Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings with the Ultimate Crunch
Craving buffalo wings that pack a punch and a serious crunch? These Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings with the Ultimate Crunch are everything you want in a wing—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with that signature spicy buffalo flavor. No need for a fryer; these wings get their perfect golden crispiness right in the oven. Whether you’re hosting a game day or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these wings will fly off the plate!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
Oven-Baked Chicken Wings:
- 4 lbs. Chicken Wings: Fresh, unseasoned chicken wings that will become tender and crispy when baked to perfection.
- 1 ½ Tbsp Baking Powder: The secret to extra crispy skin, helping the wings brown and crisp up in the oven.
- 1 Tsp Smoked Paprika: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to the wings with a hint of heat.
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder: For a subtle, savory onion flavor that complements the seasoning blend.
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder: Provides a warm, garlicky undertone to season the wings.
- ½ Tsp Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and ensures a balanced taste.
- ¼ Tsp Black Ground Pepper: Adds a mild kick of spice for extra flavor.
Homemade Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 Stick Unsalted Butter (melted): Adds richness and smoothness to the buffalo sauce.
- 1 Cup Hot Sauce: The main component for heat, giving the wings their bold, spicy flavor.
- ½ Tsp Garlic Powder: For a garlicky kick in the sauce, complement the heat of the hot sauce.
WHY OVEN BAKED BUFFALO WINGS WILL BE A GAME-DAY FAVORITE APPETIZER?
- Super Crispy: These wings bake up extra crispy without the mess of frying.
- Tasty Buffalo Sauce: The homemade buffalo sauce gives just the right amount of heat and tang.
- Easy to Make: No fuss, just simple steps for delicious wings straight from the oven!
HOW TO PREPARE CRISPY OVEN-BAKED BUFFALO CHICKEN WINGS?
Time needed: 1 hour
- Prep the Wings:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place an oven-safe wire rack on top. This setup helps the wings cook evenly and get extra crispy. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. - Season the Wings:
In a large bowl, toss the wings with 1 ½ tablespoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure each wing is evenly coated with the mixture.
- Arrange the Wings on the Baking Sheet:
Place the seasoned wings on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching each other. - Bake the Wings:
Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The wings should be golden brown and crispy by the end of cooking. - Make the Buffalo Sauce:
While the wings are baking, melt 1 stick of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of hot sauce and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix until fully combined, then remove from heat. - Toss the Wings in Sauce:
When the wings are done, remove them from the oven and place them in a large bowl. Pour the homemade buffalo sauce over the wings and toss until they’re fully coated. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the wings hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese, and some celery sticks on the side. Enjoy the crispy texture and spicy buffalo flavor!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Coat the wings in baking powder and bake them on a wire rack to help the skin crisp up without frying.
Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce to control the spice level.
You can place the wings directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, but a wire rack helps them get crispier.
Use parchment paper or lightly oil the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
BUFFALO WINGS RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- BBQ Wings: Substitute the buffalo sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Honey Garlic Wings: Replace the hot sauce with honey and minced garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor.
- Cajun Wings: Add Cajun seasoning instead of paprika and garlic powder for a spicier, Southern-style kick.
- Lemon Pepper Wings: Use lemon zest and cracked black pepper instead of buffalo sauce for a zesty, savory option.
- Parmesan Garlic Wings: Toss the baked wings in melted butter, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan for a rich, cheesy coating.
- Teriyaki Wings: Swap out the buffalo sauce for a homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce for a savory, slightly sweet Asian-inspired flavor.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH BUFFALO WINGS?
Buffalo wings are a crowd-pleasing appetizer often served with classic sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. On game day, they’re usually paired with crispy fries, onion rings, or nachos for a hearty spread. As a holiday appetizer, buffalo wings go great with sliders, stuffed mushrooms, or deviled eggs, making them a versatile and flavorful option for any occasion. Their bold, spicy flavor is perfect for bringing a little heat to any celebration!
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER CRISPY OVEN-BAKED WINGS?
To store leftover buffalo wings, just put them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. When you want to eat them again, preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the wings out on a baking sheet and bake them for about 10 to 15 minutes until they’re hot and crispy again. If you have an air fryer, you can reheat them at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes to make them crunchy. You can also use the microwave, but they might not be as crispy.
CAN LEFTOVER WINGS BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTIONS?
To freeze buffalo wings for later, first let them cool completely after cooking. Then, place the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about an hour until they’re firm. This helps keep them from sticking together. Once they’re frozen, move the wings to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, squeezing out as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date, and they can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat!
LOOKING FOR MORE APPETIZER IDEAS? TRY THESE!
Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Wings: Everything you’d ever want in a chicken wing, plus they’re baked, not fried! The recipe contains some of my favorite Asian flavor combinations includes: sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Easy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers: These bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are baked instead of fried and they’re even better than the fried version. Who can resist fresh jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and wrapped in crispy bacon, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Hot Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip: Copycat Recipe: The marriage of tender spinach leaves and tangy artichoke hearts adds a delightful contrast, while a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese blankets the dip with its signature savory notes.
Oven-Baked Buffalo Wings with the Ultimate Crunch
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Oven-Bake Chicken Wings:
- 4 lbs. Chicken Wings
- 1 ½ Tbsp Baking Powder
- 1 Tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ Tsp Salt
- ¼ Tsp Black Ground Pepper
Homemade Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 Stick Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1 Cup Hot Sauce
- ½ Tsp Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Prep the Wings: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place an oven-safe wire rack on top. This setup helps the wings cook evenly and get extra crispy. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the wings with 1 ½ tablespoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure each wing is evenly coated with the mixture.
- Arrange the Wings on the Rack: Place the seasoned wings on the wire rack in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching each other. This allows the heat to circulate and crisp up the wings.
- Bake the Wings: Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The wings should be golden brown and crispy by the end of cooking.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: While the wings are baking, melt 1 stick of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of hot sauce and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix until fully combined, then remove from heat.
- Toss the Wings in Sauce: When the wings are done, remove them from the oven and place them in a large bowl. Pour the homemade buffalo sauce over the wings and toss until they’re fully coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the wings hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese, and some celery sticks on the side. Enjoy the crispy texture and spicy buffalo flavor!