Craving crispy chicken wings but want a healthier alternative to frying? These crispy baked chicken wings are the perfect solution—they’re golden brown, extra crunchy, and packed with flavor, all while being baked in the oven!
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ What’s the secret to the crispiest wings?
✔ Does cornstarch or baking powder make wings crispier?
✔ Is it better to bake or fry wings?
✔ How to use baking powder for crispy skin in the oven?
Let’s get started on making the best oven-baked chicken wings ever!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for the Best Baked Chicken Wings
Essential Ingredients
✔ 2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
✔ 1 tablespoon baking powder (NOT baking soda!)
✔ 1 teaspoon salt
✔ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✔ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
✔ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
✔ ½ teaspoon onion powder
✔ 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce Options (Optional, for Tossing)
✔ Buffalo Sauce – Mix hot sauce & melted butter.
✔ Honey Garlic – Blend honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
✔ Lemon Pepper Butter – Toss wings in melted butter & lemon zest.
Want more baked chicken ideas? Try these Baked Chicken Recipes for more delicious options!
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Step by Step
Making crispy baked chicken wings at home is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to achieve golden-brown, crunchy wings straight from your oven—no frying required!
Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Wings
Step 1 – Prep the Chicken Wings
✔ Pat the wings completely dry using paper towels—moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
✔ Trim any excess skin and separate the drumettes from the flats if needed.
Step 2 – Coat with Baking Powder & Seasonings
✔ In a large bowl, toss the wings with:
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (NOT baking soda!)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
✔ Make sure each wing is evenly coated—the baking powder helps the skin crisp up in the oven.
Step 3 – Arrange on a Wire Rack for Even Cooking
✔ Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
✔ Arrange the wings in a single layer—do NOT overcrowd!
✔ Lightly brush the rack with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4 – Bake at High Heat
✔ Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) for ultra-crispy results.
✔ Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the wings.
✔ Continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until golden brown & crispy.
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, broil the wings for the last 3-5 minutes!
Step 5 – Toss in Sauce or Serve Dry
✔ Enjoy them plain for classic crispy wings.
✔ Toss with buffalo sauce, honey garlic, or lemon pepper butter for extra flavor!
How Long to Bake Chicken Wings for Crispy Skin?
| Oven Temperature | Cooking Time | Extra Crispiness? |
|---|---|---|
| 400°F (200°C) | 45-50 minutes | Good |
| 425°F (220°C) | 40-45 minutes | Great |
| 450°F (230°C) | 35-40 minutes | Ultra Crispy |
✔ Higher temperature = crispier skin!
Want another crispy chicken dish? Try these Baked Chicken Cutlet Recipes for a delicious, crunchy alternative!
What Is the Secret to the Crispiest Wings?
The key to achieving ultra-crispy baked chicken wings lies in removing moisture, using the right coating, and baking at high heat. Follow these expert tips to ensure your wings turn out perfectly golden and crunchy every time!
5 Secrets to the Crispiest Baked Chicken Wings
1. Dry the Wings Thoroughly
✔ Use paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible from the skin.
✔ The drier the skin, the crispier the wings will be.
Pro Tip: Let the wings air-dry uncovered in the fridge for 1-2 hours for even better crispiness!
2. Use Baking Powder, NOT Baking Soda
✔ Baking powder raises the pH level of the skin, making it crispier as it bakes.
✔ It also draws out moisture, helping the skin dry out and brown faster.
Pro Tip: Make sure to use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any bitter taste!
3. Bake on a Wire Rack
✔ A wire rack allows air to circulate around the wings, crisping them up evenly.
✔ Placing the wings directly on a baking sheet can cause them to sit in their juices, making them soggy.
Pro Tip: Lightly grease the rack to prevent sticking.
4. Bake at High Heat
✔ The best temperature for crispy wings is 425°F (220°C) or higher.
✔ Higher heat renders the fat faster, preventing greasy wings.
Pro Tip: If you want extra crunch, broil the wings for 3-5 minutes at the end.
5. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
✔ Wings need space to crisp up—if they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of bake.
✔ Arrange them in a single layer with space between each piece.
Pro Tip: Use two baking sheets if making a large batch!
What to Avoid for Crispy Wings
❌ Skipping the drying step → Wings will be soggy.
❌ Using too much oil → Oil will make them greasy instead of crispy.
❌ Baking at too low a temperature → Wings won’t crisp up properly.
Want more chicken recipes? Check out Golden Corral Baked Chicken Recipe for another oven-baked favorite!
Does Cornstarch or Baking Powder Make Wings Crispier?
When making crispy baked chicken wings, you may wonder: Should I use cornstarch or baking powder? Both ingredients help create a golden, crunchy texture, but they work differently.
Cornstarch vs. Baking Powder for Crispy Wings
| Ingredient | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cornstarch | Creates a light, crispy coating by absorbing moisture. | Ultra-crispy wings, similar to fried chicken. |
| Baking Powder | Changes the pH of the chicken skin, helping it dry out and crisp up. | Oven-baked wings with a golden, crispy skin. |
✔ Both work well, but baking powder is the better choice for oven-baked wings because it doesn’t create a heavy crust like cornstarch.
When to Use Cornstarch vs. Baking Powder
Use Cornstarch If You Want a Fried-Like Texture
✔ Best when combined with seasonings like garlic powder and paprika.
✔ Works great if you lightly coat wings before baking for a fried chicken-like crispiness.
