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The Secret to Truly Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Without Frying

Close-up of several golden-brown, seasoned crispy baked chicken wings piled on a white plate.

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Learn the simple oven method that gives you shatteringly crispy baked chicken wings every time. This recipe avoids deep frying mess while delivering juicy meat and irresistible crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken wings (flats and drumettes separated)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Optional: Your favorite wing sauce for tossing after baking

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire cooling rack on top of the foil. This setup allows air to circulate around the wings for maximum crispiness.
  2. Pat the chicken wings completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika.
  4. Add the dried chicken wings to the bowl and toss them thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated with the dry seasoning mixture. The baking powder helps draw out moisture and aids in browning.
  5. Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they do not touch each other.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Flip each wing over.
  8. Continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the wings are deeply golden brown and very crispy.
  9. Remove the wings from the oven. If you are using sauce, place the hot wings in a clean bowl and toss immediately with your preferred sauce until coated.
  10. Serve your crispy baked chicken wings immediately with celery sticks and dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, use aluminum-free baking powder; it reacts better with the chicken skin.
  • If you want a saucy finish, toss the wings in sauce only after they come out of the oven and are fully cooked.
  • For the crispiest results, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

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