Extra Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
If you love chicken wings but want a healthier alternative to deep-frying, this recipe is just for you. These oven-baked wings come out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside. With just a handful of pantry spices and a touch of olive oil, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that pairs beautifully with any dipping sauce.
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Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
2 pounds chicken wings (separate drumettes and flats for even cooking)
1 teaspoon baking powder (the secret to achieving that irresistible crispiness)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ cup olive oil (adds flavor and helps crisp the skin)
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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier. For best results, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet—this allows air to circulate around the wings, making them extra crispy.
2. Dry the Wings Thoroughly
Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Use paper towels to pat each wing dry. The drier they are, the crunchier they’ll turn out in the oven.
3. Season the Wings
In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the wings and toss them until each piece is coated with the seasoning blend. The baking powder is key—it changes the surface of the chicken skin, helping it brown and crisp up beautifully in the oven.
4. Add Olive Oil
Drizzle the olive oil over the wings and toss again to coat. This not only adds a subtle richness but also helps the spices stick to the chicken while encouraging even browning.
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Spread the wings out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Avoid overcrowding—giving each wing a little space allows the hot air to circulate and crisp up the skin.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place the wings in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. After that, flip each wing to ensure both sides cook evenly. Continue baking for an additional 20–25 minutes or until the wings are a deep golden brown and deliciously crispy.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce—whether it’s classic buffalo, ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
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Tips for Best Results:
For even crispier wings, let them air-dry uncovered in the refrigerator for at least an hour before baking.
You can easily double the recipe to feed a larger crowd—just use two baking sheets.
Experiment with flavors by adding paprika, cayenne pepper, or a hint of chili powder for extra heat.
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These crispy baked chicken wings are perfect for game nights, parties, or even a simple family dinner. They deliver all the crunch you crave without the mess and excess oil of deep-frying.
