If you’ve been on the hunt for a perfect balance of crunch and heat, this Crispy Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These wings boast an irresistibly crispy skin thanks to a little baking powder magic, paired with that classic tangy Buffalo sauce that makes every bite bursting with flavor. Whether you’re gearing up for game day, hosting friends, or just craving something loaded with punchy zest, this recipe delivers that iconic Buffalo wing experience without the fuss of frying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully is what makes this Crispy Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe so accessible. Each element plays a key role—from creating the crisp exterior to delivering that signature spicy kick.
- Chicken drumettes and wingettes: About 2 pounds, these are the perfect size for baking and saucing.
- Baking powder: The secret to crispy skin; it helps to draw moisture away for that coveted crunch.
- Kosher salt: Enhances flavor and helps balance the heat of the sauce.
- Buffalo Sauce: For that classic tangy, spicy coating that defines Buffalo wings.
- Sliced green onion (optional): Adds a fresh, mild bite and a pop of color at serving time.
How to Make Crispy Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Rack
Preheat your oven low and slow at 250°F while preparing a wire rack on top of a foil-lined baking sheet. Giving the wings space to crisp up evenly is key, and the foil ensures easy cleanup.
Step 2: Coat the Wings
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with baking powder and kosher salt until evenly coated. The baking powder isn’t just a random ingredient—it’s the magic behind a perfectly crisp oven-baked skin that rivals fried wings.
Step 3: Begin the Low Bake
Arrange the wings in a single layer on your prepared rack, spacing them slightly apart. Bake at 250°F for 30 minutes, a gentle start that helps begin drying out the skin without cooking the meat too quickly.
Step 4: Turn Up the Heat
After that initial bake, crank your oven temperature up to 425°F and continue baking for 45 to 50 minutes. This step is where the wings develop their gorgeously golden, crispy coating that makes this Crispy Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe truly special.
Step 5: Rest and Toss
Once cooked, let the wings rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to settle. Then, toss them generously in Buffalo sauce until every piece is coated with that spicy, buttery goodness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the wings immediately for best texture and flavor, garnished with sliced green onions if you like that fresh crunch and pop of color.
How to Serve Crispy Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced green onions is a simple yet impactful garnish that tones down the heat slightly while adding color. You can also sprinkle blue cheese crumbles or freshly chopped parsley to elevate the presentation and flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
These wings pair beautifully with cool, crisp celery sticks and creamy ranch or blue cheese dips to balance out the heat. For something heartier, baked fries or classic coleslaw create a full, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the wings around a bowl of dip on a large platter for a crowd-pleasing presentation. Or stack them tall on a rustic wooden board with lemon wedges and extra Buffalo sauce on the side to keep the taste buds excited.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, although they’re best enjoyed the same day for optimal crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen wings last up to 2 months and make a quick snack when reheated.
Reheating
To bring back the crisp, reheat wings in a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes instead of the microwave, which can make them soggy. This approach refreshes their crispy texture while keeping the flavor intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular baking soda instead of baking powder?
Baking soda and baking powder are not interchangeable here because baking powder contains acids that help create the crispy crust without altering flavor. Stick to baking powder for the best results.
How spicy is the Buffalo sauce in this recipe?
This recipe uses classic Buffalo sauce, which offers a medium level of heat and tang. You can adjust the heat by choosing a milder or hotter sauce or by mixing in additional hot sauce.
Can I make these wings without an oven rack?
An oven rack allows air circulation for crispiness, but if you don’t have one, place wings on a foil-lined baking sheet and flip them halfway through cooking to help crisp both sides.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe uses baking powder and basic seasonings, so as long as the Buffalo sauce is gluten-free, this dish suits a gluten-free diet perfectly.
How long do I need to marinate the wings before baking?
This particular Crispy Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe does not require marinating. The baking powder coating and sauce tossing provide plenty of flavor and texture on their own.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Crispy Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s straightforward, flavorful, and irresistibly crispy in all the right places, making it perfect for any occasion where finger food is king. Give it a try and prepare to impress your friends and family with crispy, tangy wings that hit all the right notes!
Print
Crispy Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Buffalo Wings recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown chicken wings coated in tangy, spicy Buffalo sauce. With a two-step baking process that ensures perfectly crispy skin without frying, these wings are an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer or game-day snack.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 lbs chicken drumettes and wingettes (approximately 20 pieces), patted dry
- 1½ tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 cup Buffalo Sauce
- Sliced green onion (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Rack: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spray a wire baking rack with nonstick spray and place it over a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil to catch drippings. Set this assembly aside.
- Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings with the baking powder and kosher salt. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated. The baking powder helps create a crispy skin during baking.
- Arrange Wings: Place the coated wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack, making sure there is some space between each wing to allow air circulation for crispiness.
- Bake at Low Temperature: Bake the wings at 250°F for 30 minutes. This initial slow bake renders fat and begins drying the skin for crispiness.
- Increase Heat to Crisp: After 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and continue baking for an additional 45 to 50 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy. Flip the wings halfway through for even browning if desired.
- Rest the Wings: Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and to cool slightly.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Transfer the warm wings to a large bowl and toss them thoroughly with the Buffalo Sauce until fully coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions if desired for a fresh flavor boost.
Notes
- Using baking powder (not baking soda) is key for crispy skin without frying.
- Patting the wings dry before coating helps render fat and achieve better crispness.
- If you prefer extra crispy wings, you can broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Homemade or store-bought Buffalo sauce works well; adjust spiciness to taste.
- Allow wings to rest before tossing in sauce to prevent sogginess.