Use Baking Powder for Lighter, Crispy Skin
✔ Best when used in small amounts (1 tbsp per 2 lbs of wings).
✔ Helps the skin dry out and become extra crunchy in the oven.
Can You Use Both Cornstarch & Baking Powder?
✔ Yes! A 50/50 mix of cornstarch and baking powder can create an ultra-crispy, light texture.
✔ The cornstarch adds extra crunch, while baking powder ensures even browning and crisping.
Pro Tip: Always use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any metallic taste.
Want another crispy, oven-baked meal? Try this Baked Chicken Cutlet Recipe for a crunchy, flavorful dish!
Is It Better to Bake or Fry Wings?
When it comes to making crispy chicken wings, many people wonder: Should I bake or fry them? Both methods can produce delicious, crunchy wings, but they have key differences in texture, health, and convenience.
Baking vs. Frying – Which One Is Better?
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Baking | Healthier (less oil), easy to make, no mess, crispy with baking powder | Takes longer than frying |
| Frying | Super crispy & restaurant-style texture, quick cooking | High in fat & calories, messy, requires oil |
✔ If you want crispy wings with less oil → Baking is the best option.
✔ If you want extra crunch in less time → Frying is better.
Why Baking Is the Best Method for Crispy Wings
1. Healthier Than Frying
✔ Baking uses little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
✔ Fried wings absorb a lot of oil, adding extra fat and calories.
2. Less Mess & Easier Cleanup
✔ Baking doesn’t require a deep fryer or large amounts of oil.
✔ No dealing with hot oil splatters or disposing of used frying oil.
3. Just as Crispy as Fried Wings
✔ Using baking powder and high heat mimics the crispiness of fried wings.
✔ A wire rack allows air circulation, making the skin golden and crunchy.
How to Get the Crispiest Baked Wings (Without Frying!)
✔ Pat wings dry before baking.
✔ Coat with baking powder for a crunchy texture.
✔ Bake at 425°F (220°C) or higher for maximum crispiness.
✔ Use a wire rack to prevent soggy wings.
Pro Tip: Broil for 3-5 minutes at the end to get an extra crunchy finish!
When Is Frying a Better Option?
✔ If you’re in a hurry and need crispy wings fast.
✔ If you prefer restaurant-style wings with a thicker, crunchier coating.
✔ If you don’t mind using extra oil and cleaning up afterward.
Want another crispy, delicious meal? Try this Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe for a juicy, flavorful dish!
How to Make Chicken Skin Crispy in the Oven with Baking Powder
Using baking powder is one of the best tricks to achieve crispy, golden-brown chicken skin in the oven. It works by removing moisture from the skin and helping it brown evenly at high heat.
Why Does Baking Powder Make Chicken Skin Crispy?
✔ Changes the pH of the skin, breaking down proteins for better crispiness.
✔ Draws out moisture, drying out the surface of the wings for a crunchier texture.
✔ Encourages browning, helping the wings develop a deep golden color.
Pro Tip: Always use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any bitter aftertaste!
Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Chicken Skin with Baking Powder
1. Dry the Wings Thoroughly
✔ Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels.
✔ The drier the skin, the crispier the wings will be.
2. Coat with Baking Powder (NOT Baking Soda!)
✔ Toss the wings with 1 tablespoon of baking powder per 2 lbs of wings.
✔ Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings for flavor.
✔ Ensure the wings are evenly coated—don’t use too much!
3. Bake at High Heat for Maximum Crispiness
✔ Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
✔ Arrange the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
✔ Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Broil for Extra Crunch
✔ For an ultra-crispy finish, broil the wings for 3-5 minutes at the end.
✔ Watch carefully to prevent burning!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Baking Powder
❌ Using baking soda instead of baking powder → Leaves a bitter taste.
❌ Skipping the drying step → Moisture prevents crisping.
❌ Overloading the wings with baking powder → Can make the skin taste chalky.
Final Tips for Perfectly Crispy Baked Wings
✔ Use a wire rack to allow air circulation.
✔ Bake at a high temperature (425°F or higher) for a crispy texture.
✔ Flip the wings halfway through to crisp up both sides.
✔ Let the wings rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in crispiness.
Want another delicious chicken recipe? Try this Golden Corral Baked Chicken Recipe for more oven-baked goodness!
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Crispy baked chicken wings are the perfect combination of crunch, flavor, and ease—all without deep frying! By following the right techniques, you can achieve golden, crispy skin using just your oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Healthier than frying – Less oil, fewer calories, same crunch!
✔ Crispy & golden brown – Baking powder creates perfectly crisp skin.
✔ Easy to make – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, no deep fryer needed.
✔ Great for any occasion – Game day, parties, or weeknight dinners!
Final Tips for the Crispiest Baked Wings
✔ Pat the wings completely dry before baking.
✔ Use baking powder (NOT baking soda) for extra crispiness.
✔ Bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for even cooking.
✔ Broil for the last 3-5 minutes for a crunchy finish.
Pro Tip: Let the wings rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps lock in the crispiness!
Try It & Share Your Results!
✔ Experiment with different seasonings and sauces like buffalo, garlic parmesan, or lemon pepper.
✔ Pair it with your favorite dipping sauces for extra flavor.
✔ Share your crispy baked wings with us! Tag us on social media and show off your results.
Have any questions or tips? Leave a comment and let us know how your wings turned out!
Looking for another crispy, flavorful meal? Try these Hamburger Meat Recipes for more delicious ideas!