If you’re craving a finger-licking, crowd-pleasing snack that’s full of zest and crunch, this Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect balance of crispy skin and fiery, tangy sauce, but without the mess and hassle of deep frying. Trust me, once you bake these wings at home, you’ll never want to order buffalo wings out again. The combination of simple pantry staples with bold buffalo sauce creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for game day, a casual dinner, or anytime you want a little spicy kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and punch of flavor. From the flour that helps crisp the wings to the garlic powder that adds subtle depth, every element counts.
- Chicken wings (2 pounds): Use split wings with tips removed for easy baking and even cooking.
- All-purpose flour (1½ tablespoons): Helps create a golden, crispy coating without heaviness.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): A secret weapon to make the skin extra crunchy by drying it out as it bakes.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant, savory note that complements the sauce perfectly.
- Seasoned salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor with a balanced, mild seasoning.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Provides a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning mix.
- Buffalo sauce (1½ cups): The star of the show—whether store-bought or homemade, the spicy, buttery sauce ties everything together.
How to Make Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first, set your oven to 425°F to get it hot and ready for that perfect crispy bake. While it heats, make sure to pat your wings dry with a paper towel. This little step helps remove moisture so they crisp up beautifully in the oven instead of steaming.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a large bowl, toss your chicken wings with the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Each wing should be evenly coated in this magic mix, which is key to getting that irresistible crispy skin and tasty flavor base.
Step 3: Arrange and Refrigerate
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and then place a piece of parchment paper on top. Spread the wings out in a single layer so they don’t steam each other. If time permits, refrigerate the wings for 30 minutes; this helps dry out the skin even more, enhancing the crunchiness once baked.
Step 4: Bake the Wings
Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, flip each wing over to ensure even cooking and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling like a buffalo wing haven at this point!
Step 5: Sauce and Broil
Remove the wings from the oven and pour the buffalo sauce over them right on the parchment paper. Toss them gently until every wing is coated in that vibrant, spicy sauce. Then slide the parchment paper out from under the wings and switch your oven to broil. Pop the wings back in under the broiler for just a few minutes until they turn golden and slightly caramelized. This step brings an amazing depth of flavor and texture.
How to Serve Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes not only makes the dish look inviting but also enhances the flavor balance. Freshly chopped celery sticks and a sprinkle of chopped green onions offer a refreshing crunch that perfectly contrasts the spicy wings. A drizzle of cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing can also tame the heat deliciously.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crisp carrot sticks, cool cucumber slices, or a creamy coleslaw echo the buffalo wings’ zest while introducing freshness. For a heartier meal, some buttery corn on the cob or garlic mashed potatoes create a wonderful balance between spicy and soothing flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve these wings on a wooden board lined with fresh lettuce or parchment paper. Add small bowls of dipping sauces like blue cheese, ranch, or even a smoky chipotle mayo. Pair with a cold drink—think a frosty beer or a tangy lemonade—and you’ve got a shared feast that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover baked buffalo wings, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them flavorful, though they will lose some crispness, which can easily be restored later.
Freezing
To freeze, let the wings cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a couple of hours. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and keep for up to 3 months. This way, you always have a quick buffalo wing fix ready.
Reheating
For best results, reheat wings in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until piping hot. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that crisp texture. You can broil them for a couple of minutes at the end to regain extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for the Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe?
Yes, frozen wings work just fine! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning to achieve the best crispiness.
Is baking healthier than frying buffalo wings?
Absolutely. Baking uses less oil, cutting down on fat and calories, but thanks to the baking powder trick, your wings still get wonderfully crispy.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this recipe?
Definitely. If you like it milder, use less buffalo sauce or mix it with some melted butter. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buffalo sauce before coating.
What can I use if I don’t have baking powder?
Baking powder is key for crispiness here, but if you don’t have it, you can still make the recipe without; the wings just won’t be quite as crunchy but will still be delicious.
Can I make homemade buffalo sauce for this recipe?
Yes! A simple mix of melted butter and hot sauce is classic. Adjust proportions to match your preferred taste and level of heat.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe is my go-to when I want a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and packed with that iconic buffalo tang. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive for entertaining friends. Give it a try, and I promise these wings will become your new favorite snack or meal to share!
Print
Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Buffalo Wings are a crispy, flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Coated with a light flour and baking powder mixture, then baked to perfection and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, they make for an irresistible appetizer or game day snack that’s easy to prepare and healthier than traditional fried wings.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings (split and tips removed)
Seasoning Mix
- 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1½ cups buffalo sauce (store bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for crispy wings.
- Prepare Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispiness.
- Mix Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings with the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Toss well until the wings are evenly coated.
- Arrange Wings: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil, then place a piece of parchment paper on top. Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the parchment paper for even cooking.
- Optional Refrigeration: If you have the time, refrigerate the wings for 30 minutes. This step helps dry out the skin further for crispier results.
- Bake Wings: Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, flip them over and bake an additional 15 minutes to cook through and brown evenly.
- Toss in Sauce: Remove the wings from the oven and pour the buffalo sauce over them. Mix the wings directly on the parchment paper until they are fully coated with the sauce.
- Broil to Finish: Slide the parchment paper with the wings off the tray. Turn the oven to broil and broil the wings until they are golden and slightly charred, enhancing the flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, do not skip drying the wings thoroughly before seasoning.
- Refrigerating the wings before baking helps make the skin crispier but is not mandatory.
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to taste or substitute with your favorite wing sauce.
- Keep an eye on the wings while broiling to prevent burning.
- Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for a classic buffalo wing experience.
