Hey there my friend. You know how some chicken wings are either too dry or not crispy enough? I’ve got you covered. This recipe gives you the perfect balance—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. And guess what? You don’t even need a deep fryer. Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to get that crunch with simple steps.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Parchment paper
- Tongs
- Small bowl for seasoning mix
- Brush (if using oil)
Important Info
- Servings: 12 wings
- Estimated Cost: You can make this for about $8, depending on the price of chicken in your area.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Additional Time: None
- Calories per Serving: Around 90 calories per wing
- Cook Method: Baking
- Season: Perfect all year round
- Courses: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: LowCarbDiet, GlutenFreeDiet
How to Make Crispy Chicken Wings
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (not baking soda)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Baking powder | Cornstarch (same amount) |
| Smoked paprika | Regular paprika or chili powder |
| Olive oil | Melted butter |
| Garlic powder | Fresh minced garlic (½ teaspoon) |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. The drier they are, the crispier they will be.
- In a small bowl, mix baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Place the wings in a large bowl and sprinkle the seasoning mix over them. Toss until the wings are evenly coated.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure they are not touching.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the wings and bake for another 20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use baking powder, not baking soda. It helps make the wings crispy without any weird taste.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet. The wings need space to crisp up.
- Dry the wings very well before seasoning. Any moisture will stop them from crisping.
- For extra crunch, broil the wings for 3-5 minutes at the end.
What to Serve with Crispy Chicken Wings
Chicken wings go well with a lot of things. You can serve them with fries, coleslaw, or roasted veggies. If you like dips, ranch, blue cheese dressing, or honey mustard are great options.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like serving these wings on a big platter with a side of dipping sauces. If you want a party feel, you can stick small skewers into them for easy grabbing.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These wings are perfect for game nights, family dinners, and casual get-togethers. They are also great for picnics because they taste good at room temperature. If you are making them for a holiday, they fit right in for Super Bowl parties or Fourth of July BBQs.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you plan to eat them within 2 hours, just leave them on a plate covered with foil.
Refrigeration
- Place leftover wings in an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Freezing
- Let the wings cool completely.
- Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?
Yes, you can. Cook them at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Do I have to use baking powder?
No, but it helps a lot. If you skip it, your wings won’t be as crispy. You can use cornstarch as an alternative.
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them ahead and reheat in the oven before serving. Just don’t store them in a covered container while they are still hot, or they will get soggy.
What if I don’t have a wire rack?
You can bake them directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, but flip them halfway through to crisp both sides.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and baking.
