Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
These Crispy Baked Chicken Wings are the perfect blend of crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, all achieved without the mess of frying. Coated in a flavorful seasoning mix and baked to golden perfection, they make the ultimate snack or appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them with a variety of dipping sauces or enjoying them on their own, these wings are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet (medium size)
- 1 Wire rack (optional but recommended)
- 1 Large bowl (for seasoning wings)
- 1 Paper towels (for drying wings)
- 1 Tongs or spatula (for flipping wings)
- 1 Meat thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings fresh or thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne pepper (for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you have a wire rack, place it on a baking sheet to elevate the wings.
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Ensure they are as dry as possible to help them crisp up while baking.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil to coat them evenly. Sprinkle in the baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the wings are well-coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange the Wings: Lay the wings out in a single layer on the wire rack, leaving space between each one for optimal air circulation.
- Bake the Wings: Bake the wings for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Optional – Broil: If you want an extra crispy finish, broil the wings for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.Just watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.Pair with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
Notes
- Patting the wings dry is crucial for crispy skin. Consider refrigerating them uncovered for 1 hour before cooking to help dry out the skin even more.
- Baking powder is key to achieving crispiness. It reacts with the skin to create a crispy coating without deep frying.
- You can customize the seasonings by adding spices like cayenne for heat or herbs like oregano for added flavor.
- For a healthier version, serve with veggie sides like carrots, celery, or a light salad instead of fries.
- These wings can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.