your preferred sauce or serve them dry to enjoy the seasoned crispy skin. Classic sauces like buffalo, honey garlic, or barbecue pair beautifully.
Notes
- Dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Use baking powder, not baking soda, as it contains acids that help create crunch without bitterness.
- Do not overcrowd the wings on the rack; leave space for hot air to circulate evenly.
- Use a wire rack to allow fat to drip away, preventing soggy bottoms.
- Flip wings halfway through baking for uniform crisping and browning.
- Let wings rest for a couple of minutes before serving to maintain crispiness and avoid burning tongues.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: crispy baked chicken wings, baked wings, healthy chicken wings, game day wings, easy chicken appetizers, gluten free wings