Description

This recipe provides a method for making crispy, saucy buffalo wings at home without deep-frying, ideal for game day or a weeknight dinner. It focuses on achieving restaurant-quality crunch and flavor with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 kg chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
15 g baking powder (aluminum-free)
5 g fine sea salt
2.5 g freshly ground black pepper
60 g unsalted butter
120 mL hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot Original)
5 g garlic powder
30 mL white vinegar

Instructions

Prep Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, then place an oven-safe wire rack on top. Pat the chicken wings very dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine the dried wings with baking powder, salt, and pepper until every wing is evenly coated.
Arrange & Bake: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack, ensuring there’s space between each wing for optimal air circulation. Bake for 45-55 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Crisp Up: For extra crispness, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) or broil for an additional 2-5 minutes, watching them closely to prevent burning.
Make Sauce: While the wings are baking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the 4 tbsp of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the hot sauce, garlic powder, and white vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 2-3 minutes until smooth and bubbly.
Coat & Serve: Once the wings are baked, transfer them to a large clean bowl. Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the hot wings and toss gently until each wing is thoroughly coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. For a lighter sauce, use less butter or dilute with a bit of chicken broth. Ensure wings are very dry before seasoning for maximum crispness. If wings aren’t browning evenly, rotate the pan and check your oven temperature. Wings can also be served plain or with a milder BBQ sauce for a family-friendly option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3-4 wings (approx. 150-200 g)
Calories: 350 calories
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: baked buffalo wings, crispy wings, chicken wings, game day food, easy dinner, party appetizer, high-protein snack, spicy wings