Crispy Buffalo Wings

These Crispy Buffalo Wings are the perfect appetizer for any gathering or a satisfying comfort food dish. With a golden, crispy exterior and juicy, tender chicken on the inside, coated in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce, they are sure to be a hit. Best of all, they’re baked to crispy perfection without the need for frying, making them a healthier yet indulgent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Buffalo Wings strike the perfect balance of crispy texture and spicy, flavorful sauce. The wings are baked rather than fried, which makes them lighter while still retaining that satisfying crunch. The homemade buffalo sauce is simple but packs a serious punch of flavor. Whether you’re making these for a party, a game day snack, or just a fun dinner, they are always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the Wings:

• 3 lb chicken wings (wings and drummettes split, wingtips removed)

• 1 tbsp baking powder (use aluminum-free)

• 1 tsp fine sea salt

• 2 tsp garlic powder

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (or brown sugar)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the wings:
   Thoroughly pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel to ensure they crisp up in the oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack over the pan.

2. Season the wings:
   In a bowl, combine the baking powder, sea salt, and garlic powder. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the chicken wings and toss to coat evenly. Arrange the wings on the prepared wire rack.

3. Bake the wings:
   Bake the chicken wings in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Flip the wings over and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the wings are crisp and cooked through.

4. Make the buffalo sauce:
   In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, and granulated sugar (or brown sugar). Stir to combine until smooth.

5. Toss and serve:
   Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the buffalo sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.

6. Serve:
   Serve the wings with your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch or blue cheese) and some celery on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 50 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Sweet Heat: Add a bit of honey or maple syrup to the buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.

• Spicy Version: Increase the amount of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.

• Air Fryer Version: If you prefer, cook the wings in an air fryer at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a hot oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispness. Alternatively, reheat in an air fryer for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just make sure to thaw them fully before cooking to ensure even baking.

2. Can I make these wings spicier?

Absolutely! You can add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce for an extra spicy kick.

3. Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the wings and store them in the fridge before baking. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

4. How do I make the wings even crispier?

Make sure to dry the wings thoroughly with paper towels before baking. You can also increase the baking time by a few minutes to achieve a crispier texture.

5. Can I make the buffalo sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the buffalo sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it before tossing it with the wings.

6. Can I use another type of hot sauce?

Yes, you can experiment with other hot sauces, but Frank’s Red Hot Sauce is the classic choice for traditional buffalo wings.

7. How can I make these wings healthier?

You can try using less butter or substituting with olive oil for a lighter option. You can also bake them with fewer spices and use a lower-fat dipping sauce.

8. Can I cook these wings in a convection oven?

Yes, if you’re using a convection oven, reduce the cooking time slightly, as the fan will cook the wings faster.

9. Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be shorter since boneless meat cooks faster.

10. How do I know when the wings are fully cooked?

The wings are fully cooked when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and their internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Conclusion

These Crispy Buffalo Wings are everything you want in a wing – crispy, flavorful, and perfectly spicy. With minimal prep time and a simple homemade buffalo sauce, you can enjoy restaurant-quality wings in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them for dinner, these wings will always be a hit!

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